Top 10 Ways To Save Money on Travel
Everyone loves to save money. The more money you save = the more vacations you can afford!! I listed my favorite ways to save money on travel and how to score the best deals! Share your favorite recommendations in the comments below!
1. Be flexible and wait for a good flight deal!
This is the number one way I save money on travel. I am incredibly flexible when looking up places to visit and when to go.
- Follow The Points Guy on Twitter and Facebook for Deal Alerts. If you have a Twitter account, set it up so that TPG’s tweets immediately get sent to your phone – this is important as some deals only last for a few hours.
- Sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights emails for flights aboard in the $200-$500 range. I don’t pay for the membership and find so much value in the free email subscription.
- Check Google Flights often. Sign up for alerts. Make this page your best friend. Note: Southwest is not featured on Google Flights – check this separately
- Look for flights on weekdays instead of weekends – rates are often much cheaper! PRO TIP: Tuesdays are the cheapest day to fly!
2. Earn points with Credit Cards!
Getting a travel credit card with point benefits is the first step. The second step is redeeming your points wisely.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns 3 points per $1 spent and can be redeemed for airlines, hotels, and other travel expenses!
- Get a credit card that partners with your favorite airline – this will give you free checked bags which saves so much money in the log run
- You use your points wisely – research what has the most value (hotels, airlines, other rewards, etc). Make sure you’re getting the most bang for your points!
3. Travel to cheap destinations!
If you want to travel on a budget, you should skip the exotic places like the Maldives. Instead, opt for the locations where cost of living is cheaper! Find the 18 cheapest places here!
4. Don’t splurge on food while traveling.
Trying local cuisine is one of the best parts about traveling. BUT, you don’t have to splurge in order to do this!
- Try street food!
- Stop at a grocery store & get breakfast foods – a dozen muffins and bananas costs so little compared to a coffee shop Danish every morning.
- Make a picnic and pack your lunch!
- Pre-game in the hotel with a bottle of (local?!) wine instead of getting expensive drinks at bars.
- When you do eat out, avoid eating in overly touristy areas – these restaurants are known for price gauging! Check Yelp or ask locals where to eat.
5. Use public transportation as much as possible.
- Buses and trains will save you so much money over renting a car or getting an Uber everywhere! Look into All Access Train passes before you travel to find the best rates.
- Public Transportation isn’t reliable? Rent a car, but don’t be picky about the type!
6. Save Money on Lodging by Trying…
- Hostels: Hostels have a bad rep for being dirty and unsafe… but if you do your research, you can find a hostel that is perfect for your needs! Read more about How to Book a Great Hostel HERE.
- Couch Surfing: this is a cheap way to stay in your favorite destination. You’ll stay with a local that will provide you with a couch or a room for little to no money!
- House sitting: Read about a fellow traveler’s experience with house sitting here.
7. Bring your walking shoes and explore by foot!
Instead of always calling an Uber or jumping in your rental car, give yourself more time to explore by foot. Not only is this great exercise, but it gives you a chance to see more of the city and not stress over traffic. Plus, it saves money!
8. Travel with Friends/Family
Traveling with a group is always cheaper because you can split the costs of hotels, taxis, food, etc. Plus, it’s more fun in my opinion! The more.. the merrier!
9. Give Yourself A Budget
When planning your trip, research the costs of day-to-day life (cost of a meal, uber ride, etc). Then give yourself a daily budget and do your best to stay within these guidelines.
10. Feeling spontaneous?
Look for Last Minute deals on cruises, all inclusive hotels, and vacation tours. They’ll often go down in price closer to the date if they haven’t sold.
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