People Are Sharing The One Money-Saving Travel Tip That They Live By, And I'm Memorizing Every Last One

There's no doubt that travel can get expensive, but with a few tricks and tips, you can reap the most benefits from airlines, hotel chains, museums, and more. So redditor u/Dangerous_Seaweed601 asked, "What travel things can you get for free just by asking? Here's what people said, including Redditors and members of the BuzzFeed Community who know how to travel frugally.

1. "Many hotels will let you use their pool or facilities (sometimes for a fee or even free) if you have lunch there."

2. "Your hotel will give you virtually any 'I forgot it' toiletry you might need, down to hairspray and makeup wipes. Sometimes, I just don't bother to pack a toothbrush and grab the free one."

— u/Powerful_Dog7235

3. I worked at a hotel for a few years. If you ask nicely, I’d upgrade you if I could (if a room was available). I loved giving people extra stuff for free."

4. "If the hotel you're staying at has a rewards program, join it before booking, even if you aren't sure you'll ever book with them again. Some of them will give you free snacks or water when you check in (Marriott usually does this), and I believe it also increases your chance of a room upgrade."

— u/_CPR_

5. "Flight attendant here. Espresso drinks aren't only for first class on my airline; no one ever thinks to ask for a latte or a cappuccino. I'm happy to make them, and they're free!"

6. "The flight attendants keep first aid kits on the plane and will give you Tylenol and the like if you ask them. I have only needed it once since I usually travel with anything I need, but it is good to know in an emergency."

— u/DescriptionThat3126

7. "Alcoholic beverages are available on long-haul international flights. Flight attendants may act like you only get one with meal service, but if you ask for more, you get it. There is no strict limit as long as you don't get drunk and disruptive."

8. "Select hotel chains have policies where kids eat for free. Our kids have always eaten for free when with us at any Hilton brand hotel. Contact your hotel to get verification first."

9. "If you fly Turkish Airlines and have a long connection in Istanbul, you can get a free city tour courtesy of the airline."

— u/BCE-3HAET

10. "Depending on where you are, the concierge desk often will do a lot of favors. When I was in India, my concierge went and got me antibiotics at a nearby drugstore. They also could have sent up a doctor for about $50. It never hurts to ask. Also, you can typically get a toothbrush and other incidentals brought up for free."

11. "If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, the airline will pay for your cab home. They’ll also pay to pick you up and return to the airport. Just go to the customer service desk and ask for a car service voucher like you’d ask for a hotel or meal voucher."

— u/rachelsingsopera

12. "When booking a hotel room, tell them it’s your anniversary for free stuff. You can sometimes get comped upgrades, fancy cake, and even alcohol! And unlike birthdays, they can’t confirm the date with your ID!"

13. "Use free podcasts to guide you through museums. If you plan on visiting a museum, especially well-known ones like the Louvre, quickly search for a podcast that will walk you through the galleries and explain the artwork. It's much cheaper than paying for an audio or guided tour."

— bessg3

14. "Often, when visiting a city, I buy a city pass that allows 24, 48, or 72 hours of free admission to museums. I always start using my pass in the middle of the day to stretch out the use a little. For example, if I have a 24-hour pass and start using it at noon, I can use it until 11:59 the next morning. The timer only counts for entry, not exit. I can usually get into an extra museum in this way."

15. "You can take a free walking tour of many cities if you seek it out. For example, Sandeman's New Europe tours are available in many cities, and you can easily find them online. The guides are always locals who love sharing insider secrets and favorite spots, and they'll often take you to their favorite local restaurants or shops. It’s great because you get a historical view of the city and local insight."

— aliothgreen

16. "Many hotels will set up a crib in your room free of charge if you're traveling with a baby or toddler. It'll save you the burden of schlepping the pack and play from home."

17. "If you’re a Bank of America customer, you can get free entry into many major museums in big cities on the first weekend of every month. You just have to ask at the ticket counter and show them your bank card."

— u/Toffeechu

18. "The little things in your hotel room (soaps, shampoos, coffee, tea) are fair game to take. I always grab the extra coffee pods, which we use at home. The little soaps that are unused are given to the local shelter. If the hotel provides a free breakfast, I may grab a piece of fruit for a snack later in the day or a cup of tea to go."

19. "You are legally entitled to compensation for canceled and delayed flights, including refunds, alternate transportation, additional expenses, and reimbursement for flight-related expenses."

What is a trick or a tip you swear by to save money while traveling or make travel more affordable? Tell us in the comments or in the anonymous form .