Traveling is expensive, but totally do-able. With a dream, a bit of planning, and some tricks, you can travel on any budget! Here are 16 ways to save money while you travel!
I have to start with a disclaimer…I am by no means a full-blown budget traveler.
When I travel I like to enjoy a private room with a comfy bed to sleep on and a bathroom I do not have to share–so no hostels, couch-surfing, room-sharing for me.
Annndddd, I am a major scaredy-cat- so that eliminates hitchhiking.
I also still enjoy a fancy dinner out and will splurge for the occasional adventure. I am all about trying something new each place I visit.
Buuuutt….I also travel using a teacher’s salary, so I do have to be mindful of what I spend money on.
So if you are less high-maintenance than me, there will be even more ways to save money. But, if you like to travel without foregoing basic necessities, then keep reading š
With this being said, there ARE ways to save money while you are planning and while you are traveling. Here are 16 of the ways I have used…that actually work!
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Table of Contents
1. Be Flexible with your Flight Dates
I work full-time as a teacher, so I cannot be completely flexible, but I do try to search within 2 or 3 days.
Use the calendar feature on Google Flights to experiment with the dates. I have saved a lot of money doing so!
2. Pack in a Carry-on
This could easily save up to 70 dollars per person.
That’s enough for a zipline or snorkeling tour…hint, hint.
A lot of airlines allow you to have a carry-on and personal item. So do your research and pack to the fullest š
3. Make a budget before your trip and stick to it.
This one is important.
It is SO easy to get sucked into all the cool things you see on vacation, but trust me this will lead to stress while traveling.
Make a plan beforehand and use the “give and take” method.
For example, if you realllllyyy want to go ziplining on vacation, try to save that money in your accommodation.
Or, if you NEED to have the room with the view, try cooking dinner at your accommodation versus eating out.
Set your priorities and stick to them.
4. Compare Accommodations
Before booking anything, I always check different sources. Sometimes Airbnb is your best bet, other times hotels are the best bet.
If booking a hotel, be sure to check HotelsCombined. It is an all-in-one search engine that will search all of the TOP travel companies with a BEST price guarantee. Use the search engine below to get started.
Tip::: I sometimes find great bundle deals on Expedia. Flight +hotel +car
5. Book an Accommodation with a Kitchen
This is such an easy way to save money. You can store your breakfast and lunch materials in the refrigerator and cook simple meals.
This way, you can save your money for several nice nights out for dinner.
If you prefer staying in hotels, book one with continental breakfast.
6. Stop at the Grocery Store upon arrival
Once you book your accommodation with a kitchen, you will need some food.
You can typically make a meal for under 5 dollars pp versus spending 15-20 going out.
7. Skip the room with “the view”
This will of course depend on your priorities.
When I travel, I like to save my money for activities.
Ask yourself, how long you are really going to be inside your room???
8. Bring a reusable bottle of water
Such an easy way to save money while at the airport and at your destination. I mean, do you REALLY want to waste 5 dollars on a bottle of water at the airport.
I use one that I can hook on to my backpack so I don’t misplace it.
9. Bring some snacks
I rarely leave my house without packing snacks š
Seriously, you can always find me with cheese itz or a granola bar.
But, this can also save money at the airport and while exploring.
Ya never know when you are going to need a quick snack in between adventures and meals.
10. Pack essentials
Try not to wait to buy sunscreen (shampoo, conditioner, ibuprofen, etc.) at your destination.
It’s always much more expensive and then you end up wasting it because you can’t bring it back in your carry-on.
Fill up those little three-ounce bottles and stuff em in your bag. They really do not take up that much space. And you don’t need to bring 14 pairs of shoes.
Priorites š
11. Limit the Alcohol
We all know alcohol is expensive! Either grab some at the grocery store or skip it altogether.
12. Early arrival/Late Departure
This is my new favorite tip that I have recently been using.
As much as I like my sleep, sometimes the Red-eye flights are your best bet (for saving money and extending your time!!!)
If you arrive in the morning or depart late at night, you have a free day to explore without having to pay for a place to sleep.
13. Skip the Souvenirs
I am so very guilty of getting sucked into souvenirs.
Buuuuut then I get home and they just get thrown into the closet or add to the clutter in my little apartment.
Pictures and Memories are your very best souvenirs!!
14. Hike!!!
SERIOUSLY, TRY HIKING!
It’s free, you get exercise, and you see the COOLEST things off the beaten track.
Did you skip the view in your accommodations? No problem, you can hike to a MUCH cooler one for free.
Tip:::I always search All Trails and Trip Advisor to find the best hikes.
Check out these hiking vacations below!
Road to Hana (with my favorite hike)
BUCKET LIST United States Hikes!!!
15. Check Groupon
It’s always worth a try to check Groupon with your Destination. They might have a discount on the activity you wanted to try!
16. Take Advantage of Weekday Deals
Hotels, tours, flights, activities are sometimes cheaper during the week or offer a special weekday discount. Be sure to check it out!
If you are still trying to save money to book your next vacation, check out these 12 tips to Save Money BEFORE you travel.
Read these if you are interested in some budget-friendly vacations!
Do you have other ways that you use to save money while you travel? Share them below š
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