How to save money on your travels

How can you save money on your travels?

Traveling is great, getting to know new places, experiencing different cultures and cuisines is always rewarding.

However, we can’t deny that the destination you want isn’t always affordable.

Here we’ll give you lots of good tips for planning your itineraries without worrying about the bill at the end of the month.

The price of fuel, airline tickets, hotel accommodation and food has risen, especially after the pandemic.

In this sense, many people don’t manage to go on their dream trip, or if they do, the bill is too expensive in the end.

But there are ways to save money on your travels.

Planning

Everything in life needs to be planned, whether it’s a higher education course, buying a house or a car, among other things.

It’s no different when it comes to traveling: you need to think carefully and, if you want to save money, always make smart choices.

Start by planning. Thinking about the whole itinerary of your trip, whether you’re going to stay in a hotel or hostel, or whether you’d prefer to rent a house.

Also, whether it’s worth going by car or plane, depending on the distance and the price of gasoline, the car is better.

There are many flight search aggregators and airline ticket offer sites, so make the most of these resources.

This way, you’ll be able to save money on your trips, with more affordable options that fit into your budget.

If you’re not willing to spend a lot, visit some of the tourist towns near you.

As well as being more economical, it will give you pleasure, and you’ll be more motivated to go further.

Go light to save money on your travels

If you’re traveling by plane, for example, take a simple suitcase that isn’t too heavy, as this will avoid checked baggage fees.

What’s more, you’ll find it much easier to get around with a backpack or light suitcase, so you can use public transport, for example.

That way, you can save the money you would have spent on cabs, not to mention the fact that using the bus or metro can be an experience.

Speaking of clothes, preferably thinner ones, if the place isn’t cold, of course, a lighter look is much better for washing.

Therefore, try to take clothes that match each other, so you don’t need too many.

And to save money on your travels, don’t take too many pairs of shoes. Prefer one that goes with everything, no more than two.

Otherwise, with a lighter suitcase, your trip will be more enjoyable, without having so many things to carry and pay for.

If you’re traveling by car, find some friends to go with, as this will save you money on fuel.

As well as tolls and other expenses

You’ll also be safer if something unexpected happens, such as a tire change or a breakdown.

Take your own snacks

A great tip for saving money on your travels is to bring your own snacks, no longer going to expensive places.

Or rather, not that you can’t take a day out to eat, but avoid going out hungry.

Give preference to healthy, protein-packed snacks, such as cereal bars, fruit or wholemeal bread with whatever filling you like.

Another option is to shop in local supermarkets, which can be great for getting to know different foods.

In other words, when we’re traveling, we need to be open to new experiences.

As well as saving money, you’ll also get to know other types of food.

To save money on your travels, don’t forget to take your water bottle.

As well as staying hydrated, when you run out of water, you can refill it.

In this sense, there are many places that have water without you having to pay for it, so prefer a foldable canteen that doesn’t take up space.

You can save money when traveling in hotels

If you stay in a hotel, and it offers breakfast, which is usually served until 10am, always eat as late as you can.

That way, you won’t get hungry too early, and if you take a snack on your way around the city, you won’t need lunch.

It’s a way of saving money on your travels, without having to go out and look for a place to have coffee.

Speaking of which, while you’re at the airport, it’s always a good idea to visit the lounge – many credit cards have travel benefits.

One of these advantages is the Priority Pass, which entitles you to meals at the airport, which can be an incredible gastronomic experience for you.

What’s more, if your card has this priority, you can also take advantage of fast internet speeds.

As well as massage rooms, gyms and showers, all at your disposal for a more economical and peaceful trip.

On the other hand, if you want to save money on your travels, avoid leaving late, as you’ll have to take a cab when you’re late.

You’ll certainly pay more than on public transport.

Not to mention that getting to the airport is more expensive at certain times.

More tips for saving money

It may be that your destination is not close to a city that has a hotel structure for you to stay in.

However, it is possible to find a local who will rent out a spare room or even an entire house.

With the AirBnB app, you can even save on food, as many offer complimentary breakfast.

If you prefer to rent a house via AirBnB, it usually has a kitchen with all the equipment, which makes your life easier.

Think about it, you can save money on your travels by cooking your own meals.

Take the opportunity to try local ingredients, which are cheaper and more accessible.

So allow yourself to taste new flavors. Don’t always stick to your own tastes, take the opportunity to learn new things.

On the other hand, have you thought about staying in a hostel?

It can be a great choice, and it will greatly reduce the cost of your trip, although you will have to share a room with other people.

But it can be fun and interesting, as you’ll make friends and meet people from other places.

These accommodations have kitchens, lounges and some even have laundry facilities. Imagine having all these advantages for so little!

Well, a website like Hostelworld is a good tool for finding affordable hostels.

You’ll also have access to reviews from other people who have already stayed there.

In other words, it’s a good alternative for saving money on your travels.

But remember, it’s not a 5-star hotel, so be prepared for new experiences.

Tax refunds to save money on your travels

The US Department of Homeland Security has a Trusted Traveler program.

This allows you to apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, which makes screening faster.

You don’t have to stand in long lines to do this, and you also get the benefit of a refunded fee.

On the other hand, there are many credit cards that have this benefit, so keep an eye out to see if yours does.

Points and miles

To save money on your travels, don’t give up your card’s points and miles.

In fact, you can significantly reduce the cost of flights and accommodation with these resources.

There are many people who have reduced their expenses because of this. They accumulate thousands of points.

This way, they can cover a large part of their costs just with the benefits they’ve earned over the year.

Many credit cards also have travel insurance and car rental insurance, so keep an eye on your card’s rewards.

Affordable tours to save money on your travels

If you want to save money on your travels, prefer free or inexpensive tours.

In this sense, it’s always good to take a look at where there are walking tours or even a hiking trail.

If you’re in cities like New York or Paris, you’ll want to get to know the city.

So explore, get to know and visit free museums, musical concerts and many others.

In short, with all these tips, you can save money on your trips, you just need to plan well.

Not to mention that visiting other places and getting to know different cultures broadens your horizons, as well as is very good for your health.

Daniel 29 de April de 2024