Traveling can be expensive enough as it is, so you should always be on the lookout on how you can save money while out and about!
- Get the Best Hotel Rates
- Take Advantage of Campgrounds
- Avoid Taxis and Rideshare
- Eat Cheaply
- Consider Renting a Car Even if You Have Your Own
- Buy Your Flights Two Months Before You Fly
- Forget the Cash and Bring a Credit Card
- Get a Credit Card that Has not International Transaction Fees
- Get an International Plan on Your Cellphone
- Get a Hotel With a Mini Fridge to Eat Leftovers
- Book a Hotel with Free Breakfast
- Plan Free Activities
- Consider Airbnb instead of Hotels
- Consider Hostels, Especially if Traveling Abroad
- Learn to Haggle
- Travel with a Group and Split Expenses
- Get Travel Insurance
A fancy place to stay can end up costing you a fortune, and quickly. Unless you want a particular resort, use apps like Hotwire to find the absolute best pricing in hotels. It is not hard to find a deal! Giving yourself time to plan and snag the best hotel rates can be the biggest way you can save while traveling!
If you do not mind nature, camping can be cheap or even free lodging! Not only do you get to sleep in the great outdoors, but you will also be saving a ton of money on hotels! If you have a camper, campgrounds usually have hookups for minimal fees.
Traveling in a city? You probably want to avoid taxis, as they can get pricy quickly. Rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft are almost always going to be less expensive than taxis.
Avoid tourist trap restaurants or chain eateries, as you could end up spending a bundle on low-quality food. Consider seeking out local restaurants that may be less expensive, eating fast food, or even packing your own food in a cooler!
The cost of renting a car may be outweighed by the wear and tear on your own vehicle, especially if you are planning a cross-country trip. Most car rental companies allow for inter-state travel but shop around to find the company you are most comfortable renting from.
In general, flights are their least expensive about two months out from the time you plan to fly. Careful planning can save you a bundle. If you end up having to buy your ticket last second, you will almost always be paying a hefty premium.
The fraud and theft liability protection that many credit cards offer is far superior to carrying cash while you travel. Do not set yourself up to be a victim!
This does not have to be a standard fee that you just accept. Many credit cards offer no foreign transaction fees while used abroad. If you plan on getting out of the country, this kind of credit card can save you hundreds.
If you plan on having your cellphone even turned on while you are traveling it is worth it to get it set up with an international plan. This can subsidize the cost of texting, calling, and especially data. If you use your phone with proper planning, you could pay hundreds of extra dollars in phone costs.
Seriously, most serving at restaurants are far more than what you need to have in one sitting anyway. Having a mini-fridge for leftovers can save you a hunk in cash savings. While you are at it, consider getting a hotel with a microwave, as well! This can especially come in handy if your hotel does not offer a free breakfast. Speaking of which...
Most, but not all, hotels offer a free breakfast. Especially if you plan on traveling and staying in hotels for several days, having free breakfast can save you a bunch. It can also open up your budget for other food adventures!
There are a lot of really amazing things you can do while traveling that are completely free! Many zoos are free or low cost. Most national parks are free or low cost. You can get a full day of enjoyment for the whole family for just a few dollars instead of spending hundreds of dollars at a theme park.
Airbnb's can save you money and offer you more attractive lodging. It may seem awkward if your host is present in the house with you, but the savings should help you feel more comfortable. You can save 50% or more off of hotels.
Hostels are essentially group housing and are quite popular abroad. You can often find a safe, clean place to stay for just a few dollars. If you are looking to save a hunk of change, staying in hostels is a great way to do it!
Haggling can get you a lower price on all kinds of things. If you are traveling anywhere in Latin America, haggling is going to be a skill you want to be good at. This is especially true of vendors who are accustomed to doing business with tourists, as they have a tendency to overcharge. Do not be afraid to say no or ask for a better price.
Traveling with friends is always fun! Especially if you can split travel expenses. Renting a car, gas, hotel rooms, and more instantly become less expensive when you are splitting them three, even four different ways!
Travel insurance is the kind of product that you do not think you need until you need it. If you have a medical emergency while traveling and need to get back to the U.S., you could be looking at tens of thousands of dollars in cost to do so. Travel insurance is not that expensive and can show up big when you need it.
