We should never take the chance to travel the globe for granted – it’s a wonderful opportunity. Unfortunately, although accessibility has improved over the last few decades, it’s still not a cheap hobby. If you’re looking to travel on a tighter budget – look no further.
In this article, we’re taking a look at some of the best strategies for cutting costs while traveling. From pre-trip preparations to post-trip recommendations, this is everything you need to know.
Plan Smart to Avoid Unnecessary Costs
Failing to plan is planning to fail. First of all, do your best to be flexible with your travel dates and plans. You can save loads of money by booking flights well ahead of your trip and by skipping Friday to Sunday for your travel dates in favor of weekday flights. Choosing to travel in the early mornings or late at night can also help you find cheaper options.
Booking flexible travel insurance is another key to preventing unexpected costs. Opting for cancel for any reason travel insurance is a great strategy that will allow you to recover costs if you book your flights far in advance. This way, you won’t lose all your money if unexpected circumstances force you to change plans at the last minute.
Take Advantage of Points and Rewards
For all your traveling, including flights and hotels, don’t forget to rack up those valuable points and miles. This is the way to go when it comes to reducing your travel costs and getting more bang for your buck.
Post-pandemic, more and more credit card facilities and other institutions are offering travel benefits, allowing you the opportunity to earn loads of rewards and gain access to perks like rental car insurance, additional travel insurance, discounts on flights and accommodation, and more. With the right card, you’ll not only save money but also enjoy perks to maximize your travel experience.
Save on Accommodation
Try to avoid staying at hotels (especially fancy ones) if at all possible. Consider other options like apartment rentals for longer stays or bigger groups of people. If you’re traveling solo or just with a partner, hostels can be affordable and comfortable!
Another alternative is to look into Airbnb rentals, which are usually a lot more affordable and often more comfortable than hotels! These options often offer the option of self-catering too which will help you save even more money by cooking and eating in, instead of heading to a different restaurant for every meal.
Book Flights Strategically
There are loads of apps and websites nowadays that will help you find the cheapest possible flights. Platforms like Momondo and Skyscanner compile all the flight options that fit your schedule and help you make the best pick before finalizing your booking.
If you’re open to multiple dates and times, this is a good way to estimate what your airfare will cost before you commit. You can also sign up to flight deal websites that can send you notifications – but this means you’ll need to be ready to pounce on the opportunity for a vacation as it arises.
Cut Down on Baggage Fees
Many travelers have strong feelings about checking in their baggage versus relying solely on carry-on. For some, carry-on luggage is just one more thing to worry about, while others worry about the safety of their checked-in bags.
One thing that’s certain is that opting out of checked bags will save you some cash, unless you have an airline card or some kind of membership. This should make the decision easier for you, but you may need to sacrifice the ease of walking through the airport with nothing but your purse if you want to save some dollars.
Find Free and Low-Cost Activities
Aside from flights and lodging, entertainment and sightseeing can take up the majority of your travel budget. However, you can still enjoy yourself and get a feel for the local culture without breaking the bank by planning some free and inexpensive activities in your itinerary.
Look for museums that are free or offer discount days, public parks and attractions with no admission fees, and free walking tours. Do research on festivals and markets that might be taking place while you’re in town, and use online communities to discover the free and fun things locals like to do.
Save on Foreign Exchange and Fees
Even in this incredibly modern world, carrying cash can be handy – especially while you’re traveling. Of course, there is no shortage of places that will facilitate a quick and easy currency exchange, but this can get expensive.
Keep things simple and talk to your bank about currency exchange. They will most likely offer you the best deal on exchanging with minimal or even no fees. Using a credit or debit card with no foreign transaction fees to withdraw your cash from an ATM will almost always be your cheapest and safest bet.
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