People think that travelling is a luxury. It doesn’t have to be if you know a few tips and tricks to keep your expenses to a minimum. With a little preparation and the right attitude, you can score that perfect out-of-town trip without sacrificing your savings. Here are ten cheap ways to travel while still having a wonderful time.
Do some research and look for the best rewards card that fits your needs.
We all know about frequent flyer miles and credit card reward points. It may not be for everyone because having a credit card or two can be tough to manage for some, but for those who are comfortable with using credit cards to rack up reward points and frequent flyer miles, the trick is to find the rewards card with the best deals and the cards that you would most likely use.
Do a little research online and compare rates.
You may also want to look into credit cards that are airline-branded. Some of these credit cards reward new customers with bonus miles just for getting their credit card. Who knows, you might actually get a free trip after only a few months.
Be smart with your money and plan how much cash and/or which credit cards you’re bringing with you.
Having an itinerary and attaching a budget to each item on your itinerary can help you manage your expenses when you’re travelling. Itemize your possible expenses from the cab fare from your house to the airport to your accommodations and daily budget.
Research entrance fees to tourist spots or amusement parks.
Ask around for the average cost of a meal in that area. Once you have an estimate of your whole trip, you’ll know how much cash you need to bring.
You can also decide when you can opt to use a credit card instead of cash. If you’re travelling abroad, it may be better to use a credit card or debit card that has no foreign transaction fees or international withdrawal fees. Sometimes travellers fail to notice these types of fees that only add to your expenses.
Consider your transportation options.
Find out which type of transportation is cheaper and more reasonable for you. Weigh the pros and cons of driving as opposed to taking the bus, the train, or getting on a plane.
Do not choose your method of transportation solely based on how much it will cost. Consider other factors as well. Most of the time travelling by land may be cheaper, but it will take you longer and will eat up a lot of your vacation time.
Look into budget airlines as well.
Pick a good schedule for your trip.
Plane fares are usually cheaper off season or on slow travel days. Mid-week flights also tend to be cheaper than weekend flights.
Consider your accommodation options.
Look for the cheapest hotels or hostels.
You can also go for other options like a home renting service or home exchange service, both of which are getting more and more popular these days.
Renting a house or apartment can be more cost efficient than staying in a hotel, especially if you’re travelling as a family or as a large group.
Travel light.
You can avoid airline baggage fees by sticking to the essentials and packing light.
You can plan your outfits ahead and bring clothing items that are flexible and easy to mix and match.
Sometimes we buy a lot of things during our trip and they add additional pounds to our existing baggage. Make sure you know the luggage weight limits.
Have a travel kit with travel-sized containers.
You can actually save a lot of money by using refillable travel-sized containers full of the essential things like shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste.
You don’t have to keep buying those small shampoo bottles or small toothpaste tubes every time you go on a trip.
Keeping them in refillable containers means you can buy in bulk and just refill when needed.
A travel kit is also useful if all you are bringing is a carry-on bag. You won’t have to be worried about the rules on bringing liquids on a flight when you use small travel size containers.
Be smart when shopping during your trip.
Try not to go crazy with the souvenirs. Sometimes these items have “tourist prices” which are higher than they normally are.
You can also try asking about tourist discount cards at retail stores.
Big retail stores have tourist discount cards that can help shave a few dollars off your purchase.
Watch what you eat during your trip.
Food expenses can actually be the bulk of your expenses when travelling.
You can save money by bringing your own snacks and drinks when going around the city or when sightseeing.
You can also save money if you shop at a local grocery store for munchies or drinks that you can keep in your room during your trip.
Travel with friends.
What’s a better way to lower costs than travelling with buddies who will share the expenses with you?
If you’re travelling with a group, you can split the costs on accommodations, transportation and meals.
You can even take advantage of group discounts when applicable.
These are just ten ways to keep your costs to a minimum when travelling. Travelling doesn’t have to be expensive and stressful. With a little ingenuity and a positive attitude coupled with some very helpful money-saving tips, you can be well on your way to a fun trip.
