Stilettos or Savings

Time away is one of my favorite luxuries—but that doesn’t mean I treat every trip like a free-for-all spending spree. I’m a million-dollar girl who knows her numbers. And while I will splurge on the good stuff (hello, signed record at the rock concert), I don’t need to waste money on overpriced airport candy or sad hotel breakfasts.

Here are five ways I save money while traveling—without sacrificing fun, style, or snack variety.

1. Snacks Are a Travel Love Language
If you catch me at the airport, I’ve already got salty, gummy, and chocolatey snacks stashed in my backpack. (Chocolate gets a summer break because, well, physics.) Why pay $8 for a tiny bag of trail mix when I can bring the deluxe version from home? Bonus: I don’t arrive hangry. I also hit a Walmart early in the trip to grab PB&J supplies, water bottles and a few easy snacks. It’s not glamorous, but having a cheap bite between meals saves me from spending $45 a day on food—and lets me guiltlessly enjoy a great dinner out.

2. Pregaming Is an Art Form
Concerts are my jam, but overpriced liquor drinks at venues? Not so much. If it’s that kind of night, I’ll have a cocktail before we head out (responsibly, of course). It saves money and means I’m not waiting in a 30-minute line for a weak $18 vodka cranberry. Experience > expense.

3. Hotel Strategy: Splurge Smart
Hotels are hit or miss. I’m not above a budget inn in a small town—especially if I know I’ll be out exploring all day anyway. I save in the “meh” towns so I can splurge where it counts. And by “splurge,” I mean breaking the $150-a-night threshold with intention, not recklessness. A plush hotel bed in a fun city? Yes. Paying double in a flyover town with no charm? Absolutely not. Always look for those hidden fees – resort fees and parking. They always try to get ya.

4. Ask About Discounts
One of my favorite low-key travel hacks? Asking about military discounts—especially at zoos, museums, and local attractions. It’s a small savings, but it adds up. Most places don’t advertise it, but they’ll happily apply it if you show ID. I’ve saved on admission fees, parking, and even the occasional souvenir. PS if you’re into National Parks, Veteran’s can get a free lifetime pass.

5. Breakfast Shouldn’t Need a Reservation
I skip the sit-down breakfast nine times out of ten. I’d rather grab a local donut and a coffee and head out into the world. It’s cheaper, faster, and frees up the day for more exploring. A $4 maple bar and a latte in a new city? That’s a lot easier to swallow than a $50 sit down breakfast for two.

The Real Splurge: Time and Company
The best part of any trip isn’t the money I save—it’s the time I get with Mr. Cabbage, fully de-stressed and unplugged from work. We explore, eat, thrift, record shop, and laugh, and I get to spy on our kittens through the security cameras while pretending they’re not mad at me for leaving. (They totally are.)

I spend where it matters, save where it doesn’t, and always come home happier and richer in memories.