With the cost of travel rising, now more than ever it’s important to consider how you can travel on a budget, whether you’re looking to go on your own adventure or are trying to keep costs down for the whole family. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can still enjoy traveling without breaking the bank. These 9 ways to travel on a budget will help you get started making your next trip happen without draining your bank account.
1) Visit in the low season
A little planning goes a long way here. The best time to book flights, hotel rooms and rental cars is in January or February—it’s peak season for travel, but those are also slow months for most businesses, meaning you can negotiate great deals. Consider visiting during off-peak seasons as well: November through March is often more affordable than May through October.
2) Use discount airlines
People love JetBlue and Southwest Airlines because of their friendly customer service and sense of humor, but these airlines also offer cheap fares. Discount airlines, like Spirit, charge for every little thing—from getting your bags checked, to getting extra leg room. Look at what you’re paying for flights and decide whether those perks are worth it. If not, book your next trip with a budget airline—they won’t be as comfortable but they’ll definitely be cheaper!
3) Use Uber instead of taxis
Uber provides great service at far lower rates than taxis. If you’re headed somewhere unfamiliar, try out Uber and see if it works for you. (Be sure to read up on current Uber scandals before getting in an Uber.) The biggest advantage is that there are generally no cash transactions involved; your charge will show up directly on your credit card or PayPal account as soon as you get out of the car, so there’s little chance of fraud.
4) Stay in hostels
Hostels offer an affordable alternative to hotels. They provide cheaper accommodations and often include communal areas like kitchens and living rooms, making it easy for you to socialize with other travelers. Some hostels even have free breakfast, so you won’t have to spend money there either.
5) Rent an apartment or a room instead of staying in hotels
When traveling, it’s easy to be tempted by beautiful hotels with all of their perks and glory. But, if you can manage it, your best bet for saving money when on vacation is finding an apartment or room in someone’s home instead of staying in a hotel. Depending on where you are, that might be even more charming than any high-rise resort could ever hope to be.
6) Eat at home
Eating at home is one of best ways to save money when you’re traveling. You’ll be able to save even more by preparing your own meals, which will likely be healthier than anything you can find at restaurants abroad. To bring costs down even further, share meals with other travelers and cook in bulk.
7) Borrow equipment, such as binoculars
Nothing beats having your own equipment, but if you’re renting, don’t miss out because of price. Make sure to check in advance what you need for your trip so you can pick up or rent whatever you need along with your lodging. Ask your hotel front desk what they have available and make reservations ahead of time so there are no surprises. Also inquire about discounts! Check out discount ticket agencies, such as Funjet Vacations or Get Away Today.
8) Get out of the city
While travel may seem expensive in general, it’s not always necessary to vacation in an exotic location. If you have time off and need an adventure, consider spending your time closer to home. Whether you explore a new city within driving distance or venture out of state by train or bus, traveling outside of your everyday routine can often be cheaper than you might think!
9) Go on food tours
While food tours are intended for locals and tourists alike, they tend to be more affordable and unique than traditional guided tours. For example, Food Tours LA will run you about $75–$100 for a three-hour tour, which includes lunch. What’s more, you’ll learn about local eateries you may have never known existed.
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