Taking a vacation does not always have to break the bank!
Many people won’t even imagine exciting getaways because they think traveling is too expensive. But here are some of the best tips and tricks for to be able to take an awesome vacation.
1. Camping (Or Glamping!)
If you’re one of those people who can truly sleep anywhere, camping is the perfect way to invest a little upfront and save fortunes on travel in the long run. All you need is a tent and a sleeping bag, which may appear to cost a lot if you’re shopping at Bass Pro Shop, but quality camping gear can be found at most thrift stores!
Privately owned campsites run relatively cheap on sites like HipCamp and Tentrr, but staying on any property managed by the Bureau of Land Management (which includes National Parks and Forests) is entirely free!
For those not so interested in roughing the great outdoors, both State Parks and platforms like Airbnb and Koa allow you to rent cozy, inexpensive cabins with all the luxuries of home (Running water for me, please!).
2. Use Credit to Your Advantage
Credit can offer travelers unbeatable flexibility in booking and paying for their trips when used and managed correctly. As a result, several loyal users recommend applying for a credit card with your most frequented hotel or airline.
Many of these cards allow you to turn your points into travel miles that can cover the cost of flights. Another frequent flyer suggests paying for pricey flights in installments. Dividing a hefty ticket into a couple of smaller payments can make the purchase less burdensome.
3. Third-Party Travel Sites
Many third-party travel companies will help you find the best deals when booking flights, hotels, and rental cars. According to many, websites like Priceline, Expedia, or Travelocity should be your first stop when planning your next vacation.
However, be sure to search these sites using your incognito browser, as the prices are likely to be higher when you return later to book.
4. Old-School Tickets
You can also call the airline directly (old-school!) for some deals. Some airlines, like Spirit, also offer cheaper tickets in person at the airport, so if you are close to an airport, see what you can get there.
5. Travel in Groups
The more, the merrier! Start traveling in larger groups to offset the costs of significant expenditures like lodging and food. You can travel with several other families and opt to rent a larger house instead of staying in pricey hotels.
Splitting a vacation with others can also help you save money on food by eating at home and taking turns making dinner, so each family only has to cook once.
6. The Staycation
What better way to end a full day than falling asleep in your own bed?
Another way to cut down on overwhelming travel costs is to just sleep at home. Many families boast that the “Staycation” method has saved them hundreds on hotels and has challenged them to uncover the hidden gems of their region.
If you live in the suburbs, a day trip to the nearest city can completely change your surroundings and provide numerous options for free experiences.
If you’re looking to escape city living, venturing into a nearby rural community offers its own set of culturally enriching activities, such as seasonal festivals or fairs.
7. Try Independent House Sitting
Ever wish you could use Rover for your house?
Then, check out TrustedHouseSitters, an Airbnb-like platform that allows people worldwide to hire you to watch their homes. Building up reviews may take time, but once you’ve been selected a few times, your options become endless.
Initially, search in less frequented areas to avoid competing with other vacationers. You can stay in gorgeous houses all over the world when you do this, especially if you are willing to go to places that are off the beaten path.
8. Learn the Local Transportation Systems
A rental car can nearly ruin your vacation and come with more hidden costs than our wallets could keep up with. If you know you’re traveling to an urban area, learning to use the local transportation can save you time, money, and a lot of awkward Uber rideshares.
Sure, you may have an Elvis impersonator breathing down your neck on a Las Vegas double-decker bus, but it only costs $3!
9. Make a Commitment to Not Spending
Necessity is the mother of invention, as the saying goes! Once you have arrived at your selected destination, make a group pledge to avoid spending. Removing the temptation to splurge on expensive experiences will encourage you to seek out other exciting and unexpected activities.
Especially if you travel with kids, there are so many ways to keep them entertained that are simple and free.
10. Budget Airlines and Carry-ons Only
If patience is one of your virtues and you can always roll with the punches, consider flying with budget airlines like Spirit or Frontier. If your travel dates are flexible, it’s not uncommon to find round-trip flights for $50 or less.
A ticket on one of these airlines typically comes with a free personal item, meaning that packing light can save you hundreds on luggage fees. However, be aware of delayed, rescheduled, or canceled flights. A lower price may come with a price!
11. Visit Friends and Family
Taking a trip to visit friends or family eliminates one of the most costly travel expenses: Lodging. Whether it’s your friends in the big city or your family in the rural countryside, a change of scenery and a place to rest your head are the two defining characteristics of a vacation!
Bonuses include quality time with loved ones, home-cooked meals, and your favorite local tour guide!
