Traveling is an amazing way to see the world and grow your experiences, but it comes at a price. But what if that price was less than you think? There’s nothing wrong with a lavish luxury vacation but if you want to get away while still saving money, we’re here to help. There are plenty of ways to save money during traveling, including finding great deals on vacations and airfare, driving instead of flying, cooking your own meals, and bringing your own snacks and water around.
Look for Deals
There are plenty of deals on vacation getaways year round, even during peak season. Cruises often cut travelers deals and throw in incentives like free drinks or free tips. Or you can find packages that include airfare, accommodations, and some meals all lumped into one. Traveling with an all-inclusive tour like this can help save you some money.
Save on Airfare
Did you know that you can save hundreds on airfare, as long as you know where to look? The first way to save major cash on your flight is to be flexible with your dates. If you can be patient and shop around, you can find the cheapest dates and book your travel around those. Fun fact: according to CheapAir, you can get the best deals on flights 47 days before your departure. Another great way to save money is to set up flight trackers to get notifications when prices drop. Sometimes, airlines will under-book a flight or promote last-minute deals, which sites like Scott’s Cheap Flights can help detect.
Drive Instead of Fly
If flying just isn’t in the cards, you can still take an amazing vacation in the car. Road tripping is much more affordable and with this type of vacation, it’s just as much about the journey as the destination. Before heading out on the road, take care of your car by getting regular service checks and pre-maintenance. Although this will cost money up front, it will save you money in your travels.
If you want to make your trip even more exciting, rent a sports car, put the top down, and feel the wide, open breeze in your hair. The thrill of road trips are unmatched
Cook Instead of Eating Out
If possible, try to book a room with a kitchen, microwave, or mini-fridge. Eating out is one of the most expensive parts of traveling, so if you can cook some of your meals at home, it will help save you some money. At the beginning of your trip, do a quick grocery shopping trip to find easy, affordable things you can make on your own. Even eating one meal at home on your vacation a day can save you some serious cash.
Look for Free Activities
The best things in life are free, as they say! No matter where you travel to, there are sure to be plenty of fun things to do that will save you money while you still have fun. Some free activities the whole family will enjoy include walking around the neighborhoods, window shopping at local boutiques, going to the beach, catching community events, checking out museums, going to parks, and much more.
BYOS: Bring Your Own Snacks
You’d be surprised how much small things like water bottles, coffees, and snacks add up on vacation! By thinking ahead and preparing early, you can bring your own snacks and save money on the road. Bring a reusable water bottle along too and fill it up on your adventures to save yourself $3 or more for water (and the environment, too!). Make coffee at your hotel before you head out for the day to save even more on fancy cappuccinos, macchiatos, and coffee shop treats.
Vacations are a time to enjoy yourself, but there are ways to have fun and save money. Saving money while traveling is easy with a little research, preparation, and thoughtful adventures.
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