5 Ways to Save Money While Traveling

With everything going on during this pandemic, it is easy to start feeling a bit down. Especially if you have had to cancel a vacation. Something that helps me is researching places I want to visit once this passes.

Over the past 6 years or so of traveling, I have determined many ways to save some money while still getting the most out of the experience. It can be very difficult to not only find time, but also find money to go on a trip. So, here are my top five tips that can save you a big chunk of change!

1. Don’t Waste Your Money on a Fancy Hotel

If you are headed to a destination to see the city around you or relax on the beach all day, don’t spend excessive amounts of money on hotels. There are many cheaper alternatives.

Airbnb is usually a better alternative or other sites similar to it (FlipKey, HomeAway, or VRBO). These sites let you list, find, and rent lodging from people all over the world. The owners have to be verified by the site so you know it is safe, and you can also look at reviews by other people who rented that property. These are great sites that not only save you money but give you your own private home, apartment, villa, or even castle!

Next to Airbnb, an even less expensive place to stay would be a hostel. Hostels tend to be used for students, workers, or travelers on a budget. You may not have the same level of privacy as an Airbnb or a hotel, but if you are on a tight budget it is a great choice. They often have communal bedrooms but provide lockers for your personals. Many times they also offer a free breakfast. Hostels also give you the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. The best site for booking hostels is definitely Hostelworld. They provide reviews from past guests and also allow you to sort based on distance to city center, hostel cleanliness, amenities, price etc. – so you are sure to find something that will work for your budget.

2. Stay Away from Touristy Restaurants

There are many tourist traps when traveling, but especially when it comes to food. If you want to truly experience a culture and the local cuisine, there are a few red flags to avoid. For starters, steer clear of themed restaurants, especially when you are abroad. If you are in Paris and the employees are all wearing matching berets, this is usually a bad sign. Instead, mingle with the locals and ask what their favorite restaurants are.

Street food and markets tend to be very authentic and are quick options as well. Another tip is to walk a little further. Yes, traveling can be exhausting, but do not eat at the restaurant right in front of the Colosseum or Big Ben. I can almost guarantee the food quality will be lower and more expensive than if you walk a few blocks away from major tourist attractions.

3. Incognito Mode When Looking for Flights

When it comes to booking flights, make sure you are either in incognito mode while searching online or you are deleting your history. When airline websites see you checking how much flights to Greece are, they will bump up the prices.

4. Utilize Public Transportation

Before you arrive to your destination, make sure you learn about the city’s public transportation. This includes: buses, trains, subways, etc. These options are generally a very inexpensive way to get around a city or country. It is definitely less expensive than renting a car or taking a taxi/Uber.

5. Do Your Homework

All in all, if you are trying to save money, the most important aspect of traveling frugally is doing your research. Preparation prior to the trip is essential. Make lists of sites, transportation routes, and restaurants that you do not want to miss. A great way to figure out a daily plan is by marking all the places either on a physical map or tabs on Google Maps. It can also be helpful to check the weather. If it is going to rain one of the days you are on vacation, figure out things to do indoors.

Traveling does not always have to be expensive. If you put forth the effort in planning you can save yourself hundreds of dollars. I hope you found these travel tips helpful and BON VOYAGE!