Traveling doesn’t have to be something out of reach, even if you’re trying to save money.
Here are six essential tips to try so you can travel without the heavy burden of feeling like you’re overspending.
Stay Flexible for Better Rates
You might be used to planning your trips around set dates. But if you can keep your dates flexible, you’ll likely find yourself a wellspring of cheaper options. Better yet, keep all of it flexible and turn on alerts for a bunch of places you’re vaguely interested in visiting.
Because if you can snag a once-in-a-lifetime flight to Madrid, even though the original plan was Mexico, then it’s probably time for you to discover Madrid.
Have a Strategy for Booking
Timing is just as important as flexibility.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to book your flights or hotels. You’ll most likely pay much more for it than you would have if you’d bought in advance.
That said, there’s a possibility that your procrastination will be rewarded with a last-minute price drop, but that’s not really something you can depend on and is best reserved for impromptu trips, not ones you plan well in advance.
Use Points or Credit Card Perks
If you’re already paying for things with a credit card, you might as well get something back for it.
Many credit cards offer travel rewards, allowing you to earn points or miles on every purchase. These can be redeemed for free flights, hotel stays, or other travel-related expenses. The key is to be responsible: only use credit cards for purchases you can pay off in full each month; otherwise, this is kind of the opposite of a savings tip.
Stay Somewhere With a Kitchen
Food is expensive when you’re on vacation. And to some extent, there’s merit in that; there’s a lot of joy to be had from going out to new restaurants in new cities. But eating every single meal out if impractical and not a great use of your cash.
Check to see if you can rent an Airbnb or something similar that has a kitchen. You can even make a trip to the local market part of your itinerary and cook something made with fresh, local meat and produce!
Avoid Baggage Fees
Nobody wants to pay an extra $50 for a checked bag, especially if you’re going on a shorter trip. Many airlines are charging a premium for anything more than a small personal item and a carry-on.
The solution is simple (but maybe not easy): pack lighter. Plan your outfits and be reasonable about what you’ll actually wear. Separate clothes and items into categories. Toothbrush? A must. Your entire Nintendo Switch and all four controllers? Maybe not so much.
Plan Free Activities
You don’t have to spend a fortune on tours and attractions to have an incredible trip. Many cities offer free walking tours (it’s customary to tip the guide, but it’s still much cheaper than a standard tour).
Check to see if local museums have free admission days. Simply walking around a new city, exploring public parks, and people-watching in a town square are some of the best and most memorable experiences you can have, and they don’t cost you a thing.
