Save Money on Travel
If the aim for all vacations was to pull out all the stops, many would rarely ask for the time off to travel. Traveling is, well, expensive. While it does require a reasonable amount of time and planning to get all your ducks in a row to be able to hit the road, every vacation doesn’t have to break the bank.
To make the most of your trip financially, while still making the most of your trip in the fun department, keep reading for some helpful tips on saving money on your travel plans.
Look for Deals
It goes without saying that some of the heftiest bills are due to transportation and accommodation bookings. Some vacations may be centered around a singular, main attraction as well, which may have you searching for Disneyland discount tickets or local excursion coupons. When it comes to saving money in this area, it’s about knowing where to look.
Budget Airlines
They’re no first class accommodations, but budget airlines get you from point A to point B with few surrendered comforts. Often, these airlines will fly out of smaller airports, only allow a personal item aboard or only operate on certain days of the week. Still, the stipulations can be a minor nuisance if the savings are considerable.
Travel Newsletters
Travel companies themselves have email lists that alert their subscribers first of any specials, discounts or deals as they occur. As well, other agencies and smaller companies do their own research to discover travel deals and broadcast the savings potential to their own audience, too. Sign up for the newsletters of favorite airlines and local travel enthusiasts so you never miss out on an opportunity to save.
Budget Booking Sites
Looking from website to website can be a pain. Discount travel sites make it easier to book flights, hotels, rental cars and even local experiences with just a few clicks. Just make sure to double check that you’re getting the best deal, as sometimes added service fees show up when it’s time to check out.
Make Your Own Meals
While it’s tempting to indulge in all the local fare, eating out for every meal really adds up. If possible, book a stay in accommodations with a kitchen–or at least a microwave–and make a pit stop at a nearby grocery store. If a kitchen is out of the question, snack smart. Pack healthy grab-and-go snacks in your bag for the day and save the restaurants for 1-2 meals per day.
Skip the Beverages
Bottled water, boozy drinks and refillable sodas can take a typical end-of-meal check from manageable to expensive. It’s okay to indulge in a drink once in a while, but restaurants rarely charge for plain, old water. While out and about, bring a reusable water bottle to avoid stopping in for expensive bottled drinks when your group gets thirsty.
Book the Off-Season
There’s a reason it’s so expensive to travel around the holidays. Airline and hotel companies know when peak tourist season is for a variety of destinations, and rarely will you find a good deal during those times. Take advantage of the slower season, when destinations try to draw in tourists with better deals, and book your vacation when crowds are likely to be lowest.
Minimize Souvenirs
Bringing home a few mementos is an important rite when it comes to travel, but souvenirs don’t have to be pricey. Souvenirs can even be completely free. Some of the most meaningful vacation trinkets and memories can be found in photographs, found seashells or rocks and fun stories.
Look for Free Attractions
At every destination, there are incredible experiences to be had that don’t require any tickets and no entry fee. From historical monuments to epic scenery, seeing the sights doesn’t have to require you to pull your wallet out at all. Try to strike a good balance between expensive, must-see attractions and self-made experiences. For the most part, vacations are proof that you get what you give, and whether you invest time or money into your entertainment, you’re sure to see satisfactory returns.
