How to Save Money on Travel

People who know me know that I love to travel. Recently, we were blessed to take an amazing luxury vacation to Italy to celebrate my 50th birthday. This was very different from how we normally travel. If you want to travel more and do it without overspending, here are some tips to help you save money on travel:

1. Plan and book in advance: Booking your flights, accommodation, and transportation well in advance can often result in significant savings. Airlines and hotels often offer cheaper rates for early bookings. Once you book, keep in mind airlines like southwest.com allow you to rebook for a lower fare if the price goes down and you will receive a credit for future travel.

2. Be flexible with your travel dates: If your travel plans allow, be flexible with your travel dates. Flying on weekdays or during off-peak seasons can often result in lower airfares and hotel rates.

3. Compare prices: Use comparison websites or travel search engines to compare prices across multiple airlines, hotels, and online travel agencies. This way, you can find the best deals and save money. Check out sites like www.skyscanner.com, www.kiwi.com, www.hopper.com or www.Google.com/travel/flights.

4. Travel during the shoulder season: Consider traveling during the shoulder season, which is the period between the peak and off-peak seasons. You can often find better prices on flights and accommodation during this time, while still enjoying favorable weather and fewer crowds. Going to places like Carolina beaches in the winter, Europe in the fall or winter can save you quite a lot over peak season prices.

5. Use budget airlines: Consider flying with budget airlines that offer lower fares compared to full-service carriers. Be mindful of any additional fees for baggage or other services, and compare the total cost before booking. Also check the cancellation or change policies in case anything happens.

6. Utilize travel rewards and loyalty programs: Sign up for travel rewards programs offered by airlines, hotels, and credit cards. Accumulate points or miles through your purchases and redeem them for discounted or even free flights, accommodation, and other travel expenses. We regularly use Delta Skymiles (www.delta.com) Marriott Rewards (www.Marriott.com), National Car Rental Emerald Club (www.nationalcar.com) and Southwest Rapid Rewards (www.Southwest.com). You can get free flights, free car rental days and free hotel nights, as well as other upgrades like not having to wait in line or check-in or out, which saves time.

7. Opt for alternative accommodations: Consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels, guesthouses, vacation rentals, or even camping sites. These options are often cheaper than traditional hotels and can provide unique experiences. We have used www.vrbo.com and www.Airbnb.com as well as renting directly from friends and family that have vacation properties.

8. Eat like a local: Avoid expensive touristy restaurants and opt for local eateries, street food, or markets, picnics. Not only will you save money, but you'll also get to experience authentic local cuisine. Check www.Groupon.com for buy-one-get-one meal deals where you are planning to go.

9. Use public transportation: Utilize public transportation like buses, trains, or subways instead of expensive taxis or private transfers. This can save you a significant amount of money, especially for city-to-city travel. If you are staying a week or longer, sometimes it makes sense to get a commuter card in bigger cities or countries where the transportation system is widely used.

10. Research free or discounted attractions: Research and prioritize free or discounted attractions, museums, parks, and events at your destination. Many cities offer free walking tours or have specific days with discounted admission fees. Check www.TripAdvisor.com to find out about free attractions (or free days) and www.Groupon.com for discounts on attractions where you are traveling.

11. Pack light: Pack only what you need to avoid excess baggage fees charged by airlines. Additionally, having a lightweight bag makes it easier to use public transportation and walk around comfortably. Spacebags or other travel cubes are great to make more space in your luggage.

12. Avoid unnecessary travel expenses: Be mindful of unnecessary expenses such as overpriced souvenirs or expensive tourist traps. Set a budget and stick to it to avoid overspending. Know what benefits your credit card has for travel or rental car insurance. We have had to make a claim on two different trips through the years when rental cars were damaged and both times, the credit card companies that we had charged the rental on covered our insurance deductible so we had no out-of-pocket expenses for the accidents.

13. Ask an expert: Sometimes letting someone else take the ropes and plan the trip will save you too! Hiring a travel agent can save you planning time, reduce stress and help out if there are any issues with the trip. A travel agent who is experienced can also give you “insider” tips on things to do that may be unique or off the beaten path from where the crowds are going to be. Many don’t charge extra or may have a small fee that is more than worth the time it will save you in putting everything together.

By applying these tips and being mindful of your spending, you can significantly save money on your travels and make the most of your budget, and most importantly you will be able to travel more and see more of this beautiful world!