We all love the thrill of that initial conversation between your friend group or family members when someone brings up the idea of taking a trip!
Do you tense up when it’s time to make that deposit to lock in the trip in fear of not knowing where it may leave your remaining balance? No matter how much we’ve saved and the relief we may feel when the next pay day comes, I think I can speak for us all and say “We’ve all been there.”
I’m often asked how I am able to travel the way that I do, and to be transparent I sometimes ask myself the same question!
Listed below are the habits that I’ve implemented over the past few years to make my travel possible and enjoyable – and no, I’m not going to recommend insane tips such as sleeping at the airport on your 12 hour layover! You’re going to want to keep reading for this!
1. Limit yourself to 2 credit cards max while you are traveling. Leave your ATM card at the hotel
When we are on the go and in the moment, we can find ourselves overspending in boutique shops or souvenir stores, and before we know it, we’ve spent more than we can track on multiple debit and credit cards and have to get home and face the aftermath. When traveling, keep one card on you for absolute emergencies (like being stuck somewhere and needing a last minute flight home!) and another credit card that you allow yourself to use mostly for experiences, transportation, and maybe that one item you see that you know for sure you won’t find anywhere else in the world!
Credit cards are great to use while traveling – Check with your credit card companies to ensure that you are maximizing the ability to collect points on your purchases and they often offer great or no foreign exchange rates too!
2. Travel During Off Seasons
Flights, tours, accommodations and food are much higher during the high seasons or the holidays!
In contract, cruises are often less expensive late summer and fall due to hurricane season and Europe travel is less expensive during the winter months. Plan ahead and book when not as many people are traveling! When it’s less busy, you can also get through lines quicker and enjoy attractions more without the crowds.
3. Open a Travel-Friendly Bank Account
This goes back to the first point – ensuring that your account allows unlimited ATM withdrawals while traveling and does not charge any transaction fees will save you in the long run!
4. Expand Your "Hotel" Horizons
Hotels can be pricey! Opt for a smaller boutique hotel or hostel for that special attention to detail in decor and to immerse yourself more in the destination you're visiting! Smaller hotels are known for hosting activities too and may even have bikes that you can rent out for a day at a small cost. My most memorable part of my trip to Puerto Rico was sunrise yoga right on the beach which was only a few steps away from our hotel.
5. Chat with the locals
Go where the locals go! Eat where the locals eat! Rely on locals to help you find markets, the best coffee shops, and explore the culture of where you’re traveling. Locals share the best advice and can even invite you somewhere that will bring the memory of a lifetime and - may even be less expensive than that tour you were planning to go on!
6. Fine Dine at Lunch Time
Go big at lunch time over dinner! The lunch specials at restaurants offer smaller portions for lower prices, which allows you to try a variety of items on the menu, including drinks! Yes, this may call for a midday nap afterwards… but set a timer and tell yourself “just a quick one”! Haha.
7. Free-Admission Days
Many museums, attraction sites and galleries have free days, so be sure to research, plan ahead of time and take advantage of a free-for-all activity for you or the entire family!
8. Swap the “things” for experiences
This one speaks for itself. While those souvenirs may be shiny in the moment, opt for an experience that you can cherish for a lifetime. Don’t forget your camera!
9. Get the travel insurance – it’s worth it.
There’s never a way to know for sure if something's going to go wrong. We never plan to lose our luggage, miss our flight, or have to cancel our trip due to falling ill, so it is always best to play it safe! There are many travel insurance options, including the ability to cancel a trip and receive a full refund in cash or a travel credit. Be sure to inquire on the travel insurance options available and request to add it to your booking!
10. Bring an empty water bottle to the airport.
No one wants to spend $3 on a bottle of water. Save the coins and bring a water bottle that you can fill frequently, carry around once you reach your destination, and remain hydrated for your entire trip to enjoy what each day of activity brings!
These are only a few! What tips do you implement to save money while traveling?
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