Tech and Startups To Save Money Whilst Travelling

If you’re starting to think about planning your next trip, you’re probably wondering how to do so without breaking the bank.

Research from Aviva in 2024 revealed that holidays on average cost around £2,000 per adult. When you think about the fact that the average Brit takes 3.94 holidays per year (ABTA), this is a huge expense.

Luckily, there are a number of tech and startups out there to help cut costs. Here are some of the best:
 

Saving Money On Flights

 

Going

 

 

For those travelling within or to the US, Going™ helps users find and secure the best airfares.

The company claims they can unlock between 40-90% off regular flight fares, making it the perfect way to book US travel.

Omio

 

 

Omio is a free travel planning app, that allows users to compare trains, buses, flights and ferries.

By laying out all travel options, including their costs and time of travel, you can make better decisions around which modes of transport are the most cost-effective.

Secret Flying

 

Secret Flying is a website that alerts users to cheap deals or mistake fares. With flights listed that cost as little as $30 for long-haul flights, it’s a great place to look for those looking to secure cheap flights.
 

Saving Money on Accommodation

 

Couchsurfing

 

 

Couchsurfing allows you to meet and stay with locals all over the world…for free! The app encourages people to connect with fellow travellers, offering up their spare rooms in exchange for company.

Whilst you do need to have a paid subscription, it can certainly save you a lot of money in the long-term – and you get to meet locals whilst you do it!

Home Exchange

 

 

If you own your home, why not look into a home exchange? Available in 155 countries you’re able to look at and swap homes for a period of time.

Whilst it does have an annual membership fee of $220, this could be the cost of a couple of nights abroad in exchange for a year of free stays!

Ultimate Travel Club

 

 

The Ultimate Travel Club works by unlocking hugely discounted accommodation across hotels around the world. With savings of up to 40% on booking accommodation, it’s definitely a good place to start if you want luxury hotels at affordable prices.

 

Saving Money On Foreign Exchange Fees

 

Wise

 

 

Wise has an easy to use app and helps people make international money transfers with low, transparent fees, using the real mid-market exchange rate.

It’s good for exchanging money on the go and is able to be used in over 80 countries.

 

Xe Currency

 

 

Xe Currency is an app that allows people to compare currency exchange rates in real time and find the best moments to transfer funds.

With over 130 currencies and low fees it’s an easy to use app that aims to give its users the best rates.

CurrencyTransfer.com

 

 

CurrencyTransfer.com is an online marketplace that pulls in foreign exchange quotes from different companies, allowing users to find and choose the best rates.

It’s a good way to explore fees and rates, helping you get the best deal.

 

Saving Money On Food and Activities

 

Headout

 

 

Headout promises the lowest prices on local attractions when abroad. The app advertises up to 50% saving on attraction tickets and also offers students discounts.

For those looking to pack their schedules whilst sticking to a budget, the Headout app is a great way to find things to do at the low costs.

 

TheFork

 

 

If you’re heading to Europe, TheFork is a booking platform that helps people find unique and affordable restaurants in new cities.

With an online booking software and hundreds of listed options, it’s a great option for anyone looking to find affordable eats abroad.

 

Eatigo

 

 

For those travelling in Asia, Eatigo is an app that unlocks up to 50% off over 4,500 restaurants every day.

The app allows you to eat at 5 start hotels and popular food chains for a fraction of the price, helping you save money on your trip.