I love to travel!!! Travel is one of the things that I save for monthly. I look forward to traveling all year long. I am either planning a trip, taking a trip, or talking about how great the last trip I took was.
Some people think that travel is too expensive or out of reach. I am here to tell you that there are many simple ways to travel on a budget…and I follow all of them.
If you are wondering how I save for travel, check out my post on setting a budget. I make sure to save money every month for travel.
I take some great vacations, to some amazing places, and I still manage to do it on a budget.
Why do I take so many vacations? Because it feels great. Check out my post about all the reasons that travel is good for you.
Now, everyone enjoys different types of travel. I enjoy the warm sun and the beach. Always have, always will.
Now if the big city or snowy mountains is more your speed, then keep reading. My simple ways to travel on a budget are for everyone and every location. I’ve been using these tips for years.
Off-Season Travel
My number one simple way to travel on a budget is to travel during the off-season. What does that mean?
That means no holidays, school breaks, or high season of the area that you want to visit. I prefer to travel during the off-season. Less crowds.
I recommend having flexible travel dates. I usually start my search with a range of dates.
Traveling during the off-season gives you a discount on almost everything. From accommodations to airlines and even excursions.
Flying on Weekdays
I have always flown on weekdays..particularly Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Whether you are paying for your flights or using miles, the discount is huge. This is another simple way to travel on a budget.
I have seen prices almost double on the weekends.
The other nice thing about flying midweek…You can breeze through security. There are usually fewer lines everywhere. I have also noticed that people are calmer midweek. More friendly. Makes for a nice travel experience.
Book Tickets Midweek
You’ve probably heard that booking your flights midweek is another simple way to travel on a budget. And it’s true.
I will follow airline pricing for a few days. The prices are always better on Tuesday and Wednesday. I have no idea why.
I always make sure to clear the cookies on my computer…basically erase the history on your browser. Then you do another search.
Book One-Way Tickets
Most people don’t know that another simple way to travel on a budget is to book one-way tickets. This method doesn’t always work, but it has saved me some money in the past.
Be sure to search for your destination as a one-way ticket and a round-trip ticket. You will be surprised to see the savings.
Be sure to clear your cookies…aka your browser history, every time you start a new search.
Google is one of the simplest ways to travel on a budget. This is one of the easiest ways to compare prices available from many different sources.
Whether you are researching resorts, hotels, or airlines….Google is your easiest source of saving money. One search will pull up all the different options.
Rent Homes, Villas, Condos
You are wondering how this will save you money? The kitchen is the number one way this saves you money. Having a kitchen on your vacation is a huge way to save money.
Now, I’m not saying that you should never eat at restaurants. I enjoy eating at restaurants. Trying out new types of cuisine. But I don’t want to have to go out for every meal. I enjoy staying in for breakfast and lunch and then going out for a special dinner.
Another way this saves money is less TIPPING. I believe in tipping people for doing service work…for sure. But when you stay at a hotel, you are constantly having to tip. Being in your own private villa eliminates the constant tipping. This is a huge saving.
Points or Club Memberships
Do you belong to a club that offers discounts? A great example is AAA. They are known for great travel discounts. Check out this article about all the benefits of AAA for travel.
Another way is credit card points. I know a lot of people don’t agree with credit cards, but I could not disagree more. If you are careful to pay off these cards every month, then you should be utilizing the perks.
I use airline credit cards. This offers great mileage points, free checked bags, and yearly companion tickets. There is a yearly fee, but it is worth it. Be sure to research which card will work best for you.
Transportation
Transportation is another simple way to travel on a budget.
The best way to save this money is to walk. Walking is free and great for you. Check out my post about all the benefits of walking daily.
Another way to save money when you visit a city is to use mass transit. Use the bus system or subways. If you are visiting a small island or quaint village then rent bikes.
Have you ever thought about renting an RV and traveling cross country? You are basically living in your transportation. That can be a huge saving.
Research, Research, Research
Research your destination. No matter where you go, I bet there are free parks, museums, festivals, and more to visit.
Know before you go. I don’t like to have a set itinerary, but I like to have intentions. Researching before you go will give you knowledge about what there is to do, and how much it will cost.
Don’t Buy Souvenirs
Another simple way to travel on a budget is by not buying souvenirs. I prefer to create memories, not buy stuff.
Splurge on an excursion. Try out that fancy restaurant. You will always remember the memories, who cares about a tee shirt or a shot glass.
I hope this helps you get started on planning and budgeting your next vacation
A few other travel budgets tips:
- Bring a water bottle. Bottled water is expensive, and creates waste.
- Carry-On Luggage. Baggage fees can add up.
- Driving instead of flying.
- Bring food and/or meal plan ahead of the trip. This saves time and money.
- Talk to locals. They are your best source of knowledge. They will always tell you the best places to go and eat.
- Try camping…if that’s your thing.
- Try a cruise. There are great deals to be had on cruising.
- Try an all-inclusive. You know exactly what you will be spending ahead of the trip. Usually no unforeseen costs.
- I also recommend that you check out social media. This is a free wealth of knowledge. There are a ton of travel blogs. Check out reviews of your destination or hotel beforehand.
Remember that traveling is a great time to relax. You can’t do everything in one trip. Plan another trip and go back again.
