Are you getting excited for all the fun events coming up next year? Whether you’re planning to party on the slopes, wine and dine by the beach, or mine some crypto, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences on the calendar. But between tickets, flights, hotels, and food, those costs can add up fast. Even once you’ve gotten tickets to a festival, you still need to get there, get around, feed yourself, and find a way to enjoy yourself without breaking the bank. So what can you do now to make space in your budget for some fun adventures in 2026 and beyond? We have some ideas.

The good news? A little planning goes a long way. Even once you’ve secured your event tickets, there are plenty of ways to make the rest of your trip more affordable. Here are our favorite strategies to save up and spend smarter — so you can make this year full of travel, music, and memories without breaking the bank.

Know Where Your Money Goes

Before you start saving, get a clear picture of how you’re currently spending. Budgeting only works if you know what you’re working with. Apps like Mint, Rocket Money, or Monarch can automatically track your expenses and categorize your spending. Or, if you’re a spreadsheet nerd, download your credit card statements and sort your purchases manually. Once you know what’s going toward rent, food, and essentials, you’ll see exactly how much is left for your “fun fund.”

Remember, the goal isn’t to stop spending altogether — it’s to shift your spending toward experiences that actually excite you. That extra $10-a-day coffee habit? It could turn into your plane ticket fund faster than you think.

Many Small Tickets or One Big Event Ticket?

Think strategically about how you want to spend your entertainment budget. You could attend a handful of smaller local events — a few concerts, dinners, or comedy shows — or you could go all in on one big, unforgettable trip like Ultra Miami or Lollapalooza. Ask yourself what kind of memories you want to make this year. Sometimes, putting your money toward one major event gives you more excitement and value than spreading it out across smaller weekends.

Split Travel Costs with Friends

Traveling with friends doesn’t just make for better memories — it saves you serious cash. Split the cost of hotel rooms, rideshares, and meals to cut your expenses in half (or more). If you get enough of a crowd together, you might even be able to investigate group rates (or, if you book through Crewfare, you can skip that step since they’ve already found the best group rates for any event you’re attending).

Another tip: share a travel essentials list ahead of time so you don’t all bring the same items. One person packs the Bluetooth speaker, another brings the sunscreen — it’s small, but it saves space, money, and stress.

Save Now to Spend Later

The simplest way to travel more is to cut back on small, unnecessary purchases now. Skip a few takeout meals or cocktails and stash that money directly into a separate “event fund.” You’d be surprised how quickly it grows.

Invite friends over for a potluck night instead of dining out, or swap clothes for upcoming trips instead of buying new outfits. And don’t underestimate the power of buying used gear — thrifted fits, secondhand luggage, and lightly used cameras can save hundreds. Remind yourself that an outfit you already own (or one you’ve thrifted!) will look just as cute as a new one in the photos you take at Austin City Limits.

Become a Travel Hacker

If you haven’t explored travel hacking, it’s time. By using travel-friendly credit cards responsibly, you can rack up points and miles toward free flights, hotel upgrades, and other perks. Airlines and hotels also offer loyalty programs that can earn you major discounts over time. However, definitely check in on your own finances before you get started (i.e. if you have a lot of credit card debt you’re already dealing with, this probably isn’t your best bet for you).

Start small — pick one airline and one hotel chain to focus on, and sign up for their free rewards programs. Use those points for your next event trip. Just remember: travel hacking works best when you pay off your balance monthly. Otherwise, those rewards aren’t worth the interest fees. Here’s a beginners guide to travel hacking, if you think this might be a good fit for you.

Fund Your Event Travel with a Side Hustle

If your current income doesn’t leave much room for travel, look for a low-effort side hustle to fund your adventures. Pet-sit, drive for a rideshare app, freelance, or sell something you’re good at on Etsy. Even a few extra hours a week can turn into a nice travel fund over a few months.

To stay motivated, open a separate savings account labeled “Event Travel.” Watching that balance grow is way more satisfying when you know it’s going toward something fun — not bills.

Now That You Have the Tools, Where Will You Go?

Traveling to events should be exciting, not stressful. With a little planning and smart saving, you can make every concert, festival, or getaway more affordable. Whether it’s sharing costs with friends, using Crewfare to lock in exclusive hotel rates, or building your own travel fund, there are endless ways to stretch your budget without sacrificing the experience.

Start saving now, book smart, and make next year your most adventure-filled yet.