One question I get asked pretty frequently is how I’m able to travel so often, and what tips I use to save money on trips. It’s actually a lot more simple than most people might think. Planning, budgeting, and research are key components to preparing for your vacation and there are so many fun and crafty ways to save some extra cash while travelling. Keep reading for my best tips to help you save money on travel expenses.
Budgeting and planning
1. Create a budget
When it comes to planning a trip, really think about the places you would like to visit. Is it a popular touristy location or a more underrated destination? After you decide, you’ll be able to figure out if it’s in your budget as well as the best time to visit.
Speaking of budgets, the first thing to do is to create one for your trip. Creating a budget is important because it will help you to avoid overspending and keep your finances in check. This is also really important when planning a group trip, because it helps to see how much each person is responsible for contributing. Download a free travel planning kit to help you get started.
Transportation
2. Use multiple websites to search for travel deals
Flights tend to be the biggest travel expense. However, there are lots of techniques you can use to get great deals. Some of my favorites websites to use are Google Flights (a life-saver), Skyscanner, Groupon or Living Social, and Expedia. Another great resource is Travel Pirates, where you can find incredible deals on flights, hotels, and vacation packages. When booking a trip, be sure to shop around because one site may offer a way better deal than their competitors.
3. Book midweek flights
Another awesome money-saving tip is to book midweek flights instead of weekend flights (fun fact: the cheapest days to fly out are Tuesdays and Wednesdays and the most expensive are Fridays and Sundays). Google Flights and Skyscanner have interactive calendar features that show you the difference in prices according to day. Flying off-season (like the second week of January, or after spring break and other major holidays) is also a huge money saver. Also check all nearby airports for the best tickets prices.
4. Say yes to layovers
Want to make your layovers more fun, and save money as well? Check for connecting flights as opposed to non-stop ones. There are many airlines that offer free stopovers in different cities. These stopover programs include city tours, discounts on attractions, and more. When I travel abroad with my family, we fly Emirates with a layover in Dubai, which gives us the opportunity to see the city as well. With this complimentary hotel stay, we get to rest and relax and enjoy the city before hopping on the next flight.
My favorite part is the hop-on hop-off bus tour that takes you through downtown to see sights such as The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. This Emirates service is called Dubai Connect and is available to different flight classes and depends on the length of layover (usually between 8 and 24 hours). Booking with Emirates is easy, the food is great, and the staff is very friendly.
5. Promotional airline deals
You can also save money by taking advantage of promotional deals from the airline websites directly. Some airlines that send out frequent offers are Southwest, American Airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates, and JetBlue. These offers usually have to be booked within a specific time frame, so be aware of those deadlines.
6. Travel by bus or train
If you want to travel but aren’t ready to go abroad yet, domestic travel is a great option. Look into traveling by bus or train, using companies like Greyhound or Amtrak. These are great for cross-country travel or mini road trips because you’ll get to see many different regions in one trip, which maximizes your experience. This is a fantastic option for traveling to Canada because the fare is usually way cheaper than flights, depending on the distance. Also, if your route has transfers, you can venture into the local areas and do some exploring.
7. Use public transportation/buy a transit pass
Ubers and Lyfts can be expensive and quickly add up when you’re traveling. To save money, purchase a day pass or metro pass for the train or bus service. Prices will vary depending on the area. In Bangkok, Thailand, traveling by tuk tuk is a really fun (and cheaper) way to see the city. In Atlanta, the streetcar is a nifty way around the city to see some of the top attractions. The comfortable, air conditioned car is only $1 for a one-way ticket, and $3 for a day pass. Also, walk or travel by bike when you can.
8. Utilize discounts
If you work and receive benefits, check to see if your employer has a partnership with a company that offers discounted rates on flights and accommodations. Consult your benefits department to see if this is something available to you. Additionally, organizations like AAA and AARP also offer travel discounts. Check with a family member to see if you can book using their discount.
Accomodations
9. Comparison shop for deals and discounts
Similar to flights, hotel costs vary between competitors and also change depending on the day you book. My favorite sites to use are CheapOair, hotels.com, Expedia. Another tip is to call the hotel directly and try to negotiate your rate. Let them know you’ve found it cheaper elsewhere and ask if they can beat that price. According to a survey by Consumer Reports, only 28 percent of participants tried bargaining, but 78 percent of those who did received an upgrade or cheaper rate. So don’t be afraid to bargain!
10. Sign up for rewards programs
If you frequently use a particular hotel chain, make sure to sign up for their rewards program so you can get special deals, like free stays. Hotels.com actually has a hotel rewards program of their own, so be sure to check them out.
11. Be aware of unexpected hotel fees
The cost of your hotel stay can add up quickly because hotels like to tack on charges for things like late check-out, luggage holding, minibars, and cancellations. Try to stay on top of check-in and check-out times so you don’t get hit with these unexpected fees. Many chains will now charge an extra night if you check out late (yikes). To save money, also be aware of the cancellation policy. Most hotels require at least 48 to 72 hours notice.
12. Use hostels or airbnb
Hostels are dormitory-style accommodations where you can rent a bed (usually a bunk bed) in a room with other travelers. Single rooms are also sometimes available. Hostels are way cheaper than hotels, which is what makes them a favorite for backpackers and nomads (you can book a hostel in Paris for as low as $16 a night!). Vacation home rentals have also become increasingly popular in recent years. Airbnb has completely revolutionized the way we travel and is used by millions of people worldwide. They give the option to rent out a room or an entire house. This option works great for large groups because it can significantly lower costs.
13. Stay outside of the major city
Avoid the tourist trap by staying in areas outside of downtown. The larger cities are heavily concentrated and frequented by tourists, and so hotel and restaurant owners capitalize on this. Instead of staying in downtown Toronto, consider suburban areas like Niagara on the Lake or Saint Catharine’s. Maybe book a room in Long Island instead of Manhattan. You’ll avoid the commotion of the central hub, but you can still drive or take the train there for sightseeing and activities.
14. Stay with family or friends
If you can manage it, ask your relatives or friends if they have a place for you to stay when visiting their city. This will save you tons!
Food
15. Pack your own snacks
Pack your own travel snacks and food to avoid the high cost of airport food and the expenses of eating out every day. Another great tip is to go grocery shopping for a few key items you need and to cook your own meals. This is a healthier and cost-saving option that basically anyone can do.
16. Book a hotel with breakfast included
Many hotels, especially the larger chains, offer breakfast with your booking. The food options usually vary and are healthy and delicious. If you’re traveling with friends or family, this is really the way to go. My favorite hotel chains with free (delicious) breakfast are Homewood Suites, Springhill Suites, and Residence Inn.
17. Book a hotel that has a kitchen
If you don’t mind cooking on vacation, look for a hotel that has a full kitchen to save money on food.
Activities
18. Explore local attractions instead of popular ones
Talk to the front desk and locals to find out what the best spots are. They can help you find off-the-beaten path sights and activities that won’t be flooded with tourists.
19. Look for free events
Another great way to save money is to look out for free events. These include free concerts, festivals, state parks, and museums.
Here are some more activities you can do for free:
- Boardwalks
- Riverfront/waterfront
- Parades
- Fireworks display
- Outdoor movies
- Some museums
- National/regional landmarks
20. Be flexible
My last tip is to be flexible and open-minded with your travel planning. Things change so you don’t want to get too attached to one particular place or attraction. If the weather doesn’t turn out as expected, have a few back up ideas just in case. If an event ends up being more than you budgeted for, consider doing another activity. Being open-minded is one of the keys to having a great travel experience.
I really hope you found this list helpful in planning and preparing for your next trip. What other tips have helped you save money on travel? Let me know in the comments below.
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