Almost everyone loves to travel, but it can get expensive! But if you put in a little effort, there are a variety of ways you can save money when planning your next trip. We’ve collected the top tips and tricks to help you make the most of your budget when planning a trip.
💡Fun Facts:
| 1) Americans collectively spend over $3 Billion a day on travel |
| 2) The average American set their vacation budget to just under $3,000 |
| 3) The daily average cost in the US while on vacation in a major city is around $350/day |
The most important step you can take is to plan your travel as much ahead of time as you can. Often prices of airfare, hotels and other accommodations are lower the earlier you book. Don’t travel during peak seasons such as holidays; the more popular the date, the higher the prices tend to be. Also, look for airfare and accommodations separately, as this can help you find the best deals on each, as opposed to purchasing a package deal. Don’t book at the last minute! Typically the closer you are to your travel date, the more you will pay, especially for airfare. Make sure you book everything ahead of time – the longer the time the better. This means you will need to plan ahead and make sure you can travel when you desire, as some things may be non-refundable or partially-refundable.
Related to this is flexibility – being willing to travel at off times or dates. The time of day, day of the week and date of your travel can make a big difference in pricing. Often weekday travel is more affordable than weekends, which are more popular. Consider alternate destinations, as some locations are more expensive than others. If you are really flexible with your date and destination, you can save money through last-minute booking. There are many sites on the internet that offer last-minute trips with big discounts, usually with travel in 1-2 days of booking.
Always enroll in travel rewards programs through airlines and hotels, where you earn points/miles based on how much you spend. As you accumulate points, you can redeem them for discounts, free perks, free or lower cost flights and more. Also, take advantage of credit card rewards where you can earn miles and points as well. Many have big introductory offers, like CapitalOne Venture which gives you 75,000 miles for signing up or American Express Platinum which gives you 80,000 points.
Look for alternate accommodations or transportation. Often hotels are the most expensive option, so look for AirBnb, hostels, vacation rentals or even camping, if that’s something you enjoy. Similarly, there may be alternate transportation that is cheaper than flying. Consider driving, taking the train or traveling by bus. And once you have reached your destination, public transportation can be a more affordable way to get around, instead of ride sharing, taxis or car rentals. Most cities have some type of efficient and cheap options like buses, subways and trains.
Once you’ve arrived, save money by eating like a local resident. Avoid expensive and touristy restaurants. Try out street food, local markets, cafes and farmer’s markets. In addition to saving money, you get to enjoy the real local cuisine. Also, there are typically many free or low cost activities at your destination. Do your research to find out what is around in the area where you are staying. These can range from zoos and parks, to guided tours and museums.
When booking airfare, there are now many lower cost options that have become available in the last few years. You can travel “no-frills” if you are willing to give up certain amenities, such as a carry-on bag or choosing your seat ahead of time. Also, there are several low-cost airlines that focus on providing lower rates of travel.
OPINION
Travel can be expensive, but if you do a little work, you can save money. There’s no need to use a travel agent anymore, as everything can be researched and booked online. There are many sites and tools to find the best travel bargains and if you have flexibility in your plans, you can save even more. Always make sure to check out the airline or hotel site directly, in addition to travel sites like Kayak and Expedia. Sometimes you can find better deals by booking directly.
