How to Travel Cheap: 7 Fool-Proof Strategies you Need to Know
You finally saved enough to even consider booking that flight to Hawaii.
But… How in the world are you going to afford to eat when you’re there? To stay somewhere without it being a roach-coach motel?
Do you struggle to make ends meet, but you can’t live without a vacation? There’s no need to worry! You’re in luck. I’m the queen of shoestring travel. Yeah, I’m a bit obsessed with saving money. My obsession is your gain!
I love traveling. But it can be outrageously expensive if you don’t know how to implement these few money-saving tricks.
Here are my top seven ways to make travel affordable for any budget.
1. Prioritize what’s important to you
As you plan your vacation, decide what you can and can’t live without seeing or doing.
Start by making a list, favorite things first.
Would you rather eat-out at an expensive steakhouse or take the hot air balloon ride you’ve always longed to do?
Crazy about experiencing culture-specific food? Save money by choosing certain meals to splurge on while eating like a pauper for others. Have cold cereal or toast for breakfast, then immerse your tastebuds in a gourmet cheese platter and wine sampling.
Plan pricier activities along with some cheaper things to do. Be extravagant in your planning, then narrow it down to what you can afford.
Don’t be afraid to try freebies. A free beach, a free public garden, museums with a free admission day… Do your research well on your vacation area and you can’t go wrong.
Be search specific when looking for cheaper alternatives and coupons. If you’re considering a spa vacation, search for something like this — “affordable spa resorts in Miami Beach.”
RetailMeNot is a great place to shop for coupons on hotels or activities.
Honey is an app or web browser extension. It’s another amazing money-saving feature for finding perfect vacation deals.
2. Save on plane tickets
Looking at all the flight booking options is overwhelming. Priceline, TripAdvisor, Kayak– where do you even start?
Each site promises you the very best prices. But you know they can’t all be right. So, which one is the cheapest?
Here are three of my favorites to help you with your budget journey:
- Priceline
Priceline is the most user–friendly website to navigate. They offer so many booking packages — hotel+car, flight+hotel+car… The package options are customizable and almost endless. Plus, they offer discounts for package deals! Who doesn’t want a discount? - Hopper
The Hopper app’s prices on plane tickets and hotels are comparable to Priceline. But! You can set a price watch on plane tickets. It sends you notifications if your flight prices are going up or down. Super convenient. - Expedia
My favorite easy-on-the-wallet option — Expedia. Expedia has offered the most affordable prices on plane tickets that I have found so far. Their app is a little more difficult to navigate than Hopper or Priceline. But the outstanding deals make up for the somewhat clunky features.
Go ahead and try all the apps. See which one you jive with. Find your deal and make sure you do a little happy dance when you click that “Book” button.
You’re going on vacation!
3. Travel out of season
Traveling out of season is another way to save money to do what you love.
There’re several reasons why this is a smart move.
Most airlines, hotels, Airbnb, and vacation destinations have “in-season” and “out-of-season” pricing, so make sure you know when those seasons occur in your location choice. For most areas, this would be October–March, the winter months.
There’re several reasons why this is a smart move.
- It saves you money
- You miss the crowds
- Better selection for vacation rentals
- Everything is cheaper
Because of the thinning crowds during Winter, these places often offer discounts and special pricing to lure in potential clients.
Sign up for email updates or turn on your app notifications to keep an eye out for those out-of-season deals.
Off-season specials are only available for a brief amount of time. Be flexible on your travel dates and you may land a smoking hot deal.
4. Is Hotel or Airbnb better?
Ah, the age-old question of hotels vs Airbnb.
Hotels are great if you need a quick stay off the interstate. While the Marriot is swanky, it’s not healthy for your wallet.
Unless you get a super cheap motel (you know the kind I’m talking about. Gross!) — you won’t save a whole lot.
Enter Airbnb, HomeAway, and FlipKey. My home away from home and the best online sites to find a rental deal.
If you don’t mind taking care of yourself, opt for a self-catering house. You can find any property type, any house size, any location, anywhere, even overseas.
You’ll save a surprising amount of money by renting a vacation home instead of getting a hotel room.
Granted, most vacation rentals are self-catering. You’ll have to do your own shopping, cooking, and cleaning. This seems like more work on your vacation, but a little extra effort never hurt anybody. Right?
By doing your own work, you can save money to fulfill your lifelong dream of skydiving, swimming with dolphins, scuba diving, wine tasting, or whatever floats your boat.
But what exactly is self–catering?
5. Self-Catering
Self-catering while on your vacation is an excellent way to save an ample hunk of money.
I like to have an easy menu planned, and my grocery list all ready to go before I leave.
Plan meals that include easy-to-make dishes. Like bagels and cold cereal for breakfast. Sandwiches for lunch. Canned tomato soup and grilled cheese for dinner.
Choose yummy meals that you love, but are easy to throw together.
Most importantly, don’t stress about it.
Don’t be shy to experience locally sourced food as well as the cheaper supermarket foods. In many European countries, a simple bread and cheese meal is cheap, easy, and delicious. Fresh seafood in coastal towns and cities is more affordable than in the central states.
Keep in mind, you’re saving money by making your own food. This means you’re free to splurge once in a while. Treat yourself to that expensive steakhouse. Get ice cream after a hot day on the beach.
Another awesome benefit to self-catering is getting to see a different side of the local attractions. Since you’re already at the store shopping for groceries, go ahead and visit with the locals in their own environment.
Ask where the town’s best-kept secrets are. Find out where the locals love to hang out. Keep your eyes and ears open for juicy tidbits.
I’ve discovered many delightful little gems just by driving around town. Try it. Hop in your car and go for a drive. You’ll be surprised by what you might find.
Budget travel is different, but the benefits are endless.
6. Plan to save before you vacay
Saving money doesn’t have to start during your vacation. Start saving now. It’s easy once you get in the swing of things.
- Instead of buying that Starbucks flat white every morning on your way to work, make yourself a cup of coffee before you leave in the morning.
- Do you buy your lunch every day? Try packing lunch for work or school so you can eat out more on your vacation.
- Extras like soda pop, chips, and cookies, (we all have a weakness) can be cut out of your grocery list.
- Cancel subscriptions like Netflix, CBS, Starz, Hulu, subscription boxes, gym memberships, cable, or any other unnecessary subscription. Going without these entertainment options is hard, but think of the reward that awaits you!
- There are so many money-saving apps out there — most even connect to your bank account. The Acorns app saves you money every time you purchase an item on your debit or credit card, rounding up your total to the nearest dollar. Digit is another great money-saving avenue. It connects to your accounts and calculates what you can save based on your income and expenditures. It then sets a little money aside in savings for you.
Cutting these little things out of your regular living expenses can save you a substantial amount of money. Try it for a few weeks– you’ll be amazed at the results.
7. Use a travel agent
Say what? Don’t travel agents cost a lot of money to work with?
Of course not!
When you book your vacation through a travel agent you save time and money — both of which are always in short supply.
Travel agents know the ins and outs of hundreds of destinations. They’ll give you expert and knowledgable advice on where and how to save money.
Travel professionals aim to understand your needs and dreams. They’re dedicated to giving you the best possible value for your trip.
You can work with a travel agent to customize a vacation suited to you and your family. They’re willing to plan as little or as much of your vacation as you want.
And best of all? They’re available 24/7 to answer questions or to help untangle cancelations or problems.
What’s not to love when a travel agent does the hard work, leaving you to sit back and relax.
Have FUN!
The biggest thing to remember — have fun! It’s so easy to get frustrated by travel budgeting. Not being able to do everything you want to do is uber annoying.
But keep your mindset positive. This is essential to having a good time.
Positive thinking keeps your mind from going to those “I wish” thoughts. It’s a complete attitude changer, leading you to a, “Let’s make this work!” kind of outlook.
Make your budgeting and planning a family affair. Get everyone involved by researching your vacation area.
Encourage children to find activities they would enjoy. If you involve the kids, they’ll value the vacation more and enjoy themselves better. Knowledge is power and what kid doesn’t want more power?
Traveling on a budget is enlightening and an awesome learning curve for all ages. What a great opportunity for you and your family to expand your experiences!
Don’t wait to get rich before you see the world. Do it now.
Make this your most momentous vacation ever.
