Are you all ready to take advantage of the travel season but in need of a few helpful hints about how to keep costs down? Unless you’re a long-time traveler, it’s hard to keep up with all the hacks for paring down the expense of taking a fun trip. Luckily, even in inflationary times like these, there are several excellent ways to save. Besides avoiding tourist traps, the real budgeting weapon is paying in advance. Savvy travelers can get up to 75 percent off hotels, air tickets and more.
Another powerful technique is taking to the road in your car instead of flying. Airfares have been on an upward climb for the past couple of years, so using the good old family car is a money-saving option. Consider chopping meal costs by bringing many of your own items eat, from snacks to complete dinners. Choosing to spend time in nature rather than in a tourist resort or urban area is yet another way to make vacations much easier on the wallet.
Contents
Avoid Tourist Traps
Tourist traps are money pits, which is why you should put them on your no-no list if you wish to conserve financial resources. They’re typically within or near large cities, well-known beach resorts, or gambling meccas. Prices for everything generally run about 25 percent higher in these popular locales. There are so many amazing budget-friendly destinations to travel to, so stick to cities, towns and rural locations that are not famous for raking in tourist cash.
Take Advantage of Discounts
The single best way to save on trips is to pay a few months in advance for accommodations and air tickets. Even if you plan to drive or camp out in a state park, plan far ahead and pay upfront. If you don’t have savings to cover everything, you can take out a personal loan to leverage the power of advance pay discounts and special rates on cabins, cruises, air tickets, train fares, hotels and tour packages. Keep in mind that personal loans are simple to apply for. Then, you can rest easy knowing that all the major expenses are taken care of before you leave.
Seek Out Free and Low-Cost Activities
While some “must-do” attractions and activities are worth the splurge, there are plenty of ways to explore a new destination without spending a ton. Enjoy the local culture for less by:
- Taking advantage of free museum days: Many top museums around the world offer free admission on certain days of the month or discounted admission at off-peak times. Check the museum websites for promotions before you go.
- Joining free walking tours: Most major cities offer free walking tours where knowledgeable locals share their insight and passion for their hometown. While the tour is technically free, it’s customary to tip the guide a few dollars at the end. Still, it’s a very economical way to learn about the destination and get your bearings.
- Exploring the great outdoors: Hiking, biking and lounging on the beach are enjoyable, low-cost ways to experience a destination’s natural beauty. Many cities also have lovely parks and gardens you can stroll for free.
- Attending free events: From outdoor concerts to cultural festivals to art shows, there are often plenty of free events happening wherever you go. Check the local tourism website and event calendars to see what’s on during your visit.
- Snagging discount attraction passes: If you plan to hit a lot of the top attractions in a short time, look into getting a city pass that includes admission to multiple sites for one discounted price. Popular options include the Paris Museum Pass, London Pass, New York CityPASS and Go City passes available for destinations around the U.S. and Europe.
With some creativity and flexibility, you can find plenty of budget-friendly and free ways to experience a new place without sacrificing fun.
Drive
Want to avoid costly airline rates? Drive. Always remember to get a tune-up and road check for your vehicle first. Then, map out every major stop to include meals, hotels and one-day city or park explorations. Driving not only saves money but gives travelers the freedom to deviate from a planned route whenever they wish.
Bring Your Food
No matter how you get there, pack plenty of food so you won’t have to eat every meal out once you arrive at your destination. Don’t attempt to duplicate home meals, but aim for a balanced mix of snacks, healthful items and bottled drinks. Every meal you eat while traveling leaves more cash for doing fun things like taking guided tours, attending live shows and more.
Go Carry-On Only
Checked baggage fees on flights can add up quickly, especially if you’re taking multiple flights on different airlines. Save money and simplify your travel by mastering the art of packing light. With some strategic planning, you can fit everything you need in a carry-on for most trips.
Benefits of traveling carry-on only include:
- Saving $30-50 per flight on checked bag fees.
- No risk of the airline losing your bag.
- Being able to take public transit and walk to your accommodations easily.
- Faster check-in and no waiting at baggage claim.
To maximize space in your carry-on, try these packing hacks:
- Roll clothes instead of folding them.
- Stuff socks and underwear inside shoes.
- Limit yourself to 2-3 pairs of shoes.
- Favor lightweight, quick-drying fabrics.
- Use packing cubes or compression bags.
- Wear your bulkiest items on the plane.
- Pack toiletries into small, TSA-compliant bottles.
- Do laundry during longer trips so you can pack less.
If you do need to check a bag, try to book all legs on the same airline so you only pay the fee once. Note that most airlines exclude checked bag fees for elite status members and certain co-branded credit card holders.
Opt for a Nature Trip
Getting back to nature is an interesting, educational alternative to a typical city-based vacation. Consider state and national parks, reputable camping areas, major lakes and wilderness reserves. Be sure to pack lightly and avoid camping alone. You can rent an inexpensive tent and camping setup from local outdoor stores.
FAQs
What’s the best way to get cheap flights?
Is it really possible to travel with just a carry-on?
How can I save money on food while traveling?
What’s the best way to get around in a new city on a budget?
How do I find affordable accommodations?
Conclusion
Budget travel is all about being resourceful, flexible and thinking outside the box. With a willingness to plan a spirit of adventure and a commitment to experiencing the world in a meaningful way, you truly can explore incredible destinations without spending a fortune.
The budget travel hacks we’ve shared in this article are a great starting point, but the possibilities are endless. Traveling on a shoestring will push you to connect more deeply with the local culture, be open to serendipitous experiences and appreciate the simple joys of seeing the world.
So what are you waiting for? Start putting these budget travel strategies into action and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. The world is waiting for you – go explore it your way without breaking the bank! Bon voyage!