In touch economic times, we realize that it’s important to save money where we can while traveling. However, budget travel doesn’t mean that you have to miss out. You can save money and still have a great time on your trip. With the help of NPR, we have put together a list of travel strategies to put you on the right track.
- Research ahead. Research your destination to see if there are any city attractions that offer discounts on museums or transportation. Contact bloggers who live locally to get tips on where to go, what to see, and how to do so economically. You may find that in addition to saving money, you actually see and learn more.
- Estimate costs…then multiply by two. Make sure you have access to plenty of money during your trip. Also, keep an ongoing list of expenditures in a notebook. It’s easy to overspend without realizing it. Keeping an ongoing tab on your expenditures will allow you to hold yourself accountable.
- Travel costs. If you purchase plane tickets too early you will likely pay more. The same applies for purchasing too late. It is recommended that you start looking for tickets approximately two months out, checking every few days. Try to bring carry-on luggage to avoid the extra expense of checking your baggage.
- Flying vs. Driving. Check out a site like costtodrive.com to estimate the cost of driving to your destination versus flying. You may find that driving is not only cheaper, but also allows you to see more along the way.
- Flexibility. Having flexibility in the date and destination can save you a substantial amount of money. It enables you to stay away from peak travel seasons when flights are more expensive and visit destinations in their off seasons, allowing you to potentially save hundreds on accommodations.
- If it sounds too good to be true…it may be. Not to say that there aren’t great deals out there, but be wary of any incredible deals. You may find yourself a great distance from your intended destination than anticipated or in a less than accommodating hotel. Make sure you always check the reviews online.
- Avoid overpaying. Make sure you do the research on transportation from the airport, as many overpay on transportation. If you don’t have loyalty to any rental company, check out renting a car on a website like Hotwire or Priceline. Also make a point to research food options to avoid overpaying for food if you find yourself suddenly hungry.
- Be reasonable. While it’s good to save, don’t go so far as to make yourself miss out on major sightseeing opportunities in the interest of saving a buck. Avoid the risk of looking back later with regret.
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