Seeing and experiencing the attractions on your trip is what makes it FUN, but if you're not careful you can get really gouged on some of these activities and associated tours.
Just one example: Badlands After Dark: Sunset Colors and Celestial Views
This company provides transportation to and from the park, the $35 park entrance fee per person, bottled water or soda and loaner chairs to sit in to watch the sunset and stars for 4 hours. Price? $495 per person. For a family of 4 that almost $2000!
Here's an alternative: Pay your $30 per car park entrance fee yourself, grab a bottle of water/soda and a lawn chair and you can watch the sunset and stargaze from any of these points inside the park:
Pinnacles Overlook
Panorama Point
Big Badlands Overlook
Cedar Pass Campground
Sage Creek Campground - and it will cost you hardly anything per person.
I tend to go DIY on most attractions or with inexpensive self guided audio tour apps that are FAR less expensive than guided tours and give me just as much information, if not more. They also allow me to move at my own pace. I'll also look for free guided walking tours.
CITY PASSES & BUNDLED TICKETS - WHEN THEY'RE WORTH IT AND WHEN THEY'RE NOT
City passes can be a great way to save money, but only if you actually use them. Many major cities offer passes that bundle multiple attractions into one discounted price—but before you buy, ask yourself:
✅ Will you visit enough attractions to make it worth the cost? If a pass includes 20 attractions, but you only plan to visit 3, it might not be the best deal.
✅ Are the included attractions ones you actually want to see? Some passes load up on filler attractions that you wouldn’t have paid for anyway.
✅ Does it include perks like skip-the-line access? In places with huge crowds, the time saved can be just as valuable as the money saved.
Do the math before buying a pass. Add up the cost of individual tickets to see if the pass actually saves you money. If not, skip it and pay for attractions separately.
GoCity Pass (various cities) – Offers flexible sightseeing passes.
FREE MUSEUM DAYS & ATTRACTION DISCOUNTS - HOW TO FIND THEM BEFORE YOUR TRIP
Many world-class museums offer free entry on certain days, but tourists often don’t know about them and end up paying full price unnecessarily. Some attractions also offer student, senior, or local resident discounts—you just have to ask.
Here’s how to find these hidden deals:
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Check the official website – Most museums list free-entry days under their "tickets" or "visitor info" section.
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Search “free things to do in [city]” – Travel blogs and forums often list up-to-date free attractions.
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Use tourism board websites – Many cities list discount days for popular sights.
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Ask your hotel or or hostel staff – Locals often know about last-minute deals or free events that aren’t widely advertised.
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Smithsonian Museums (Washington D.C.) – Always free!
BOOK TICKETS IN ADVANCE TO AVOID PRICE SURGING
Attractions with timed entry slots (like the Colosseum, Machu Picchu, or Sagrada Familia) often increase prices as the date gets closer—or worse, sell out completely. Booking online in advance can save you money and guarantee your spot.
When to Book in Advance:
✔ Major landmarks with limited daily capacity
✔ Popular observation decks (e.g. Empire State Building).
✔ Historical sites with required permits
✔ Skip-the-line tickets for crowded attractions
Use sites like GetYourGuide, Klook, or Tiqets to compare ticket prices—sometimes, third-party sellers offer better deals than the official website.
VIEWING FAMOUS SITES FROM THE OUTSIDE – When Skipping Paid Entry is Better
Let’s be real—sometimes, the best part of a famous attraction isn’t inside, but outside. Many travelers regret paying steep entry fees for attractions that look just as good (or even better) from the outside.
If you want stunning city views without paying for observation decks, look for rooftop bars, public parks, or hilltop viewpoints instead.
Now that you know how to experience top attractions for free or on a budget, let’s talk about how to avoid common tourist traps that can overcharge you for underwhelming experiences.
HOW TO SPOT OVERPRICED, OVERHYPED ATTRACTIONS BEFORE YOU WASTE YOUR MONEY
Not all expensive attractions are bad—some are absolutely worth the cost. But if an attraction has any of these red flags, it’s probably a tourist trap:
🚩 High entry fees for an average experience – If people say, “It wasn’t worth the price,” believe them.
🚩 Massive crowds and long lines – If you’re spending more time waiting than enjoying, reconsider.
🚩 Fake “authentic” experiences – Over-commercialized cultural shows or markets selling mass-produced souvenirs.
🚩 Everything is overpriced – If food, drinks, and souvenirs cost double what they should, it’s a sign.
🚩 Locals don’t go there – If only tourists visit an attraction, it’s usually not an authentic experience.
Before paying for an attraction, check Google Reviews, Reddit, and travel forums. If the top reviews say, "Not worth it" or "overpriced," save your money.
If an area is packed with souvenir shops, people trying to sell you things, and menus in five languages, you’re in a tourist trap. Walk a few blocks away, and prices will drop.
How to Research and Find Authentic, Worthwhile Experiences Instead
Use Travel Forums & Blogs – Websites like Reddit (r/travel), Lonely Planet forums, and independent travel blogs often reveal hidden gems and local secrets.
Ask Locals – Your hotel staff, Airbnb host, or even a taxi driver can give better recommendations than any travel brochure.
Look for Local Events & Free Experiences – Many cities have free festivals, concerts, and community markets that tourists never find.
Follow the Locals – If a restaurant is full of locals instead of tourists, it’s probably affordable and authentic.
Use Google Maps and search for “Where locals eat in [city]”—you’ll find hidden restaurants that aren’t overpriced tourist traps.
LOOK FOR THE WEIRD & UNUSUAL
I've discovered some of the best attractions are the weird and quirky ones that aren't listed as tourist attractions in any travel destination. They're the funky homemade signs beside the highway that advertise something like "1800's TOWN NEXT RIGHT" and feature a ramshackle homemade ghost town whose main attraction is a handsewn gorilla missing its eyes, plunking out Pop Goes the Weasel on a decrepit piano.
What? You thought I was kidding?
At times, the best travel experiences are off the beaten path—and they don’t cost a thing. Instead of following the crowds to overpriced attractions, seek out hidden gems that are just as magical but way cheaper (or free!).
Google “hidden gems in [city]” before your trip. You’ll find blogs, local recommendations, and spots most tourists overlook.
USE TRAVEL GUIDES & BLOGS
Utilize travel guides and blogs that specialize in budget-friendly travel. They often highlight unique attractions and experiences that are less expensive than traditional tourist spots.
CHECK OUT AXPIL
Axpil is a travel site that focuses on hidden travel gems and offbeat adventures.