How to Save Money When Traveling.
- Curry Forest
- May 22, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 9
This article is part of the Travel Budget Series that starts at "Steps to Take to Plan Your Travel"
Plan in Advance:
Use comparison tools and book transport and accommodation 2-3 months in advance to find the lowest prices.
Travel during the off-season to save money on flights, accommodations, and attractions due to lower demand.
Be flexible with your dates to get the best deals. Sometimes shifting your departure or return date by a day or two, or even to a different type of day can lead to significant reductions in flight and accommodation costs.
Fly with a budget airlines. This is especially cost-effective for those who travel light.
Choose refundable options and subscribe to price-alerts to be notified when prices drop, so that you to rebook at a lower rate or negotiate with existing bookings for price adjustments.
Avoid expedited processing services for passports and visas by applying way in advance. It also ensures that you have ample time to address any potential issues or delays in the application process.
Research discounts for various traveler types: solo, large groups, seniors, military personnel, veterans and families, children, students, newly weds, low-income etc.
Look up government subsidies, benefits, or discounts for traveling. his is particularly useful for free transportation to cultural and historical sites and parks. (I share resources at the end of the article).
Connect with locals and fellow travelers not only to enrich your travel experience but also to learn valuable insider tips on budget-friendly accommodations, dining options, and hidden gems off the beaten path.
Choice of Transportation
Budget both travel to the destination(s) and during your stay(s). Write down the cost of all the expenses associated with the journey. For instance, if driving is your choice, note the estimated travel duration, rental car fees, vehicle insurance, toll expenses, parking fees, fuel costs, maintenance costs, roadside assistance or emergency repairs and any potential unforeseen expenses, and meals and snacks. If the journey also includes an overnight stopover, especially if you're driving long distances, include hotel or motel fees, campground costs, or any other lodging expenses.
Compare various modes of transportation, including flights, trains, buses, and car rentals, and choose the most cost-effective option based on factors such as distance, travel time, and convenience. In fact, a multimodal approach might work out to be the best!
Explore alternative transportation options such as carpooling, or bicycle rentals for short-distance travel.
Look for transportation discounts. City passes or tourist cards offer unlimited travel on public transport and discounts on attractions. Also look for multi-day or weekly passes.
Accommodation:
Look for accommodation options that offer complimentary amenities such as breakfast, Wi-Fi, or shuttle services, free or discounted wellness and recreational services.
Consider unconventional accommodation options like house-sitting, couch-surfing, home-sharing services, or volunteering for free accommodation provides unique experiences while saving on lodging costs
Seek out accommodations that cater to you. For instance, if you're a solo traveler, look for accommodations willing to waive single supplement fees or offer shared room options. Many hotels offer discounts to seniors, veterans, people with disabilities etc.
Check if you qualify for any membership discounts or loyalty programs with hotel chains or booking platforms, as these can sometimes provide additional savings or perks for frequent travelers. You can even check your credit card benefits.
Insurances:
Review your existing insurance policies, including health, auto, and travel insurance, to identify potential overlaps in coverage and avoid unnecessary expenses on redundant policies.
Purchase additional insurance coverage for specific activities or destinations, such as adventure sports or high-risk travel locations. This protects you from unexpected expenses related to injuries or emergencies.
Purchase family travel insurance to recover nonrefundable expenses such as airfare, hotel reservations and excursions if you’re forced to cancel your trip or leave early due to an emergency. Travel insurance can also help your family cover the cost of lost baggage and emergency medical expenses.
Food:
Explore local markets, food stalls, and grocery stores for affordable and authentic dining experiences.
Invest in portable cooking gear, such as coolers, stoves, or cookers, to prepare your meals on the go, particularly during road trips or outdoor adventures.
Carry your own drinks and snacks to avoid overpaying for food in tourist-heavy areas.
Take advantage of happy hour promotions at restaurants and bars, where you can often find discounted prices on food and drinks.
Baggage Storage Fees:
Take advantage of luggage storage facilities at airports, train stations, or accommodations so that you can explore destinations freely without being burdened by heavy bags. It avoids the need for additional hotel nights solely for baggage storage.
Consider sharing luggage storage costs with fellow travelers to reduce individual expenses.
Recreation:
Prioritize attractions and activities as a group by splitting into smaller groups based on interests and preferences. This ensures that everyone gets to experience their desired experiences without overspending on activities of lesser interest.
Look for bundled attraction passes or city cards that offer discounted admission to multiple sights and activities.
Look for free things to do at your destination, such as walking tours, public parks, and free entry days at museums.
Keep an eye out for local festivals, markets, or cultural events happening during your visit, as these often provide free or low-cost entertainment and opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Research destinations and attractions that offer discounts or promotions specifically for solo travelers, elderly, children, large groups, military personnel. There are discounts for every category.
Joining group tours or excursions will save you money on transportation, guide fees, and through group discounts on admission tickets or activities.
Currency Fees:
Time your currency exchange transactions to take advantage of favorable exchange rates.
Withdraw larger amounts of cash less frequently to minimize currency conversation and ATM withdrawal fees.
Consider using credit cards with no foreign transaction fees for purchases abroad to save on currency conversion costs.
Consider exchanging a small amount of currency before your trip to have local cash on hand for immediate expenses upon arrival, as airport currency exchange desks may offer less favorable rates.
Connectivity:
Research local SIM card options for affordable data and calling plans.
Identify Wi-Fi hotspots or internet cafes in your destination where you can access free or low-cost internet.
Download offline maps and translation apps so that you don't need continuous connectivity.
Utilize free communication, navigation, translation and other travel apps.
Consider sharing a portable Wi-Fi device or pooling data plans to collectively reduce costs associated with internet access while on the go.
Gratuities:
Understand the tipping customs at your destination to avoid over-tipping or under-tipping situations and unnecessary expenses.
Tip in local currency whenever possible to minimize currency conversion fees.
Packing:
Create a packing list based on your destination, planned activities, and anticipated weather conditions, and avoid overpacking. This reduces baggage weight and potential excess luggage fees, and shopping expenses at the destination.
Pack essential medications and medical supplies to avoid the potentially high costs of purchasing medications abroad or seeking medical treatment for pre-existing conditions.
Unexpected Expenses and Backup Plans:
Plan for emergencies that may arise during your trip.
Plan for unbudgeted expenses: We underestimate how easy it is to overlook some expenses even after some planning. We need to allow for "unforeseen" costs in our budget.
Plan for impulse purchases: If you are a shopper at heart, you know that temptation increases while traveling. By budgeting for it, you can save yourself some buyer's remorse. (This also applies to travel upgrades. Prices of upgrades are higher too when there is limited availabiliity, so don't wait till the last minute).
Research local medical facilities in advance, so that you are prepared when you have a medical emergency.
Hidden fees:
Scrutinize booking terms and conditions for any hidden fees or surcharges before confirming reservations.
Monitor your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges or billing errors throughout your trip. Keep receipts and documentation for all transactions to facilitate dispute resolution in case of billing discrepancies.
Government Resources:
1. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) offers information on various transportation programs and subsidies, including the Essential Air Service program.
2. Transit Authorities: Many city and state transit authorities have their own websites detailing fare discounts and programs for seniors, students, and low-income individuals.
3. Benefits.gov is a comprehensive resource for various government benefits, including travel and transportation-related assistance.
4. Amtrak provides detailed information on discounts for seniors, students, military personnel, and others.
5. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides information on tax deductions and commuter benefits
6. National Park Service offers details on the America the Beautiful Pass and other discounts for accessing national parks and federal recreational lands.
8. Veterans Affairs (VA) provides information on travel benefits for veterans, including discounts and reimbursement programs.
9. Local Government Websites have dedicated sections for transportation and travel assistance programs.
10. AARP offers information on discounts and benefits for seniors, including travel-related discounts.
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