People relax on a beach of the Black Sea in Sevastopol, the largest city on the Crimean Peninsula and its most important port and naval base, with a Russian warship seen in the background on July 15, 2022. (Photo : OLGA MALTSEVA/AFP via Getty Images)
With so many borders opening again after the pandemic, traveling skyrocketed to everybody's bucket list. Whether it's to explore new places, go on a nostalgic trip or watch national events, traveling is a dream for many.
However, with higher cost of living, traveling is almost a luxury and more of barrier than the borders themselves.
Fortunately, here are 7 tips on how to save money while traveling. This will help you stetch your trip further without breaking the bank and show off your travel goals to friends on social media.
How to Save Money While Travelling
Looking up how to save money while traveling seems impossible at first because there may be immediate transportation, accommodation, and food that you might prefer more.
While it's impossible to predict all travel fees that come up at any time, or increasing restaurant and accommodating prices during peak season, there ways to avoid high demand and high prices.
1. Book Early
Debt.org stated that booking your hotel or airline in advance will get you the best prices in the market and special offers. While doing so, you can look up restaurants and attractions in advance so you can avoid over-exploited tourist traps.
You can also check out the available deals and discounts during this time. Some might not be that high, but when you travel in places with higher exchange rates, a dollar does count.
2. Travel in Off-Season
Now, you might also want to consider that people are traveling because they want to see or experience specific events. In this case, opt for traveling during the off-season. Madelyn Dear from World Packers points out that prices of flights, accommodations and attractions tend to be lower during the fewer number of people.
Instead of staying at expensive hotels, consider alternative lodging options like hostels, Airbnb, or Couchsurfing. CNBC shared that hotels offer amenities and rewards, but the prices of Airbnb, for groups, might be cheaper and include a kitchen to save money on dining out.
4. Save Money on Food
Food can immediately blow your budget.
Debt.org suggests that wherever possible, cook something yourself. Purchasing food from local grocery stores and making use of the kitchen facilities at hostels or Airbnb apartments can save a good deal of money. Eating like locals, instead of resorting to restaurants catering to tourists, can afford opportunities to get cheaper and more authentic dishes.
5. Travel with a Friend
A friend not only makes your trip worthwhile, they also make it manageable.
According to Debt.org, cost is reduced because all the expenses related to accommodation, transportation, and meals will be shared. It may also reduce the level of stress and add more pleasure to travel in general because some responsibilities, like planning and decision-making, would be shared. Plus, a travel companion can also mean improved safety because there would be a person who has your back and vice-versa, all the time.
6. Avoid Extra Fees
CNBC aslo reported that you can save money on excessive baggage fees by packing light and using only a carry-on. It saves you money on your checked baggage fee and also keeps you from overpacking.
Bring your snacks and drinks on the plane to avoid buying items that are overpriced in the aircraft.
While traveling, Debt.org shared that cities have free attractions, which include parks, museums, and walking tours. These could be a good way to see enjoy your trip that do not bear extra expenses.
7. Be Open to Haggling
One of the reasons why you spend more while traveling is due to last minute spending. Don't act like a tourist when shopping at local markets or flea markets. As much as possible, haggle.
As Debt.org put it, you'd be surprised that many vendors are willing to negotiate prices, especially if you're buying multiple items. This can be an effective way to save on souvenirs and other purchases.
Now, will learning how to save money while traveling requires a lot of strategic planning, flexibility, and resourcefulness? Definitely, but by doing these tips, you can enjoy a fulfilling trip without overspending. Remember, the key to budget travel is to make the most of what you have and enjoy the journey.