Grab some ZZZ’s at a hostel or airbnb
Skip expensive hotels (as if you could afford them) and stay in a hostel or airbnb during weekend trips. But always be careful because you’ll be staying somewhere unfamiliar and with strangers. Bring your own padlock or buy one at the reception desk (they’re sold at hostels for a small fee) to keep your valuables safe in a hostel locker.
Transportation
It’s worth paying a little bit for access to public transportation. A general 24-hour pass usually includes metro, bus and tram, which is a pretty good deal but can add up if you buy one every day. There are a few options to limit spending on transportation. Option One: purchase one or two day passes and see all the sights you need public transit for during that time and do all the closer attractions you can walk to on the other days. Option Two: buy a particular pass that only allows access to the sections of town you want to visit (however, figuring out what sections you want may be confusing). Option Three: as they famously do in Amsterdam, rent a bike for the day— not only is it cheap, but it’s a calorie-burner!
The grocery store is your friend
Yeah, eating out with your buddies every day is fun and delicious, but the cost adds up quickly. Instead of heading to a restaurant, stop by your local grocery store. Keep your cupboard stocked with food like noodles, quinoa, rice, canned beans, your favorite spices and your fridge full of perishables like cheese, fruits, veggies and meats. Most hostels have kitchens so even on weekend trips you can save a few bucks by eating in.
Always carry a reusable water bottle
This one’s a no-brainer: Don’t leave the house without your water bottle! You can fill it up in the bathroom sink or a water fountain and save a surprising amount of cash when you get thirsty while out in the town.
Bring the necessities, and stick to them
Pack your basic clothes and toiletries so you don’t have to buy them when you get abroad. Sure, you may need to get a new shampoo or a few pairs of socks during your trip, no biggie. Do some research on your destination(s) and pack accordingly for the season and culture. Think about it like this: If you bring it now, you won’t have to buy it later. Which leads me to…
I know it’s cute, but you don’t need it
Walking past boutiques can be an intense internal struggle for some of us. Don’t be tempted to buy those shoes or that dress if you already have something similar. Try to save your money for items you wouldn’t be able to find back home. Resist. Be strong. And don’t go too crazy with cheap souvenirs.