There are many ways to save money when you plan your next trip, so that you can have an amazing vacation without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for ways to save on transportation, food, or accommodation, we’ve got you covered with 8 tips on how to save money when you travel. Keep reading to find out how you can stretch your travel budget and get the most out of your next adventure.
Start Early or Really Late
Finding the perfect travel deal can be tricky. We recommend starting early, but sometimes those who procrastinate can find incredible offers. Booking early or incredibly last minute is a great way to score discounts. We always recommend booking as far in advance as possible, especially when it comes to flights. If you have a refundable flight, you can always track your flight price through Google Flights and cancel and rebook if the price drops significantly before your trip.
Last minute travel planning comes with more risk, such as not finding exactly what you want, but there are often incredible deals for those willing to take the chance. Cruises in particular have started offering some amazing late deals – once you find your dream destination, you could potentially snag it at a fraction of its original cost! Even Airbnbs are no strangers to slashed prices if booked right before check-in. Taking advantage of these bargain-hunting tips can make all the difference in booking an unforgettable trip!
Airbnb Discounts
Staying in an Airbnb for a vacation or business trip is such an amazing way to explore the world. Airbnb is also a great place to look for discounts! For instance, by staying at least seven days (14 if it’s two weeks and 30 if it’s one month) you can unlock exciting discounts that hosts offer. Many hosts offer 10% for one full week and up to a full 50% if you stay for an entire month. Due to these savings we always compare the price by hitting one of the discount inducing number of days before we book. Here is a video that shows how it works:
Another great way to save is to look for new listings! First-time hosts often offer discounts to entice guests and garner reviews. It may seem risky at first glance, but if they already have good ratings elsewhere then it can be worth taking advantage of. Here is a video that shows how it works:
Get Creative With Flights
With a bit of creative flight-booking, you can save potentially thousands if traveling as a family! Look for alternative routes to and from your destination. You should always compare prices between direct flights or perhaps opt for one into a nearby city. Once there, take the local carrier or even jump on board an intercity train – you’ll be surprised at how much money you’ll save with just these little tweaks.
For example, if I wanted to go to Europe in September I would look for the cheapest flight to and from Orlando from my home airport.
For us using Google Flights, the cheapest flight would be to Geneva. Therefore I would compare flights to and from my final destination TO flights to Geneva and then a local train ride or airline carrier. This method would save our family of 4 typically thousands of dollars. For more on tips on booking flights, check out our blog post: How To Find Affordable Flights
Lower Your Cost on Pet Care
Looking for a way to give your furry friend the loving care and attention they deserve, without breaking the bank? Consider Trusted Housesitters; fellow pet lovers eager to explore new regions — all while providing free care and keeping them comfy in their own home. Through reviews you can check each profile until you find just the right one that’ll take great care of your pets!
Choose your dates wisely
Choose your dates wiselyHolidays can be expensive, especially when it comes to air travel. Airlines typically increase prices on holiday weekends, so it is best to avoid these peak times if possible. If you have to travel over the holidays and are OK celebrating a day early or late you may find a great flight deal traveling on the holiday itself.
Just as a general rule of thumb when it comes to planning your trips, look up flight prices before booking anything; different times of the year come with varying levels of demand, which reflects in the prices airlines charge. We always love searching for flights with open dates so we can see what time of year is cheapest to get to a destination. To get our ultimate tips on booking affordable flights check out our article: How To Find Affordable Flights
Use public transportation
One way to save money when planning travel is to use public transportation instead of renting a car. This will help you avoid unnecessary costs like gas and parking fees, which can quickly add up when traveling. Public transportation also offers the chance to explore and interact with the locals in a way that driving around yourself would not allow. Additionally, it is often cheaper than taking a taxi, meaning you’ll be able to stretch your travel budget even further. Plus, it’s eco-friendly – an added bonus!
Pack your snacks
Packing your own snacks for flights and road trips is a great way to save money on food costs when traveling. We love taking our kids to the store before a flight and letting them pick a few snacks to fill their backpacks with. Do some research ahead of time and find out what items you’re allowed to bring on the plane or in the car, then stock up and keep plenty of snacks in tow as you explore your destination. Not only will packing your own snacks save you money, it allows you to bring along some familiar treats that are sure to make your journey extra special. Give yourself a thoughtful little treat while on vacation by prepping some convenient and affordable snacks.
Visit Ski Resorts in Summer
Visiting a ski resort in the summer is a great way to save money while still getting to experience some of the most beautiful sights that nature has to offer. Not only can you take advantage of the significantly lower prices typically associated with ski resorts out of season, but you can also enjoy the natural beauty on display. You can hike up and down mountains, bike through forests, and enjoy stunning water springs. For those looking for an affordable yet rewarding way to get explore nature and its wonders, visiting a ski resort in the summertime is a great way to do it.
