Travel has always been expensive, but these days, prices for nearly everything are higher than they were just a year or two ago, and you'll have to take this into account before planning a trip. Here are six ideas that can help you save money on travel.
1. Cut Down Your Baggage Fees
There are several ways you can save on baggage fees when you fly. The obvious one is to not check any bags, and only use a carry-on. You can also save on baggage by using airline credit cards. Some will completely waive fees for cardholders and even those traveling with them. Even without a card, some airlines will allow a limited number of bags to be checked for free, so explore your options. It may be cheaper to pay a few dollars more for the flight if it means you'll avoid a $50 baggage fee. It's also a good idea to weigh your bags before heading to the airport. You might be able to lighten the load beforehand to avoid any overweight baggage penalty fees.
2. Shop Around Online for Airfare, Rental Cars, and Lodging
Take advantage of aggregator sites when looking for airplane tickets, rental cars, and lodging options. Look at different sites, because they may give you different results. Take a little extra time to shop around, and you might be able to save money. It's also a good idea to look at options as early as possible, especially with plane tickets, as prices will probably rise as the travel date approaches and options will also become more limited.
3. Don't Limit Yourself to Hotels
With a hotel, you can usually have a good idea of what to expect from your stay, but don't let that deter you from exploring alternatives, such as bed-and-breakfasts, vacation homes, and other offerings on sites like Airbnb. You might be able to find a place that is more interesting, comfortable, and even less expensive. If you are traveling to a big city, this is especially worth looking into for the price factor.
4. Don't Exchange Currency at the Airport
If you're traveling abroad, avoid exchanging currency at the airport, because you will usually pay more.
"If you need to change currency because you’re traveling overseas, don’t do it at the airport—it’s one of the most expensive ways to trade U.S. dollars for foreign money," says George Kamel at Ramsey Solutions.(1) "Instead, order currency at your bank or credit union. Alternatively, you can use a debit card that has no foreign transaction fees or ATM fees."
See Nevada State Bank's currency exchange services here.
5. Consider Traveling at a Different Time of Year
You can save money if you travel at a time that is less popular for your destination. Booking a trip during the off season can mean not only cheaper plane tickets, but also cheaper room and board, and maybe even lower prices for attractions. You'll also get the benefit of not having as big of a crowd to contend with.
"Flight prices fluctuate," says Christian at Unusual Traveler.(2) "They are highest during peak tourism months. When you travel off-season, you get good tickets at relatively lower prices. You can do your research, weigh your options, and choose the best flights without putting a dent in your bank account. You also save on accommodations. Hotels increase their room prices when there is an increase in demand. They usually earn their keep during peak tourism months. When it’s off-season, they bring down the prices significantly. During lean months, the competition between hotels and resorts can truly work in your favor."
6. Plan for Food and Drink
If you're taking a road trip, you can pack a cooler with plenty of food and drinks to avoid having to pay for restaurant food at every meal, which can get very expensive over the course of a vacation, especially with the inflation we've been seeing over the past year. If you’re flying, it’s smart to pack a few snacks like protein bars or trail mix in your carry-on for a quick snack instead of buying food at the airport. If you intend to treat yourself to fine dining or local cuisine at your destination, plan it out ahead of time to reduce surprises and uncertainty. Look at menus online and figure out a budget you can stick to.
Traveling can be quite costly, but if you consider this ahead of time and plan accordingly, you can budget for a great trip that you will fully enjoy without having to worry about how much it's going to cost.
1. https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/travel-hacks
2. https://www.unusualtraveler.com/off-season-traveling/