Ballin' On A Budget: 10 Money Saving Tips To Make Your Adventures Achievable

Hello my Travel Girl Gang! Let’s be real—traveling is the ultimate form of self-care. But between flights, hotels, and that one airport latte that costs as much as your checked bag fee, adventures can start to feel… less achievable. Don’t worry, beach babes. I’ve mastered the art of bougie-on-a-budget travel, and today I’m spilling all my Free Coconut–approved hacks so you can live your tropical travel lifestyle without torching your bank account. Let’s make “affordable adventure” your new favorite aesthetic.

If you don’t already have Google Flights bookmarked, are you even part of the Free Coconut travel club? During my gap year, this was my secret weapon for finding ridiculously affordable flights to dream destinations. You can set flexible date alerts, compare nearby airports, and even stalk price trends like it’s your ex’s Instagram. The result? More beach vacations, fewer tears over your credit card bill. ✈️

Pro tip: Be flexible with your dates, departure cities, and don't be afraid of a layover. Sometimes flying out a day earlier, from a nearby airport, or having a couple hours long layover could be the difference between a couple hundred dollars. That’s extra cash for tropical travel from Free Coconut😉

Let’s talk about the silent budget killer: airport food. You’re bored, you’re early, and suddenly that $15 bag of trail mix looks seductive. Don’t fall for it! TSA totally allows food, so pack your own snacks. I've packed everything from fruit snacks to beef jerky, so don't be shy! Your wallet will thank you. Pair that with an empty reusable water bottle and fill it up post-security—hydration for free!

Bonus: Stash your snacks in one of our travel-friendly totes or reusable travel bags—because nothing says organized jet-setter energy like saving money and the planet.

Sure, eating out is fun, but those daily brunches add up faster than you can say “bottomless mimosas.” When possible, book stays with kitchenettes or Airbnb setups where you can whip up a few meals. You’ll save big, especially in pricey cities. Picture this: making tropical smoothie bowls in your PJs before a day of adventure. Chef’s kiss. Plus, grocery shopping in a new country is its own kind of cultural experience!

Ava Traveling Fun Fact: The first time i ever shopped at Trader Joes was during a solo trip to Salt Lake City, Utah and I also have a perfect rating on Airbnb which I take great pride in💅 

Overpacking is a budget’s worst nightmare. Not only do checked bag fees add up, but carrying too much leads to unnecessary stress. Instead, focus on vacation packing tips that help you create multiple outfits from a few resort wear must-haves. Think mix-and-match coastal casual fashion pieces, a comfy airport sweat set, and lightweight layers that fit any tropical climate fashion vibe.

Remember, a vacation-ready wardrobe doesn’t need to be massive—just curated. Capsule packing = more money for experiences.

You don’t have to chase the same season everyone else does. Traveling in the off-season is the ultimate budget hack. Airfare, accommodations, and even local excursions drop dramatically when you’re not competing with crowds. 

Bonus: You get all the picturesque beaches and cityscapes practically to yourself. Your Instagram feed will thank you.

If you’re not earning points when you travel, you’re leaving money on the table. From airline miles to hotel rewards, loyalty programs are the definition of passive saving. Enroll with a travel rewards credit card to earn back on flights, stays, dining, and even an Uber or Lyft. Also, nearly every airline has a point-based rewards system so sign up as soon as you book that flight! Over time, those points can mean free nights or upgrades that make you feel like a first-class goddess for half the price.

Yes, I said it. Ditch the $60 airport Uber and embrace local transportation. Subways, buses, and even bikes aren’t just budget-friendly—they give you a way to see the city like a local. In NYC, I mastered the subway system during my gap year (after a few wrong turns, obviously). In tropical destinations, scooters or shared rides are often the go-to. 

Bonus: it’s eco-friendly and makes your travel stories way more interesting! I mean, you can't beat the people watching on the A-train.

Ava Traveling Fun Fact: I know I'm advocating for public transit, however, I did once have an Uber driver in LA named Korliss, who claimed to be Kendall Jenner's former bodyguard. He was also good friends with one of the hot actors from the football show All American which I can attest to being that he FaceTimed him for me in the freaking car!!! I LOST MY MIND!!!

We’ve all been there—buying twelve keychains and a sarong you’ll never wear again. Instead, go for conscious travel style shopping. Invest in one meaningful item that you’ll actually use back home. It keeps your suitcase lighter and your wallet happier. Plus, supporting local artisans over tourist traps keeps your purchases sustainable and soulful.

Airport gift shops and hotel shops love to overcharge for basics. Pack your own eco-friendly travel toiletries, shampoo bars for travel, and minimalist travel skincare. These vacation-ready beauty essentials are lightweight, TSA-approved, and will keep you glowing without the markup. Plus, solid shampoo and soap bars mean no leaks—because no one likes conditioner explosions in their suitcase.

The sweet spot of budget travel? A little planning + a lot of chill. Booking big-ticket items (like flights and stays) early saves major money. But staying flexible with your itinerary—like swapping a pricey tourist trap dinner for a sunset picnic—keeps things affordable and authentic. Some of my favorite travel memories came from spontaneous adventures that didn’t cost a dime.

Living the Free Coconut lifestyle isn’t about restricting yourself—it’s about creating a tropical minimalist lifestyle where freedom, creativity, and smart choices coexist. You can still sip your matcha by the beach, wear your island-inspired fashion, and live that sun-soaked style dream—without the financial hangover.

So, next time wanderlust calls, remember: with a few slow living travel tips and a solid plan, even the most faraway destinations can feel within reach. Because at the end of the day, travel isn’t about spending—it’s about experiencing. 🌺✨

As always ladies, Happy Traveling!

XO,

Ava