I've traveled to all 50 states. Here are 5 things I never waste my money on when I'm in a new city.

• As a traveler who's visited all 50 states, I try to be intentional about how I spend money on trips.
• I try to only buy souvenirs I can't find anywhere else and skip restaurants I have at home.
• Whenever possible, I avoid booking rental cars because parking and fuel can get expensive.

After visiting all 50 states, I've learned to be intentional about how I spend my money. 

Travel expenses can add up quickly, so whenever I head to a new city, I try not to skip the following things.

I stopped shelling out cash on certain souvenirs a long time ago

I used to return from my trips with T-shirts and magnets themed around the city I'd just visited that I could pass out to family and friends.

Looking back, I know those aren't the best souvenirs — especially since most of the people receiving them had never even been to the destination.

Plus, I've found that most of my loved ones are more interested in seeing photos from my travels than they are in receiving a physical token.

Now, I take a more practical approach. The biggest thing I consider before spending money on a souvenir is whether it's available in other parts of the country.

For example, in Vermont, I bought pure maple syrup from a local farmer and a special cheddar cheese available only at Cabot Creamery — both things I couldn't have gotten anywhere else.

If I am going to buy something themed to the city, I skip the more touristy souvenir shops at airports and instead head to smaller boutiques for more special or locally made options.

Booking hotels far from the action is rarely ever worth it

I never book hotels that are far from the heart of the city I'm visiting, even if they're cheaper.

Up front, it feels like you're saving money. However, when you factor in expenses that come with rental cars, parking, public transit, or rideshares, booking a faraway hotel may end up costing you more in the long run. 

Plus, all the traveling back and forth between your accommodations and the city can be tiring and take precious time away from your trip.

Instead, I opt for accommodations in the middle of the action, often in a downtown area or hip district.

It doesn't make sense for me to visit restaurants I can find at home

When deciding where to eat on trips, I go out of my way to avoid restaurants I can find in my home city or state. However, there are a few exceptions, like if I'm visiting a place that's home to a chain's biggest location or original restaurant.

I'm also willing to go to a well-known, widespread chain if it offers special local menu items I can't get elsewhere and regional chains I rarely get to visit. For example, I try to eat at In-N-Out Burger when I'm in California and stop at Whataburger when I'm in the South.

Chains aside, most cities are known for a specific cuisine or specialty, so I look up spots known for serving the best offerings and eat there.

When I'm in Vermont, I get poutine, and I never leave Philadelphia without a cheesesteak.

I avoid spending money on rental cars whenever possible

Depending on the location, renting a vehicle can also mean paying parking fees, tolls, and high gas prices.

If I'm in a new city, I also have to figure out how to navigate the roads, which can be stressful and take the fun out of sightseeing as a passenger.

Instead, I try to use public transportation or rideshares — which can also save me money.

Of course, renting a car can be unavoidable in areas without rideshares or ample public-transit options.

It might also make sense if you're hopping between cities, but other options, such as trains and ferries, may get you to your destination for a fraction of the price. 

It's always worth doing a bit of research.

It's nice to save on items I can stock up on for free at hotels and airports

Hotels usually provide guests with complimentary water, tea, and coffee in their rooms. As a result, I rarely have to spend money on these basics when I travel. 

Using a reusable water bottle saves me even more cash, especially if I'm in a city with a lot of filtered filling stations. I can usually find these at airports, too.

Beyond those freebies, I like booking hotels that offer complimentary perks, such as shuttles to and from the airport or complimentary breakfast.

This story was originally published on March 5, 2023, and most recently updated on May 7, 2026.