How to Save Money While Traveling

Last Update: September 12, 2021 • Save Money • Travel •

Is there anyone on this planet who doesn’t like to travel? Travel gives you a priceless experience that you would never get if you stayed only in one place. It helps you gain and nurture unique qualities that you wouldn’t even know you had if you didn’t leave your home.

Still, we are all much more relaxed on vacation than in our own city. That makes us spend more money than we should. It leaves our wallets empty and makes us go through financial hardship, at least until we receive the next wage.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. These are the eight tips to help you save money while traveling. Some of them are really smart, so read on.

Search for Free Activities

You don’t have to pay for everything you do. With just a bit of research, you can find numerous free activities in the place you are staying.

If you want to get the most out of free activities, check the community calendar or do a self-guided walking tour to see some interesting events and get to know your destination better.

In addition, some museums, for instance, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, let you pay what you can for the ticket on all days or certain days of the week. Some museums also have discounted admission at later hours during the day.

Carry Snacks and Water with You

It often happens that you get thirsty while walking around, especially if it is hot outside. If your three-year-old child gets thirsty, you have to give them some water to refresh themselves, even if your only option is to buy a $5 bottle of water.

Local vendors can be really cunning, particularly in high-end destinations, and they would take your last cent if they could. However, you can prevent this by carrying bottles of water and snacks with you wherever you can. You can always refill the bottles, which will save you lots of money over the course of your vacation.

Be Smart About Your Flights

The key to finding cheaper tickets is flexibility in your flight. If you can choose when you are going on a trip, by all means, do it. That means you should be flexible with the day you fly, the time of the day, as well as the number of stops, and your seat selection.

Also, you will definitely find cheaper options if you can travel off-season, not only for your flight but for the accommodation as well.

Moreover, make sure you use the bonus points or miles you have earned with your credit card. That allows you to stay at top hotels for free or for just a fraction of the regular price.

Be Smart About Your Accommodation

Try renting an apartment instead of getting two rooms. Instead of staying at a hotel, you can rent a place on Airbnb. You will save a significant amount of money when you rent an apartment or condo.

If you don’t want to pay for your accommodation, you can find a place to stay on Couchsurfing or choose a house sitting option.

Watch Where You Eat

You will find many restaurants and fast-food stands close to the top tourist attractions. And while the food may be delicious, these places are usually rather expensive.

Don’t eat in areas near the most popular tourist attractions if you want to save some money. Instead, try walking a few blocks and explore other options. They will usually have the same quality food, while the price will be considerably lower.

You can also prepare your own food if you stay at a house or apartment. You can have a big breakfast and pack something for later during the day. Then, you can go to an affordable restaurant for dinner.

Create a Budget

Creating a budget is one of the most important tips on the list, if not the most important. Creating a budget is a staple of affordable vacations.

You shouldn’t be too frugal. Instead, you should draw a line between when to save and when to splurge. For example, if you save $50 by carrying your own water, you can spend this money on eating out at fancy places.

The key is to stick to your budget. Look for ways to save money and treat yourself well from time to time.

Shop Around

When looking for souvenirs to buy, wait until you find many different offers. Shop around to find cheaper options.

That also goes for national attires. If you love collecting attires from different parts of the world, walk around until you find the best deal.

Walk

Not only is walking good for your health but for your wallet too. Try touring the city on foot instead of taking a tour bus, car, or taxi.

If you don’t like walking or if the weather is too hot, you can always use public transport or Uber, both of which will be way cheaper than taking a taxi.

Conclusion

As you can see, saving money while traveling doesn’t mean that you have to be too frugal. After all, overthinking your budget is the last thing you want to do while on vacation.

Instead, follow the tips that we have listed, and you will see how easy it is to save money even when you are far away from home. Avoid costly flights and accommodation, carry some water and food in your backpack, and make sure you shop around for everything, as this will help you find more affordable offers.

The most important thing is to create a budget and stick to it. Then, when you manage to save some money on little things, you will spend it on the things that matter even while still on vacation.