Even though traveling is seen as a luxury, it doesn’t have to be something that breaks your bank account. With a little bit of intelligence and thrifty spending tactics, you can see the world without having to spend a fortune. From weekend getaways to cross-country adventures in an RV, here are some budget-friendly travel hacks that can help you save serious bucks on your trip.
Stay Flexible
One of the biggest traps you can fall into when planning your trip is being very specific about your dates. If you’re more flexible with your timeline, prices can get much more interesting. For example, certain days of the week are much more affordable than others. Not only can the day of the week change the price of your tickets, but also the time of day.
Early in the morning or late at night is often cheaper than midday weekend flights. Flight comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights can be a great way to check the flexible dates option and compare deals.
Skip the Hotel
Even though hotels can certainly be cozy, they can also be very pricey. Instead of booking a hotel, try to book through a vacation rental company like Airbnb. You may even want to go as far as considering a hostel. Believe it or not, hostels aren’t just for backpackers anymore—they can actually be quite a luxurious experience depending on the one you’re staying at.
There are also options like house swap websites or even apps that look for house sitters. Oftentimes, you may even find someone who’s willing to let you stay at their house in exchange for watching their pet. There are all sorts of creative ideas beyond hotels if you’re willing to think outside of the box.
Only Pack Carry-On
Luggage fees are one of the most expensive aspects of travel, which is why it can be extremely helpful to travel with just a carry-on. Checked bag fees can add an extra expense to your trip, whereas if you can manage to pack intelligently, you can fit everything you need into a carry-on.
Remember, where you’re going probably sells toiletries and things that you don’t necessarily have to bring with you but can buy on-site. It might seem challenging at first, but you’ll find that your trip is so much cheaper and it’s much easier to get around when you only have one suitcase to worry about. Not to mention, there’s the added convenience of getting straight on the plane without having to navigate baggage claim.
Eat Like a Local
Dining out every single meal can quickly start to add up. While it’s perfectly OK to eat out a few times during your trip, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to eat out three times a day every single day. Try to eat like a local, and consider cooking your own meals in your accommodation. Not only can it save you money, but you can also get a more authentic taste of the food where you’re visiting.
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