For many people, traveling can feel like a luxury, so it can be tempting to spend money on new experiences as soon as you have it. However, there are ways to save money while traveling that allow you to enjoy every part of your trip without going into debt just to do so.
Follow these 10 tips to save money while traveling and make sure that your travels don’t cost more than they’re worth.
Plan your trip in advance:
Before you book your ticket, make sure you have everything planned. You don’t want to be stuck with a bunch of time and money and nothing to do. Also, if possible, plan in advance so that you can get discount tickets or coupons. It may seem easier to wing it last minute when everyone else is doing it too, but sometimes it pays off to be a little more cautious with your vacation plans!
A great way to save money while traveling is by using websites like Groupon for discounts on activities and food. Another great website for travel deals is Expedia . If you are planning on staying at an Airbnb , there are also coupon codes out there for those as well!
Eat at local places, cook your own meals:
Research your destination and choose restaurants that are popular with locals. You’ll save money by supporting small businesses and sampling authentic cuisine. Save even more by cooking at home! Consider buying a few ingredients at local markets to whip up a quick meal or snack to bring with you on your travels. This can be both healthier and cheaper than eating out every day, especially if you eat street food while traveling in another country. And it will give you an opportunity to try some of the local flavor. When choosing hotels, look for those that offer free breakfast instead of paying for one separately. Hotel breakfasts can get pricey—$10–$20 per person is not uncommon—so skipping them will really add up over time.
In addition to saving money, these hotels usually have larger rooms and nicer amenities than their less expensive counterparts.You may also want to consider taking advantage of credit card rewards programs when you travel.
Stay in budget hotels:
Most hotels are expensive, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. If you’re going to stay at a hotel anyway, do some research before booking your room to see if there’s any less expensive alternatives.
Airbnb is a popular option for budget travelers; just make sure it has good reviews from other travelers who have used it. If you want even more savings, use Couchsurfing or Hospitality Club, which connect hosts with guests looking for free accommodation.
Pack light:
The first step in saving money on travel is to pack as light as possible. Before you go out and buy a new, lightweight suitcase (which can cost hundreds of dollars), try fitting everything you need into a backpack or small duffel bag. You’ll still be able to take all your clothing and toiletries with you, but you’ll carry less weight and save some cash at check-in.
Also, it helps to leave any extras—like that extra pair of shoes—at home. If you really want them, chances are good that they’re available for purchase once you arrive at your destination.
Avoid overspending:
The biggest mistake many travelers make is blowing their budget on unnecessary indulgences. By knowing in advance exactly how much a trip will cost and then sticking to that amount, you’ll be able to avoid overspending and saving even more money than you expected.
Bring cash for sightseeing instead of using cards or withdrawing from an ATM, so you can keep tabs on your spending—and save some money by avoiding ATM fees.
Use public transportation, walk, or rent a bike:
Public transportation is one of those things most Americans forget about until they’re in a city where there are no cabs, or even worse, no Uber. Cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen have public transport as their primary mode of transportation—it’s simply cheaper than renting a car or taking taxis everywhere.
In cities with public transit systems, buses can get you to most places for a fraction of what it would cost you to take a taxi.
Enjoy free things to do and see around you:
You don’t have to be a fancy traveler who stays in luxury hotels and eats at upscale restaurants to see new places. In fact, you can often enjoy many of your favorite activities while on vacation without spending any money at all!
Avoid tourist traps:
To save money on food and transportation, skip touristy restaurants and landmarks in favor of local hangouts. This way, you’ll be able to experience local culture—and not just its fad restaurants—without emptying your wallet. Don’t worry about feeling like a travel snob; locals don’t care where tourists go as long as they keep their business.
Find deals and discounts on activities before traveling:
If you’re an avid traveler, it can be easy to rack up a huge tab at all of your destinations. To save money while traveling, look for deals on activities before you leave home.
For example, if you love to hike, check out local hiking clubs in your destination and see if there are any organized excursions—you may even meet some new friends along the way!
Let technology help you out! Apps like Vayama, Hopper etc. can save you hundreds of dollars:
All you have to do is book your tickets as soon as possible, then set up price alerts for specific flights. If a flight is scheduled for $300 but drops to $250, you’ll be notified. Buy that ticket! So how much can you save? $200 in some cases. We’re talking trips from New York City to Miami that suddenly drop from $400 all the way down to $150.