Want budget travel tips for free? Wouldn’t you want to travel more often without breaking the bank? What if I told you that instead of planning one family trip a year, you can go twice with the same budget? If you are at all interested, read on to find out how you can do simple things to save money next time you go on vacation!
* Airfares *
- Airline Tickets – Plan in advance and visit discount websites to see if there are better deals. While these sites might charge you a service fee ($5 or so), they can easily combine flight segments from different airlines easily to give you a great deal. (bonus – get even more savings by finding a Travelocity promo code before you book a trip)
- Connecting Flights – You might think connecting sucks but it sure saves you a good chunk of money doing it. Consider the pros and cons and don’t write it off right away.
- Travel Light – Airlines are starting to charge for everything now and if you have 2 bags or more, expect to be charged for it. Remember to not use over sized bags whenever possible and try to keep it all within one bag per person.
- Substitute – Consider packing really old clothes (if you plan to buy new ones on the trip). This way, you can keep one luggage and still have room for purchases.
- Always Look into Round Trip Tickets – Sometimes, one way tickets are so expensive that the round trip ticket is cheaper. Just don’t use the return trip. (I know it’s weird but I’ve seen it myself)
- Try to Get Back to the Same Airport – Flying in and out of the same airport is almost always cheaper. It’s not only the flight tickets but the car rentals as well.
- Traveling to Two Countries – If you are planning to stay in two countries and an airline makes you change planes on those countries anyway, you might be in luck. Check pricing on the flights to see if you can stay a few days at the country of the flight change instead of changing planes right away since airlines often let you do that for the same price.
* Eating *
- Plan Your Meals – Figure out where you will be and eat before you actually go out. This is not just good for your wallet, but your stomach too since you will probably find economical restaurants that tastes great.
- Cook for Yourself – Not many people do this but cooking while on vacation can sometimes be quite fun. Since the experience is new (cookware, dining area, supermarkets etc), it’s actually quite fun.
- Meals Carryover – Want a breakfast that cost nothing? Ask for some bread to-go at the restaurant the night before.
- Avoid Breakfast from the Hotels – Chances are good that the breakfast from the hotel is expensive and isn’t great. It probably pays to walk out the front door in the morning and find a local cafe. You might just stumble onto the local favorite.
- Eat More at Lunch Than Dinners – Fancy lunches are often much less expensive than dinners. If you eat a big breakfast, lunch and a light dinner, it’s also healthier.
* Car Rentals *
- Be Specific with Car Rentals – One way car rentals (when the pickup and drop off locations are different) are sometimes more than twice the price of standard rentals, especially if the two locations are in different states (or country). If you need the car for 7 days and will be in the same city for 5 and another city for 2 for example, break the rental period in two and have a 5-day same location rental and another 2-day one day rental. You might need to go back to the rental facility but it really doesn’t take that long and it might save you a few hundred dollars.
- Car Rental Coverage – Some insurance and many credit cards have car rental coverage so take advantage of those when you rent a car. All you have to do is pay with the credit card that will cover you. (Just make sure you decline the coverage from the rental company when they ask)
- Size of the Car – I used to always get the smallest car possible because not only do I not need the extra room, I also didn’t want to pay for the extra gas that bigger cars need.
- Children Car Seats – If you are traveling with kids, you might think that bringing the car seat is cheaper. Call the car rental company and ask about rental prices. With airlines charging for extra luggage, it might save to just rent it.
- Fill up that Rental Car – If you are renting a car and need fuel, just fill her up with regular gas since that’s what the car rental company uses anyway. Also, decline those services that fills the gas tank up for you. Even though it seems like the advertised price is cheap, they charge you for a full tank of gas regardless of how much is left in there when you bring the car back.
- Coupon Codes – Sometimes car rental companies have coupon codes that can be used. Search the Internet.
* Transportation *
- Rail, Metros and Subway – If you are traveling to Europe, research on multi-trip discounts. Many metros and rails have passes such as a 3-day unlimited travel passes which might be worth the cost.
- Night Train and Flights – If the transportation is going to be long, consider traveling at night to save money on accommodation and many hours of time. Many people have a tough time sleeping on these, but it’s all mental. Once you get used to it, you will be able to have a good night’s rest.
- Take the Slower Transportation – If flying is too short for you to take advantage of sleeping while traveling, take a bus ride! When you are sleeping, you won’t mind that the bus ride is 7 hours.
- Avoid Taxis and Welcome Public Transportation – Tourist usually take taxis since it’s the laziest way to get from point A to B. Consider the subway or buses because it’s sometimes easier and it is much cheaper.
- Driving is Not Bad – Want to take that 1 hour flight? With airport security and all the hassle of airport inefficiencies, you might as well drive there (it takes just as long and it’s less expensive)! Once you get there, having a car is also much easier than needing to take your bags everywhere.
* Currency *
- Watch That Currency – If you never really had a preference in travel destinations, consider the exchange rate when you travel. This sometimes makes the biggest difference.
- Getting Cash – Many exchange centers have very bad exchange rates so don’t go there. Search the internet to find out good places to get cash in the local currency. For example, a quick search tells you that the best exchange rate is found at the airport and using ATMs in Taiwan and France respectively.
- Try Using the Local Version of the Same Website – Due to the rapid change in currency rates, it could be much cheaper to book using the local currency. How do you do that? Go to the local version of the same website.
* Accommodations *
- Staying in a Town Next Door – Sometimes the smaller towns close to where you are going have hotels that are much less expensive. If you don’t mind the 15 minute ride, you might just save that bundle.
- Home Exchanges – These are pretty cool and popular especially in Europe. Your trip might not be as romantic as The Holiday (movie with Cameron Diaz and Jude Law) but if you are of the adventure type, this could be exciting and refreshing).
- Ask – Sometimes smaller hotel chains are willing to give you free upgrades (or even free nights). If you already have a reservation booked elsewhere, call them up and tell them that you would consider changing if you can get an additional night free.
- Vacation Home – If you are staying at a destination for at least a few days, consider a vacation home instead of hotels. They are often are more comfortable and your cost will probably be cheaper.
- Suites – Instead of having two rooms, consider the two-bedroom suites that some hotels provide. They will end up being cheaper and you get just as much privacy with your own room.
* Shopping *
- Duty Free – Many airports have duty free shops that you can take advantage of. They might not be the best deal around if you don’t consider taxes but tax-free might make it the least expensive option.
- Don’t Forget About Possible Tax Refunds – Some countries let you get all or part of the retail sales tax back. You might have to fill out forms and show proof but if large purchases are made aboard, it can save you a bundle.
* Alternatives *
- Tourist Spots May Not be That Hot – Many countries have tourist spots that aren’t really the most interesting places to go to, not to mention that everything is more expensive around that area. If you’ve been to that place already, there’s no point seeing it again and again. Instead, go to local areas and observe life. It might just spice up your vacation.
- Walk Around – If your destination isn’t that far away, consider asking the locals directions and walking there. It’s a great chance for you to see the city and take pictures.
- Enjoy the Local Version – Many consumables are less expensive when it’s made in the country you are visiting. Consider trying their local beer, coffee or food. You might be surprised at how great and cheap it really is.
- Be a Little Flexible with Travel Days – Many prices are based on supply and demand, so sometimes it’s much cheaper to leave the day before (or after) instead. Look around the dates of your travel plans and see if spending an extra day is worth it. This makes a difference especially around major holidays.
- Book a Bundle – There are many package deals that saves you money if you book hotels and flights together. Basically, the more business you can give them, the better discount they can give you.
- Go Off Season – Everyone wants to ski or go to Hawaii in the winter. Consider this type of vacations in off-peak times (going skiing in the spring time for example). It’s cheaper and less crowded.
- Travel Around Home – Overseas travel might be your dream vacation but there are actually many places close by that is very interesting as well. Check out those lesser known places and the local experience might very well be great.
- Try Booking at Different Times – Online sites sometimes have rates based on the time and day of the week you book! Try different combinations and see if you can get a better deal.
* General *
- Bid Your Own Price – Priceline.com has a great system where you can name your own price on flights, hotels and car rentals. If the same offer is available, I’ve always saved money bidding for it.
- Discount Everything – Some countries have discount stores (I’ve seen one in Japan for example) where they sell all kinds of tickets at a discount. In that store, I’ve even seen gift cards for department stores so if you are buying something anyway, those stores will give you an instant deal.
- Don’t Give Up Looking for Deals – Even if you have your plans set, keep trying to look for deals. Reservations can often be canceled with a full refund so if you find a last minute deal that fits into your plans, take advantage of it. (I went to Las Vegas recently and saved half my hotel cost since a last minute deal happened to fit my itinerary so it really works)
- Reward Points – Even if you aren’t a frequent traveler, sign up for those reward programs since you might qualify eventually. It’s all free anyway and if you finally get enough points, you can get always get something free.
- Go to the Grocery Store – Even if you are away from home, chances are high that there are grocery stores where you are traveling to. It’s worth it to take a trip there and get snacks, water, and everything you need for your trip since hotels overcharge.
- Age, Student and Membership Discounts – Many attractions like theme parks, museums and others have discounts for senior, children or students. If you are traveling, remember to take your ID and membership cards (e.g. AAA card) with you that might qualify you for these.
- Group Discounts – We all know there are group discounts everywhere. To take advantage, team up with a few friends and go to the same destinations together. You can even set it up so there is no obligations to be everywhere together.
- Talk to the Locals – Be friendly and chat with them! Sometimes, they will tell you where to eat and some may even offer you to stay over (works best in small towns).
- Mini Tours – I’m not talking about bus tours that takes days but one day tours that take you to many different places within the city. Not only will they take you to places you probably want to visit anyway, the bus driver is usually quite entertaining and informative as well.
* Bonus Tip #51 *
- Travel Zoo does a great job at finding travel deals and they have a weekly newsletter where they list 20 of the top travel deals found online! Sign up for it here and you don’t even have to search for deals anymore!
More Money Saving Tips
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{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the great tips! I especially like the one about planning your meals. It may seem as though it can’t be done when you are traveling, but it can be. If take a side trip somewhere (an amusement park or a national park), we go to the local market and buy sandwich stuff and fruit and brown bag it so that we don’t have to buy the more expensive food at our destination.
Some great tips in the article. OT: Please cut down on the use of the exclamation point. Putting it in nearly every sentence in each point is irritating.
Miranda: Great example! It shows that with a bit of planning, some seemingly expensive trips can be much more affordable!
Victor: Good point! I edited the page and did find many, many exclamation points
Another way to save on food is to sacrifice a meal. Maybe eat a really big lunch and just have an appetizer for dinner, or other way around. You can get more for your money at lunch time.
This is specifically tips for abroad, but especially in Europe, there are some cheap airlines like http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/ that can help save money.
Also always take money out from an ATM, you will get the best exchange rates there, especially if your bank is international like Citibank.
When my sister and I travel we usually have ice cream for lunch.
Many people have tons of airline miles racked up on their credit card. If you do you may be able to fly for free or at least get an extra ticket or upgrade. How much nicer is it to go on your trip and not have to pay for airline tickets. Those same credit cards can give you discounts on your hotel stays also. Many people have access to these rewards from their credit cards but never take advantage of them. I think this is what the credit card companies plan on when you use them. So check your cards and see if you have points!
One way I try to save money is by winning my vacation! Sounds crazy but I just enter contests and try to get lucky.
Great tips! I always hit the grocery store for snacks, too. National parks provide wonderful inexpensive vacations — for example, Acadia in Maine. I just blogged about an affordable family trip to Mount Desert at http://ouracadia.wordpress.com.
I liked the suggestion of vacationing in the town next door. There are new things and sights to be enjoyed very close to home. This is very cost effective and fun at the same time.
Good Post!
Using local transport can by made much easier by doing a bit or research on the internet before you go. In Britain it is possible to buy cheap train tickets in advance – but there is an excellent long distance bus network that is cheap.
For local buses, especially in London, it is more fun than the underground as you get to see stuff. Buying tickets for the day is a good idea, the last one I bought was about $5. It is also easy to see online which buses can take you between the major sights and where the stops are. Remember, the stops are on the other side of the road to you!
Bed and breakfast can be a good deal as the breakfast is usually massive.
Imagine, booking a five star hotel for up to seven nights at $1.00 a night! One single George Washington could be your key to a hotel room just about anywhere in the world…..http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/money/who-said-1-00-doesnt-get-you-far-358320/
Great tips. I’m a little confused about #4 though. Why would old clothes take up less room than new ones? Are you suggesting that people throw away the old clothes and pack the new ones to bring back? Hmm….I think if I were planning to buy clothes, I would just take fewer clothes with me in the first place. Going off season is a great money saver!
Home exchanging is a great way to save thousands on accommodation and to enjoy a holiday living like a local. For additional savings, many home exchanges also include a car swap. And because you have access to a full kitchen, you don’t need to eat out 3 times a day – saving on meals.
For visitors interested in learning more about home exchanging, take a look at our Website, 1st Home Exchange. 1stHomeExchange.com has numerous articles, tips, and videos to learn about this travel alternative.
When we traveled with our family, we usually tried to hit the all you can eat places for lunch, as late as possible. Then, we at big. Then, we didn’t eat again. If we want something later in the day, we got an ice cream cone at McD’s, or occasionally a blizzard. That way, we were eating out only once a day (we always tried to get a hotel/inn that had complimentary all you could eat breakfast.
I forgot to add. If the ice cream was too expensive at a restaurant, we evaluated how hungry we were (there were 7 in the family) and got a 12 pack box of ice cream sandwiches or bars (store brand of course) at the grocery store and then ate them right away. The teenagers were glad to eat more than one!
Great budget travel tips! Easy to follow and understand.
When searching for internet car rental specials, you can also try to check car rental rates using a discount code. There are hundreds of membership programs and professional associations that offer car rental discount codes to their members. You can find a list of car rental discount codes for 8 major car rental companies everywhere.
Great Article really. This really helpful. Thanks
This is a brilliant post with a lot of good tips on how to save money on vacations. Another idea is to purchase those all-inclusive holiday packages. They include airfare, food, drinks and hotel which can substantially decrease the amount of money a person ends on spending on a holiday.
Great post. Lots of useful tips that you can easily apply to save money. Sometimes it’s good to do what the locals do.
I must say that I am impressed by that list. Prolly took some time to put together! None the less doubtfull that one can remember all of them when you actually are on a trip and are dazzeled by the sites
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This is such a great list David. My favorite, is to do what the locals do!
What about buying a vacation property at your favorite vacation spot? I have to admit, and did so up in Lake Tahoe. Not the best timing, but it has provided fantastic memories.
When I traveled with kids, the airline did NOT charge to take car seats – they were gate checked with strollers, wheel chairs, etc. The car rental agency wanted $50 per seat to rent. Don’t rent them, take them! Downside is – more to carry through the airport. Also, for example, it is currently cheaper to fly Ryan Air from France to England rather than take the Euro-star train through the Chunnel. Do your research first…
Good tips! I also suggest to use a personal finance software with a cellphone or PDA phone. This makes recording and tracking expenses much easier. An Excel sheet on a PDA would do very well as a personal finance planner and it can be easily transferred to a PC for expenses tracking and archiving.
this is dfinitely going to help me leave the cubicle
When it comes to travel, there are two things you can count on: (1) you’ll always find a cheaper exchange rate after you’ve traded your money, and (2) you’ll always go over budget. I don’t mean to be negative, but these are the Murphy’s Laws of travel.
These are really great tips. I was looking for a deal on a hotel for New Years on the Florida’s west coast. The prices were ridiculous, and I ended up doing something new. I found the best possible deal, then I emailed the 3 star hotel I wanted, and asked, if I could get a room for that price at their hotel. I received an email back an hour later that they would accept that price. It was 50 percent off the regular price, an it actually ended up costing us only 2 dollars more than camping would have.
I have learned the lesson that it never hurts to ask.
Many thanks for this extremely useful article. I often travel on budget, so I bookmarked your tips!