Author: Kelly Carter
Traveling is extremely rewarding if you enjoy new experiences, but it can also be costly, especially in this challenging economic climate. However, traveling on a budget and having a successful vacation is not impossible.
With these five suggestions, you can save money on travel without sacrificing your vacation.
1. Plan Ahead
If you’re traveling on a budget, you should start planning months in advance. As a result, you’ll be able to book flights and hotel or Airbnb reservations at lower prices earlier. If you choose to stay in a hotel, you should also look into local restaurants, check out their menus, and choose the best ones that fit your budget.
If you’re staying at an Airbnb, on the other hand, you should look for local grocery stores and markets to shop for food items; this will help you save money on food throughout your vacation. Furthermore, daily deal websites such as Groupon and LivingSocial can provide discounts on everything from resort and vacation packages to local eateries.
2. Avoid Peak Travel Seasons
Avoid tourist-heavy months if you want to save money on hotels and flights. According to a NerdWallet survey, peak travel season flight prices were approximately 41% higher than off-season prices.
Not only will you save money during this season, but you will also encounter fewer crowds and have shorter wait times for any attractions you plan to visit.
Summer is the peak season in the Northern Hemisphere, between June and August, and January and February in the Southern Hemisphere. So, put these months into consideration depending on your destination.
3. Consider Credit Card Free Night Certificates
Hotel credit cards can earn you points toward free nights. So, if you travel frequently, you might want to consider getting a hotel credit card that could save you money with a free night stay.
Furthermore, these cards provide additional benefits such as complimentary elite status, which can make your stay more enjoyable, and bonus points that can make your future hotel stay much cheaper. The following are some of the best credit cards that offer free night certificates:
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
- The World of Hyatt Credit Card
- Hilton Honours American Express Card
- Wyndham Rewards Credit Card
4. Share Travel Costs
You can save money on travel by planning your trip with a family member or a friend. You’ll be able to split expenses like hotel, gas, and food costs this way.
5. Pack Light
Packing a light suitcase or backpack for your vacation has several advantages. For starters, you could avoid checked bag fees and travel faster by taking public transportation instead of paying for a private cab to your hotel or Airbnb. Also, if you intend to explore different parts of the country, you’re visiting, packing light will allow you to move around and change locations more easily.
The Bottom Line
Even if you think you’ll only have to pay for your flight, travel expenses can quickly add up. As a result, you should put a lot of thought into your trip. While traveling on a budget can be challenging, it can also be rewarding because you will not only be able to save money, but you will also be able to see your destination in a different light and create a brand-new experience.