While I’m nowhere near a “full-time” traveler, I do love to get out and explore the beauty of the world whenever possible. Of course, it would be a little easier to do so if traveling weren’t so expensive! Fortunately, my travel agent friends are full of a few great tips and tricks that will help you save money on travel however you can.
Tips To Help You Save Money
Spend More Time In Fewer Places
Traveling from country to country can put a serious drain on your wallet and resources. While flying through as many countries as you can during your stay can prove rewarding, it’s exhausting too. Take a step back and spend more time in fewer destinations. You’ll be left with more money to do the fun things that you actually want.
Fly Midweek
Though it goes without saying, a reminder is always nice: never travel on holidays! It’ll be pricey and stressful to get anywhere. If you can swing it, fly during the week, and avoid the weekends whenever you can.
Join A Frequent Flyer Program
I mean, if you’re going to be traveling frequently, why not get some kind of bonus or reward for doing it? Join a frequent flyer program through your favorite airline, and consider buying a SkyMiles credit card as well. That way, when you make purchases, you’ll get miles back to go on your next vacation.
Stay At An Airbnb…Not A Resort
Though there is definitely a time and a place to splurge on an all-inclusive resort, so ask yourself if that’s this vacation. If not, look into sites like Airbnb when you can stay at local residencies across the world. Most often, you get more bang for your buck, and you have a place to cook your own meals. I’ve stayed at some pretty amazing Airbnbs…my favorite was at a farmhouse in Bayeux, France!
Shop And Cook Your Own Meals
If your place has an area to do so, you can save tons of money by preparing your own meals. Plus, it’s always fun to shop in foreign supermarkets. I think it feels a little like an adventure. If you are looking to eat out, however, do so during the breakfast and lunch hours. Dinner menus are usually so much more expensive.
Look For Free Wifi
Especially if your phone doesn’t have a global plan, or if you don’t want to pay for one (they can be up to $15 a day!). Most hotels and Airbnbs offer some kind of free Wifi. Though it may be slow, you can always bring your own booster and hope for the best. Free is free, after all.
Do Free Activities
Visit a local market (and don’t buy anything), go on a hike, visit the beach, or see a street fair while visiting. These activities are all usually free or low cost and a great representation of local culture.