This is always the number one question for people who want to travel. How to save money on travel comes up in so many of the travel groups I’m in because if you want to see the world then you definitely want to do it in a sustainable way. I remember when I booked my first big trip a few years ago and the mistakes I made and I want to slap that girl silly.
First I paid way too much for my flight. I booked the first option that I found without even thinking that there were ways to save on flights. Then I hired someone to book the hotels and plan out the itinerary. It cost me way more than it would have cost me and it wasn’t even worth it in the end because I didn’t have the best experience. Hindsight is always twenty twenty and with a few countries under my belt I have a few tips to save money on travel.
How To Save Money on Travel
The following tips are based on years of travel and life experiences and they are easy to use every time you want to travel somewhere local or international:
Table of Contents
Save on Flights
When looking for flights always search for the flight in private mode. This has always saved me money because for some reason when your flight search is public fare prices keep going up. Another way to save money on flights its to fly on the red eye or very early in the morning. Flights that depart at 5 or 6 in the morning tend to be cheaper than other more convenient flight times.
Also flying to regional airports tends to be cheaper then major airports. If you do a search always set the city to avoid selecting a specific airport so that you can get all the options from cities near you. For instance if flying from New York enter NYC and not JFK. This will give you all flights departing or arriving in the New York area.
Check this in-depth post on finding cheap flights.
Travel in The Off Season or Shoulder Season
I have saved thousands of dollars over the years by traveling in the off season or on a shoulder season. Both flights and accommodation are cheaper than the high season. The reason is that they need to fill the flights and rooms and demand drives price.
In the off season tours, experiences and entry prices for major places tends to be lower. There is a reason for this because you are gambling on the weather you’ll get but if you plan it out well you will experience the best at a bargain. I traveled to Japan, India and Santorini for example in the off season. I saved on the flights and accommodation big time. You can stay in hotels that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford.
One other perk of traveling in the off season is that you avoid the crowds. This often translates to better experiences and better service all round. I’ve been to places like Hawaii and Zanzibar where the locals have told me that I picked the perfect time because when the crowds come the level of service drops.
Travel With a Friend
I love traveling solo. There is so much freedom that comes with it but some times it just doesn’t make any sense to travel solo especially from a price point. Splitting accommodation prices, car rental expenses and meals usually saves some money. You may have to sacrifice your independence but if you travel with someone you get along with it’s a win win.
There are countries like Iceland or Jordan that are inherently expensive destinations. These are the types of destinations where it makes sense to find someone to travel with. Make sure you bring a good camera.
Compare Accommodation
There are so many options for accommodation all at different price points. Depending on the occasion and your reason for travel shop for different alternatives. I love Airbnb now and I’ve stayed at some very nice homes over the years. One perfect example was in Aruba where hotels tend to be a little more expensive for what you get.
I paid a fraction of what I would have paid for a hotel and the home came with a pool. Also they had a great barbecue area which we used with some of our friends who stayed at a hotel. You can always couch surf or house seat if you are traveling for an extended period. If you must stay at a hotel search for discounts and search for different price points of the same location. It amazes me how TripAdvisor can have an amazing deal in comparison to Expedia for the same place.
Travel Independently
I do not use travel agencies or tours because they are ALWAYS overpriced. They are out to make a profit so you will pay extra for a little convenience. If you are willing to drive yourself or take public transportation you may be paying as much as half what you would pay a travel agent or tour group.
Traveling independently also lets you choose where you want to spend the most time which means that you decide the best sights for you. I also feel that you get a better experience because its not a tailored tour so it’s a more authentic travel experience.
Search For Free Things to Do
In every major city if you do a simple search for “free things to do” there is always so much to do. Some of it is a waste of time but there are always great options included. Free walking tour are always just that! In Chile we did a free walking tour and we met some wonderful people. At the end of the tour you can tip your guide whatever you want.
There are local sights that are usually free like parks, libraries, museums and events. In Canada we stumbled on a music event that turned out to be the best thing we did in Canada besides seeing the falls in Niagara. When doing an itinerary look up free things to do as well.
Find Local Places to Eat
If you travel anywhere in the world eat where the locals eat. This will save money on travel because resorts and touristy restaurants charge double or more for food. I ask taxi drivers, people working at the resorts and basically anyone I encounter locals where they eat. You will not only get good deals but you’ll also get the best food. If I see a line of locals somewhere for food trust that I will also try to get in.
In Morocco I remember a guide telling us that there were places that were ‘InstaFamous’ but the food circulation wasn’t good. He said that the food may not be the freshest and then showed us a place where the locals frequented. Not only was the service good the prices were a fraction of the other place.
Use Your Cards Wisely
One option is to travel on rewards. This often needs bonus points and time to accumulate points for long distance travel. I’ll be honest I’ve only traveled locally using points and stayed at one budget hotel on points. It saves you money though because instead of paying $500 to travel for a long weekend I paid Free.99. I just booked an international flight using points and I am extremely excited.
The other tip associated with this is to use a card that rewards you well. Think double points and companion passes to save money on travel. Pick cards that don’t charge transaction fees because this can get up there depending on how often you travel. One other thing is to compare cards and check the perks. There are cards that give you free travel insurance, lounge passes and such. As always shop around!
Ask for Recommendations
I read up on blogs and ask for recommendations before I travel. Experience matters and people will always give their honest opinion if you ask for it. I’ve had people suggest options to me that I wouldn’t have thought of which has turned to savings.
When I travel and connect with a local person who could be a driver or guide and I get a bargain I always pass it forward to my friends. It may mean recommending a driver, accommodation or experience but if it saves money I’m on it.
Bring Your Own Snacks and Alcohol
Snacks and alcohol always cost so much more if you are staying at a hotel resort. If you are traveling with family and friends consider BYOB. Usually as I’ll pass by the duty free store at the airport for snacks and alcohol.
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