Americans spend millions of dollars on vacation every year. According to the data collected by the US Travel Association, leisure travel by domestic and international travel was worth approximately $762 billion in 2018, alone.
Traveling for leisure is not only necessary for a detox from busy work life and for getting you out of a rut, but it also allows you to spend quality time with your family while being able to reflect on your own life and commitments, as well.
Many people consider traveling an expensive hobby; however, with the right tricks and research, you can probably save hundreds if not thousands of dollars on a trip. And this is how!
Book Everything Advance
There’s definitely a possibility that may find last-minute bookings cheaper or an alternative that suits you better and is cost-effective. However, it may not always be the case. Advance bookings will not only keep you on a schedule but you’ll have extra peace of mind as well—since you’ll know the exact spending money and available budget.
Make sure that you book the return ticket in advance because running out of money in a foreign place isn’t exactly ideal—not to mention overstay can get you in serious legal trouble. Apart from flights, accommodation and airport transport, don’t book for local travel ahead. Do plenty of research about public transportation and fare rates and opt for train/bus travel instead of private cabs.
Don’t Fuss Over Accommodations
Unless you’re traveling with children and expensive luggage, there’s no reason to book an expensive suite or reserve a room in a five-star hotel. Even though it’s nice to come to a comfy bed and your own bath after a full day of exploring, it’s nothing you can’t live without (especially on a tight budget).
As long as you have the basic necessitates like a bed, bathroom, water and electricity available you can choose an inexpensive hotel or a guest room. Naturally, if you share it with multiple people, the costs will go down further. Solo travelers can benefit from hostel accommodations, particularly considering that you have no extra luggage that may get stolen while you’re out and about.
Don’t Shop Unless You Have to
Traveling like a pro and that too on a budget means compromising on some of your bad habits; shopping is one of them. You may be tempted to buy that exotic dress or shoes that you’ll never wear just because they’re cheap but it’ll just add to the expenses unnecessarily. If you have to buy essentials like jeans or t-shirts or clothing appropriate for local culture, shop smartly and don’t buy multiple items, at once.
Pro-tip: Keep an extra pair of casual clothing, a raincoat and a warm coat for unpredictable weather. You should also research the local culture and their regular wear, especially if you’re visiting Asian, Middle Eastern or Muslim countries.
You can take a few souvenirs home but be careful of the prices and their actual value.
Finally…
The ultimate budget traveling tip is traveling out of season. Seasonal traveling can be expensive due to high demand for flights, travel tours and transportation, however, if you’re navigating through a busy work or school schedule, there’s usually no other option. If that’s the case, you can still use coupons and discounts on tickets, bookings, tours and reservations.
Visit the travel section on our website to find amazing vacation rental discount coupons. From discounts on international flights to travel luggage, airport parking and tourist tours, use the promo codes and enjoy a stress-free, cost-friendly vacation.
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