In the face of rising grocery bills, soaring auto insurance costs, and mounting credit card debt, travel has become a low priority for many. As per a recent CIBC survey, more than six in 10 Canadians have chosen not to travel during the holidays this year, with 31% citing budget constraints. While holiday travel advice is abundant, the truth remains that travelling during peak periods, when students, families, and workers seek respite, is inevitably expensive. However, for those not bound by exam schedules, office closures, or statutory holidays, there are innovative ways to save on travel. From pet-sitting swanky homes to buying cancelled trips, here are creative ways to save on travel.

TrustedHousesitters

TrustedHousesitters, a Britain-based online platform, offers a unique solution. It pairs pet owners needing caretakers for their pets with travellers looking for free stays worldwide. The platform has enabled retiree Patricia Watt to stay at an 18th-century home in Bermuda, a sprawling Arizona retreat with a pool, and a Christmas-themed hideaway in Creemore, Ontario, virtually for free.

Both homeowners and house sitters pay an annual membership fee of around $200. In exchange, house sitters can enjoy stays in stunning properties while caring for the owners’ pets. Patricia Watt’s first assignment involved a cuddly chocolate lab named Doug. She later visited Bermuda twice in one year to care for three different cats. In Creemore, she looked after two Labradoodles and five chickens.

SpareFare

SpareFare is another innovative platform that can help travellers save money. It allows users to buy and sell non-refundable bookings – flights, hotels, or entire vacation packages – often at steep discounts. For sellers dealing with emergencies, strikes, breakups, or natural disasters, it offers a chance to recover money that would otherwise be lost. For buyers, it can mean savings of 20 to 30 per cent off the original price, according to Erik Ritland, the owner of SpareFare.

Google Flight Deals

Another tool that can help save on travel is Google’s Flight Deals. This AI-driven search tool, which is currently in beta-testing, helps travellers find the best-value options based on their preferences. Users simply enter their desired location, travel style, and broad time frame, and the tool generates deals that match these parameters. For those open to adventure, the “explore deals” tab offers a range of itineraries – from Samaná in the Dominican Republic to Cagliari, Italy, to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – with many round-trip fares under $500.

The above are just a few examples of how to save on travel in unique and creative ways. If you have any unconventional tips to share, feel free to drop a line at mpostelnyak@globeandmail.com.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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