We’ve all been there—you look at your bank account, see the figure you have in savings, and realize that you can’t afford to go on that dream vacation that you’ve been saving up for months to go on. Don’t give up yet! There are plenty of ways to save money on travel to make it fit into your budget—and make sure that dream vacation doesn’t remain just a dream. Here are 9 clever ways to save money on travel.
1) Use your points for tickets
One of the best ways to save money on travel is by using your points and miles. You can often get free or discounted tickets by using points from your credit card or loyalty program. If you have a lot of points, you can even get a free ticket! Just make sure to check the restrictions and book in advance.
Travel during off-peak times (three sentences): Another great way to save money on travel is by traveling during off-peak times. This means avoiding holidays and weekends, when prices are usually higher. Instead, try traveling mid-week or during shoulder seasons. You’ll often find cheaper flights and hotel rates, as well as smaller crowds.
Look for deals and discounts (three sentences): There are lots of ways to find deals and discounts on travel.
2) Avoiding cancellation fees when booking flights
You can avoid these pesky fees by using a few different strategies. One is to book your flight far in advance so that you can cancel without penalty if your plans change. Another is to be flexible with your travel dates and look for flights that have a longer grace period for cancellations. You can also use a service like Scott’s Cheap Flights to get alerts when cheaper flights become available.
3) Shopping around can save you hundreds of dollars
If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can usually find a better deal. The same goes for your destination – be open to flying into a different airport or staying in a different city.
You can also save money by flying during off-peak times, such as mid-week or overnight flights. And if you’re really looking to cut costs, consider flying economy instead of business class.
Of course, one of the best ways to save money on travel is by using points and miles. If you have a credit card that offers rewards, make sure you’re using it to rack up points that you can redeem for free travel.
4) Rent, don’t buy
When it comes to travel, one of the biggest expenses is usually accommodation. If you’re only going to be in a place for a short period of time, there’s no need to spend money on a hotel when you can rent an apartment or house through sites like Airbnb or VRBO. Not only will this save you money, but it’ll also give you a more authentic experience by immersing you in the local community.
5) Car sharing websites
Car sharing websites, like Turo and Getaround, are a great way to save money on travel. With these websites, you can rent cars from other people in your area. This is a great option if you’re going on a long trip and don’t want to deal with the hassle of renting a car from a traditional rental company. Plus, you can often find better deals on these websites than you would from a rental company.
6) Get creative with Airbnb
Airbnb is a great way to save money on travel accommodations. You can often find entire apartments or homes for rent for cheaper than a hotel room. Plus, you get the added bonus of staying in a local’s home and getting tips from them about the best places to eat and visit. Here are a few other ways you can save money on travel
7) Use public transportation instead of cabs
Public transportation is almost always cheaper than taking a cab, and in some cases it can be just as fast. If you’re visiting a new city, do some research ahead of time and find out the best way to get around. You may even be able to purchase a multi-day pass that will save you even more money. The fare for the New York City subway or bus system for an unlimited ride over four days is $32.50, but if you only take two trips per day, it’s only $18 for two days! Carpooling: Carpooling with friends or coworkers not only saves gas money but also gets everyone to their destination faster because there are fewer cars on the road. Look into getting discounted memberships: It’s surprising how many discounts are available at your favorite retailers.
8) Camping out at a festival or music festival
When it comes to festival season, there are a lot of ways you can save money on travel. If you’re planning on attending a music festival, camping out is a great option. Not only will it save you money on accommodation, but you’ll also get to experience the festival in a different way. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people.
9) Buy your souvenirs at home
I’m not saying you should never buy souvenirs while you’re traveling. But if you’re looking to save some money, buying your souvenirs at home can be a great way to do it. You can find cheaper versions of what you’re looking for online or at your local craft store. And if you’re really crafty, you can even make your own souvenirs.
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