If you’ve ever found yourself coming home from a trip wondering where all your money went, you’re not alone. Travel is full of tempting expenses, and when you’re in the middle of an adventure, it’s hard to say no. But here’s the thing, you don’t have to say no to fun, you just have to be smarter about what’s worth spending on and what’s not.
So, to help you save money while still having the time of your life, here’s a list of 16 things tourists should stop wasting their money on. Your next trip might just be the most financially savvy and enjoyable one yet.
1. Tourist Souvenirs From Gift Shops
We’ve all been there. That little knick-knack catches your eye at a gift shop right outside a famous landmark, and suddenly you feel like you need to have it. But let’s face it—most of these items are overpriced and end up gathering dust at home. The magnets, keychains or t-shirts might seem fun at the time, but they’ll likely lose their charm.
Instead, try finding something more meaningful and locally made. Check out flea markets or local artisans’ stalls for something unique to the destination that tells a real story—plus, it often costs less.
2. Hotel Room Service and Mini Bar
Oh, the temptation of the minibar. After a long day of exploring, it’s so easy to reach for that tiny bottle of wine or those gourmet snacks. The convenience is undeniable, but the price is ridiculous. You could end up paying triple what you would at a local store for something as basic as water.
Save yourself the sticker shock and pick up snacks and drinks from a nearby grocery store. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get to try local goodies you won’t find at the hotel.
3. Expensive Guided Tours for Everything
Guided tours can be a great way to learn about a place, but that doesn’t mean you need to shell out for a guide at every single site you visit. Some tours charge a premium for information you could easily find online or from a good travel book. Plus, with apps and self-guided tours available, it’s easier than ever to explore a city at your own pace.
For iconic spots or places with rich history, a guided tour might be worth it. But for everything else, consider skipping the costly tour guides and exploring solo.
4. Overpriced Attraction Photos
Have you ever finished a thrilling ride or reached the top of a famous tower, only to be greeted by a photo of yourself for $30? Attraction photos are often fun, but they’re usually overpriced and sometimes not even that great. And let’s be real—you probably won’t display them when you get home.
With smartphones in hand, you can capture memories yourself. Take your own photos at iconic spots and save your money for experiences, not awkward snapshots.
5. Expensive Airport Meals
Airport food is notoriously overpriced. You’re hungry, and you’re in a rush—so you grab that $15 sandwich that’s barely filling. But with a little planning, you can avoid this common pitfall.
Pack a meal or snacks before heading to the airport, especially for long flights. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also avoid the limited (and often unhealthy) airport options.
6. International Data Plans
While it’s nice to stay connected while traveling, international roaming charges can quickly spiral out of control. Your phone bill might give you an unpleasant surprise when you get home. Instead of paying for a pricey international plan, consider buying a local SIM card or sticking to free Wi-Fi at cafes, hotels, and public spaces.
You’d be surprised how many places offer free internet access, and you can always download offline maps and guides before leaving your hotel.
7. Taxis from the Airport
You just landed, you’re tired, and you just want to get to your hotel. The easy option? Hop in a taxi. But be warned: airport taxis can be expensive, and rideshare options aren’t always much better.
Instead, research public transportation options beforehand. Many airports have easy and affordable shuttles, trains, or buses that can take you directly into the city for a fraction of the cost of a taxi.
8. Buying Bottled Water
Depending on where you’re traveling, bottled water might not be necessary, but tourists often buy it out of habit. In many destinations, tap water is completely safe to drink. If that’s the case, bring a reusable water bottle and refill it as you go.
You’ll save money and help the environment by reducing plastic waste. If tap water isn’t safe to drink, buy larger bottles and refill your reusable ones to minimize costs and waste.
9. City Passes You Don’t Fully Use
City passes seem like a great deal, especially if they offer entry to multiple attractions. However, unless you’re absolutely sure you’ll visit every single site, you might end up wasting money. The catch is, you often don’t have enough time or energy to make full use of these passes.
Before purchasing, make a realistic plan. If you’re only hitting one or two spots, it’s better to buy individual tickets rather than the all-inclusive pass.
10. Tipping When It’s Not Necessary
Tipping culture varies from country to country, and many places don’t expect tips the way they’re expected in the U.S. In fact, over-tipping can sometimes be seen as unusual or even unnecessary. In places like Japan, tipping can even be considered rude.
Research local customs before your trip to avoid over-tipping. You’ll save money and respect local practices by tipping appropriately.
11. Paying for Wi-Fi at Hotels
Many hotels, especially budget ones, charge extra for Wi-Fi access. But in this day and age, paying for Wi-Fi feels like a rip-off when most public spaces like cafes, restaurants, and even airports offer it for free.
Instead of paying for hotel Wi-Fi, find nearby free hotspots, or pick up a local SIM card for internet and hotspot access.
12. Tourist Trap Restaurants
Restaurants located right next to popular tourist attractions tend to charge a premium, and the food quality often doesn’t match the price. These places rely on the convenience of their location rather than serving up the best meals.
Walk a few blocks away from the main attraction, and you’ll likely find local spots with better food at half the price. Always ask locals for recommendations—they’ll know where the real gems are hiding.
13. Currency Exchange at the Airport
Exchanging money at the airport might be handy, but it’s rarely a good deal. Airport exchange counters typically offer poor rates, and you’ll end up losing money before you even start your trip.
Instead, withdraw money from a local ATM using your debit card, or exchange currency at a bank before your trip. You’ll get a much better rate and save money from the get-go.
14. First-Class or Business-Class Upgrades on Short Flights
It can be tempting to splurge on an upgrade to first or business class, especially when you’re offered a “deal” at check-in. But for short flights, the extra cost usually isn’t worth it. You’re only in the air for a couple of hours—save that money for experiences at your destination instead.
For long-haul flights, it might be worth considering, but always weigh whether the extra comfort justifies the extra cost.
15. Overpriced Travel Gadgets
Travel gadgets can be fun, but many of them are unnecessary. Fancy luggage tags, overpriced travel pillows, or packing cubes that cost an arm and a leg are often just hype.
Stick to the basics, and don’t feel the need to splurge on every trendy travel gadget. The most important thing is that your gear is functional and durable, not that it’s on par with the latest trend.
16. Hotel Laundry Services
Hotel laundry services are notoriously expensive. Washing a few shirts and a pair of jeans can easily cost you more than a fancy dinner out. While it’s convenient to have your clothes cleaned without lifting a finger, it’s rarely worth the cost.
A better option is to either hand wash your clothes in your hotel room or find a nearby laundromat. You can save a ton and even get your laundry done while exploring the local area. If you’re staying in a vacation rental, you might even have access to a washing machine at no extra cost.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
