Here’s a stat that honestly blew my mind: the average American spends over $2,000 per person on vacation travel each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s a LOT of cash! And I’ll be the first to admit, I used to be one of those people who overspent on tours and activities without even realizing it.

But after years of traveling — and making some pretty embarrassing financial mistakes along the way — I’ve picked up a bunch of tricks that have seriously cut my travel costs. So let me share what I’ve learned, because saving money on tours and travel doesn’t mean you gotta sacrifice the experience.

Book Directly and Skip the Middleman

This one took me way too long to figure out. I used to book every single tour through big aggregator sites, thinking I was getting the best deal. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t.

A lot of local tour operators offer lower prices when you book directly through their website or even just walk into their shop. I remember being in Lisbon and finding a food tour that was listed at €65 on a popular booking platform, but when I walked past the actual tour office, they had it posted for €45. That stung a little, honestly, because I’d already paid full price on a similar tour the day before.

Sites like GetYourGuide and Viator are great for research and reviews, don’t get me wrong. But once you find something you like, check if the operator has their own booking page. You’d be surprised how often you’ll save 10-20%.

Travel in the Shoulder Season

Okay, this is probably the single biggest money-saver I’ve discovered. Shoulder season — that sweet spot between peak and off-peak — is an absolute game changer.

I visited Thailand in early November once, right before the high season kicked in. Tours were cheaper, flights were reasonable, and the crowds were totally manageable. Compare that to my buddy who went in December and paid almost double for the same exact island-hopping tour. Same boat, same guide, way different price.

Most destinations have a shoulder season window, and a quick search on Google Travel can help you figure out when that is for wherever you’re headed.

Free Walking Tours Are Seriously Underrated

I was skeptical at first. Like, how good can a free tour actually be? Turns out, really good.

Free walking tours operate on a tip-based model, which means the guides are super motivated to give you an amazing experience. I did one in Budapest through GuruWalk and it was hands-down one of the best tours I’ve ever been on. The guide knew every hidden alley and quirky story about the city.

You just tip what you think the tour was worth at the end. I usually give around $10-15, which is way less than a $50 guided tour and often just as informative. Sometimes more, actually.

Group Up or DIY It

Here’s something I wish someone told me years ago: a lot of “tours” can be done on your own for a fraction of the cost. National parks, historical sites, even snorkeling spots — many of these don’t actually require a guided group.

That said, when a tour IS worth it, try to group up. Many operators offer discounts for groups of 4 or more. I’ve literally made friends at hostels just to split tour costs. It sounds weird, but it works and you end up having a better time anyway.

Also, some credit cards offer travel rewards that can be applied to tours and activities. It’s worth checking if yours does — that’s basically free money sitting in your pocket.

Your Wallet (and Your Future Self) Will Thank You

Look, traveling is one of the best things you can do with your time and money. But there’s no reason to overpay for experiences when a little planning goes a long way. Whether it’s booking direct, traveling during shoulder season, hopping on a free walking tour, or just doing some things yourself — these small moves add up fast.

Every traveler’s situation is different, so take what works for you and leave the rest. And always be mindful of supporting local businesses ethically when you’re trying to save — those operators deserve fair compensation for their work.

Want more tips like these? Head over to the Wander Tactics blog for practical travel advice that actually saves you money. We’ve got plenty more where this came from!