Simple Travel Hacks For Couples (To Save You Money)

There’s no denying that the cost of travel can really add up. But what if I told you that there were some money saving travel hacks for couples?

Here are my favourite simple travel hacks when you travel as a couple that I’ve discovered throughout the years travelling with my partner.  

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Should Couples Travel Together?

You find out a lot about a person when you travel with them. But, travelling as a couple might not work for you and that’s okay too.

I will warn you though, most of my couple travel tips involve sharing. Either you’re shaing food, resources, or luggage space to save money on travel.

I mean, sharing is one of the main benefits of travelling with someone else, so might as well take advantage if you can! 

So you should be comfortable enough with your partner to be able to share with them!

Travel Hacks For Couples To Save Money

Check One Bag Between The Two Of You – Couple Travel Ideas!

A standard travel tip for anyone to save money is to pack in a carry-on (see how and why I always pack in a carry on here).

Most airlines nowadays charge to check a bag, but carryon luggage is still free (at least for now anyway!).

But, depending on where you’re going, and for how long, you might not be able to fit in a carry-on only.

So what I’ve done with my partner is we’ve packed together in one (or two) carryons and on checked bag. This way, we only have to pay for one checked bag between the two of us.

P.S. If you still need to check two bags, split your personal items between the two bags. This way, if suitcase doesn’t make it to your destination, you still have half your belongings.

Couple Travel Tips: Pack Together (& Don’t Double Pack)

There are some personal items that you can share with your partner.

You can save a lot of space (and money) by only packing one item for the two of you to use. For example, only pack one toothpaste, and floss between the two of you.

P.S.You should still each bring your own toothbrush though!

But it can even go beyond toiletries… We always share a cellphone when we travel as a couple. We either only turn one phone on, or only buy one SIM card and International phone plan.

We’re usually always together when we’re travelling anyway, so we barely notice! There’s really no reason to pay for two international phone plans. Another option is to invest in pocket WIFI (see it on Amazon here). It’s essentially Wifi on the go that you can both use!

Travvel Sized Accessories I Always Pack When I Travel As A Couple

How To Not Pay For Seats & Still Sit Together On The Plane

My third tips for couples to save money on travel may be a bit controversial. A lot of travellers will say it’s worth spending the extra money to choose your seat ahead of time. I have NEVER done this and always sit next to my travel partner on the plane.  

The only upgrade worth paying for, in my mind, are the larger seats if you want to ensure more leg space, or if there’s only a few sets of two seaters on the plane. 

The first way to try to get seats together is to book your tickets together. They tend to automatically put your seats next to each other if you’ve booked together.

But of course, you can’t always trust the system though… We’ve booked together and still ended up on opposite ends of the plane.

So you’ll also want to make sure to be one of the first people to check-in for the flight (usually it opens up 24 hours before the flight).

When you check-in, you’re able to see your seats, and move them next to each other for free if you need to!

Sometimes, of course, there aren’t any seats next to each other to move to. If this is the case, switch to single seats that are more appealing instead. For example, if you’re in the middle, switch to a single aisle or window seat.

After online check in, you still have a few more chances to sit next to each other… odds are, one of these will work…

Couple Travel Ideas To Sit Next To Each Other On The Plane Cont’d

Once you arrive at the airport, head to the check-in or airport gate desk. You can ask the flight crew to see if there are any seats to switch to.

You want to put in your request as early as possible to see what they can do. At this point, they might upgrade you to seats with more leg space if those are the only options. 

If they really can’t move you, your final option is to ask the person you’re sitting next if they mind switching. Each of you can ask their seat neighbour, so you have a lot of opportunities to switch.

Often times there’s at least one person willing to make the switch, (especially if you’re offering them a window or aisle seat for their middle). 

One of these solutions has always worked. I have never had to pay beforehand to choose my seat and I always sit next to my partner when flying. Be prepared though that there’s always a small chance that none of these will work.

Save Money When You Travel As A Couple By Sharing Meals!

Depending on where you travel as a couple, you may be able to share meals.

Sometimes one meal at a restaurant is large enough for both of you to eat. But, if one isn’t enough, we’ve ordered one meal and an appetizer (or two). This tactic is still often cheaper than getting two main meals that you end up throwing half away anyway.  

This tip for a travelling couple is works especially well if you’re visiting the States. The portion sizes are IMMENSE compared to what I’m used to in Canada.

But we even found we could sometimes get away with this in Europe as well. I like asking the waiter for a reference on how big the meal is to know beforehand if it would be enough for two people. 

Not only do you save money with this travelling couple hack, but there’s also a lot less waste. You usually can’t take your leftovers home when travelling. Plus, this way you also always have room for dessert!

Save Money By Sharing Audioguides: Couple Travel Tips

My couple travel idea to save money is to invest in headphone splitters (like these on Amazon) and your own earphones (like these on Amazon) if you don’t already have.

These tech gadgets take up no space at all, but can save you some money over the course of a trip.  

The money saving capabilities of this hack will depend on how many museums and tours you go. We’ve had trips where I don’t use them at all, but then others where I use them everyday, even a few times a day!

The main benefits of bringing earphones and earphone splitters are for audio guides.

Audio guides can get you by surprise by how much they actually cost on top of an entry ticket. Now, you’ll only ever need to buy one audio guide between the two of you.  

If you’re going to a lot of museums, the cost of audio guides for each of you can add up! And it’s also something that you didn’t necessarily budget for when you looked at ticket prices.

I also just like bringing my own earphones with me everywhere I go for sanitation reasons!

Bonus Travel Tips For A Travelling Couple!

Here are some travel tups for couples that are unrelated to saving money.

Photocopy Your Passport!

When you travel as a couple, always carry a photocopy of the other persons passport.

I always do this, but thankfully have never had to use it. 

It’s one of those just in case steps that you should always do. It helps if you loose your passport or damage it in anyway while you’re travelling. This way you have a “backup”.

Remember! Travel Can Be Stressful, Don’t Take It Out On Each Other

Travel can be f***ing stressful… there’s no denying it. Remember that everyone handles stress differently but try not to take it out on your travel partner. 
 
Some stressful situations are unavoidable on vacation (like missing your flight, getting lost …etc.).

But to avoid some stress, try splitting up tasks, both before and during your vacation. For example, my partner and I have figured out that I do the research beforehand for our itinerary and he’ll deal with booking hotels and flights.

While we’re travelling, he’s in charge of maps and directions and I’ll take care of packing and scheduling. 
 
Make sure that all the burden isn’t placed on one person, that’s a recipe for disaster! And remember to have fun!

Quick Links – My Amazon Travel Favourites

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Last update on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API