If you are looking to save money while traveling, finding the right balance can be a challenge. You want to have an enjoyable vacation without spending too much money. However, there is no need for this balance to be hard!
In this blog post, we will discuss 6 ways to save money and still have a great time on your next trip abroad.
Plan your Trip Ahead of Time and Book It as Soon as you Know Where You Want To Go
When do you plan to go for the holidays? Planning ahead of time and booking as soon as possible helps you save money in the long run. If your next holiday is in Jersey, for example, booking it months or even years before the travel date can give you better hotel rates than if you booked it last minute when prices are already high. However, make sure that you have enough paid off days to take on vacation days because you will not be paid while on vacation.
Even if you are planning and booking in advance, it is always a good idea to keep an eye out for deals that might pop up closer to the time of departure. Sites like Google Flights or Expedia can alert you when there are cheaper flights available, so make sure to check them periodically to see if there is a better deal.
Use a Travel Rewards Credit Card to Earn Free Flights or Hotel Stays
If you are looking for a way to earn free flights or hotel stays, using a travel rewards credit card is the easiest and most convenient option. Instead of getting cash back on your purchases like other cards, these particular cards will give you points to redeem towards any travel purchase.
There are several benefits with this system, such as the points being transferable between family members with no extra charge. The best part is that these cards usually have an introductory offer of bonus points or free flights to get you started but make sure to read all the terms and conditions before signing up for one.
Get the Best Deals on Airfare By Booking During Off-peak Travel Times
One way to save money on your airfare is by checking for the cheapest days and weeks of the year. For instance, if you are looking to purchase a flight in December, which would cost $400 per person, that same ticket might be only $200 or even lower in September when flights are not as packed.
This is the case for hotel reservations as well, where off-peak travel times might have a lower price than peak times, but it all depends on your location and destination. For example, if you are looking to go somewhere in the summer months like July or August with heavy tourism traffic, you can expect higher rates because of demand during that time of year.
Consider Staying in Hostels Instead of Hotels
Staying in hostels is an economical way to travel because they are less expensive than hotels and will be more convenient for other travelers. This option might not be best if you have a family with children due to the shared bathroom space or lack of privacy, but it can totally work for solo travelers who want to save money on their travels.
Hostels also often offer a location to meet people with similar interests in which you can share travel stories and find out about the best places to visit. If you would like to stay somewhere more private but still save money, consider renting an apartment instead of staying at a hotel. This option will be pricier than hostel prices, but it can be worth the extra expense if you want to have a more comfortable place to stay.
Pack Light So That you Don’t Have to Pay for Excess Baggage Fees
When you are traveling the world, it is understandable that you want to pack a little bit more than when on vacation at home. However, your bag will weigh too much, leading to costly baggage fees from airlines for excess weight and size.
If this happens to be an issue for you in the past or if it seems like it might be in the future, it is a good idea to start packing lighter while on your travels. Here are some essentials for overseas travel. Bring one large suitcase instead of two smaller ones, for example, or pack items that can serve multiple purposes like shoes and jackets that you can wear more than once, depending on how you dress.
The other option is using an airline bag rather than checking a bag, so make sure to weigh your bag before you board the plane and plan accordingly.
Eat at Local Restaurants Instead of Going Out All the Time
When on vacation, it can be tempting to go out all the time and try the different restaurants that are available in your new location. If you want to save money while traveling, though, eating at local restaurants will help curb those costs because they are less expensive than going to nicer and more popular ones. If a restaurant is packed with locals, it is most likely a great restaurant that will be affordable and offer authentic cuisine from the region.
If you happen to be traveling with young children, this is an excellent idea because they are more likely to eat what the locals would rather than a place that offers American cuisine. If it’s still too much of a temptation for you but not your kids, ask them if they want pizza or hamburgers from home instead, and maybe they’ll be more willing.
Another way to save money is by packing some of your own food with you on the trip, not to have to buy as much in a new location or purchase expensive snacks while traveling. For example, if you anticipate spending $20 per day for three meals and two snacks, it would only cost about $12 per day to pack your own food and keep snacks in the car.
Planning and booking your airplane ticket as soon as you know where you want to go is the best way to get a good deal. It’s worth it to put in some time upfront researching flights, hotels, and other aspects of your trip before planning anything so that when you do book everything, there won’t be any surprises or hidden fees. If you’re looking for cheap accommodations on your vacation but don’t want to miss out on meeting people while traveling, consider staying at hostels instead of hotels; they provide more opportunities for socializing with other travelers than traditional hotel stays (although both have their benefits). Another money-saving tip when traveling is not packing too much luggage – this will save you from paying excess baggage fees!
