I Asked ChatGPT for 2026 Trip Planning Tips To Save Money: Here’s What It Said
Written by
Crystal Mayer
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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With the new year in full swing, vacation planning is next on my to-do list. While I have high hopes of traveling the world, I also have budget considerations that limit my options.
To get the biggest bang for my buck, I asked ChatGPT for 2026 trip-planning tips to save money. Here’s what it said.
Flights
According to ChatGPT, one of the best ways to save money on flights is to book early. The AI Assistant noted that for domestic flights, tickets should be purchased two to six months in advance, while international flights should be purchased three to eight months in advance to get the best deals. Hopeful travelers may also save money with a flexible itinerary.
Choosing flights on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday and being willing to select an airport nearby “can cut fares 20 [to] 40%.” Finally, travelers can use price alerts to check when flights are more affordable or even book one-way tickets, mixing different airlines to get to and from a destination.
Data from travel comparison site Skyscanner found that Wednesday was usually the cheapest day to fly. It also found that destinations may be more or less affordable depending on the month when they are booked.
Lodging
The most cost-effective type of lodging often depends on the length of stay, according to the chatbot. Hotels may be more affordable for short stays, while short-term rentals may be better for longer stays or for groups traveling together. ChatGPT also recommended that travelers book refundable, checking prices regularly to see if they go lower and then rebooking if they do.
Food
For many people, nothing says vacation more than great food, but eating out can be costly. When asked about ways to save money, ChatGPT suggested making lunch the “nice meal” when on vacation.
“Lunch menus are often 30 [to] 50% cheaper than dinner,” according to the AI assistant. The chatbot also recommended avoiding tourist streets, noting that better prices are only “2 [to] 3 blocks away from major attractions.”
According to Pacaso, a website that offers co-ownership for second homes, travelers spend an average of $96 per day on food while vacationing. Eating out for three meals a day adds up quickly, so utilizing any complimentary offerings at the hotel is strongly recommended, as reported by the site. Many hotels offer free breakfast or happy hour as an incentive to their customers.
Transportation
2026 travelers can also save money on transportation by buying public transit passes, booking trains early and skipping daily car rentals, according to ChatGPT.
“Timing is everything” for travelers who need to rent a car, according to the experts at Travel + Leisure. The travel site recommended using membership perks through AAA or Costco to find the most affordable rentals. It also suggested trying car-sharing or taking advantage of transfer services for a low-cost alternative to a rental.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing and activities are usually a must for people when going on vacation. When it comes to entertainment, ChatGPT said that travelers can save money by purchasing “city passes,” which usually include multiple attractions, taking advantage of free entry days at museums, and booking directly with operators “to avoid third-party markups.”
Other Considerations
The famed chatbot also suggested using AI trip planners to map out travel and to download offline maps and tickets to avoid roaming fees when abroad. Paying in local currency is usually cheaper than the U.S. dollar, and withdrawing from an ATM will save on high currency exchange rates at the airport. Just a few modifications and a willingness to be flexible can help save big during the 2026 travel season.
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