The Genius Travel Hacks That Will Save You Money (Without Dimming The Holiday Vibe)
It’s a universal fact that the second you set foot in an airport, money feels a bit like it doesn’t really count. Throw in a few duty-free purchases here (hellooo, Mecca), a $16 sandwich there (sorry, but it’s always worth it), and boom! You’re dropping cash like a tech billionaire about to board their private jet.
While the whole “I’m on holiday, money is just a concept” energy is no doubt liberating, it does have a habit of catching up with you and your account balance.
And once you arrive at your destination—be it Japan, Bali, China, Thailand or beyond—it’s the sneaky, everyday expenses that really start to add up. Think fancy dinners out, followed by Uber rides home because you couldn’t be bothered figuring out the local public transport. And hey! No judgement. We’re all guilty of it, because...holidays.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with the legends at UFO SIM—the eSIM provider that keeps you connected abroad—to round up the best travel hacks that actually make a difference. Supported by the global telco network operator serving 150 million users, UFO is a big hit with travellers worldwide.
Consider this your pre-trip travel checklist for a fun, wallet-friendly escape with a global, all-in-one eSIM at the ready.
Embrace The No Taxi Rule
While taxis are a fast and convenient way to get around, they’re also one of the quickest ways to drain your holiday budget.
One of the best ways to soak up a new city is on foot, so why not warm up those legs and get moving? It’s a surefire way to stumble across all those local hidden gems, from the cute hole-in-the-wall cafe the locals love, to buzzing markets and vintage shops you won’t find in the backseat of a car.
Eat Where The Locals Eat
In the age of TikTok virality, it’s understandable you might want to head to the super famous spots for a feed. But if there’s a long line of tourists out front, chances are you’re paying a pretty premium.
The best meals are almost always where the locals go. To do a recky is simple: just ask a local where they go, or better yet, use your UFO SIM to check real-time reviews, menus, and local recs.
Whether you're on the hunt for dim sum in China, sushi in Japan or tom yung kung in Thailand, stay connected to the best recs with UFO SIM, available in over 3000 cities, including almost every popular Asian destination you can think of.
It's the easiest way to dodge overpriced tourist traps and find genuinely great food that has the local seal of approval.
The Strategic Splurge
Of course, you can treat yourself on holiday—that’s the whole darn point. But the key is not to YOLO every day of your break.
Our tip? Before you leave, map out a list of the experiences and purchases you really care about, whether it’s a meal at that hatted restaurant or finally getting your hands on the Italian leather handbag.
Make the list, crunch the numbers and work it into your holiday budget. It also makes said splurges feel extra special.
Stay Connected On The Move
It’s all too easy to get caught up in packing lists and passport checks that your phone and data situation becomes a complete afterthought.
Next minute, you’re paying a small fortune for in-flight Wi-Fi or costly data on a cruise. Yep, roaming charges are one of the highest hidden costs that can bite you in the proverbial backside and burst that floaty holiday bubble real quick.
Enter the UFO SIM. It keeps you online without a single worry. Thanks to its 4G/5G high-speed data, you can get anywhere, even in the air or at sea, often for a fraction of the usual cost.
You can also get up to three extra eSIMs free to share data with travel buddies, so everyone stays connected without splurging on multiple plans or switching SIM profiles. This is a great option for multi-city travel, too. We’re especially into the 24-hour in-flight unlimited data pass and the 1GB 24-hour cruise pass.
Free Experiences Are Your Best Friend
As Janet Jackson so poetically once sang, “The best things in life are free!” Amen, Janet.
You’d be surprised at how many things cost $0, from free walking tours where you tip what you like (golden rule though: don’t be stingy), to beach hangs, gallery hopping, or stumbling across a random street market in a cool new city.
Stock Up Like A Pro
There is nothing better than arriving in a new city and hitting the local supermarket. Not only is it a total odyssey to explore their snack section, but stocking up on the essentials like breakfast stuff, fresh bread, snacks and lunch bits and bobs means you’ll save loads of money.
While it’s easy to opt for winging it and eating out for every meal, it’s those kinds of splurges that really add up.
UFO SIM Has Your Back
Roaming charges are one of the biggest hidden costs travellers forget, but with a UFO SIM, they’re also the easiest thing to avoid with fast, reliable and unlimited data across 3,000+ cities, no physical SIM to juggle, and a simple setup via a QR code that takes minutes.
It comes with four eSIMs, so you can say goodbye to hotspotting troubles and hello to multi-device data sharing. It’s also a reusable SIM, so you don't have to keep buying an eSIM over and over; instead, you can use it again for your next trip! Which ultimately means more time for exploring and less time spent spiralling about enormous data bills.
So, whether you're planning a family getaway, embarking on a multi-city journey across Asia or setting sail on a cruise, consider this your sign to get connected before you go. Find out more about UFO's eSIM options here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by UFO SIM and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Imagery: Urban List