Dreaming of far-off places but worried about your wallet? You’re not alone. Travel can be expensive, but with a few smart moves, you can stretch your budget further than you ever imagined.
Snagging deals on flights and using smart booking strategies are just a couple of the clever ways to save big on your next adventure. These tips are designed to help you travel without sacrificing the experiences you crave.
We chose these tips for their practicality and effectiveness. Some popular hacks didn’t make the cut because they often fail to deliver the savings they promise.
1. Be Flexible with Your Dates
Flexibility is your secret weapon for scoring the best travel deals. Prices for flights and accommodations can vary wildly depending on the day of the week or time of year. Try using tools like Skyscanner’s “whole month” view to spot the cheapest days to fly. Traveling during shoulder season (the time between peak and off-peak seasons) can also lead to significant savings. You’ll enjoy fewer crowds and lower prices while still getting great weather.
2. Sign Up for Fare Alerts
Don’t let great deals slip through your fingers. Set up fare alerts for your desired destinations and let the deals come to you. Many travel sites like Kayak offer this service for free. You’ll get notifications when prices drop, allowing you to snag the best fares without constantly checking yourself. This hands-off approach saves you time and ensures you never miss out on a bargain.
3. Use Credit Card Rewards
Make your everyday spending work for your travel dreams. Many credit cards offer travel rewards or cashback that can be used for flights, hotels, or other travel expenses. Be smart about which card you use for different purchases to maximize your points. Just remember to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges that could negate your savings.
4. Consider Alternative Accommodations
Think beyond traditional hotels. Vacation rentals, hostels, or even house-sitting can offer significant savings. Websites like Airbnb often provide more space and amenities for less than a hotel room. For longer stays, look into monthly discounts on vacation rentals. You might even find free accommodation through house-sitting websites, where you stay in someone’s home for free in exchange for taking care of their property or pets.
5. Pack Light and Avoid Baggage Fees
Airlines are increasingly charging for checked bags, so packing light can lead to big savings. Learn the art of efficient packing and stick to carry-on luggage when possible. If you must check a bag, weigh it at home to avoid overweight charges. Some credit cards offer free checked bags as a perk, so check your card benefits before you fly.
6. Eat Like a Local
Food can be a major expense when traveling, but it doesn’t have to be. Skip the tourist traps and eat where the locals eat. Visit local markets and grocery stores to pick up snacks and picnic supplies. If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, cook some of your meals. When dining out, lunch specials are often a great way to try local cuisine for less than dinner prices.
7. Use Public Transportation
Renting a car or taking taxis can quickly eat into your travel budget. Research public transportation options at your destination. Many cities offer affordable day passes for buses and trains. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get a more authentic local experience. For longer distances, look into buses or trains instead of domestic flights.
8. Travel Off-Season
Brave the off-season for unbeatable deals. Sure, the weather might not be perfect, but you’ll enjoy lower prices on flights, accommodations, and activities. Many popular destinations are still wonderful in the off-season, just with fewer crowds. You might discover a whole new side to a place when you visit during a less popular time.
9. Join Loyalty Programs
Sign up for airline, hotel, and rental car loyalty programs even if you don’t travel often. These programs are free to join and can lead to upgrades, free nights, or other perks. Some programs offer immediate benefits just for signing up. Over time, your points can add up to significant savings on future trips.
10. Look for Free Activities
Every destination has hidden gems that don’t cost a dime. Research free walking tours, museums with free admission days, and public parks or beaches. Many cities offer free festivals or events, especially during the summer months. These activities often provide a more authentic experience of local culture than expensive tourist attractions.
11. Use Travel Apps to Find Deals
Your smartphone can be a powerful tool for saving money on the go. Apps like Hopper predict flight prices and tell you the best time to book. Others like Hotel Tonight offer last-minute deals on unsold hotel rooms. Use these apps to your advantage to find savings even when you’re already on your trip.
12. Consider a Travel Rewards Credit Card
If you travel frequently, a travel rewards credit card could save you a bundle. Many offer sign-up bonuses worth hundreds of dollars in travel, plus ongoing rewards for your spending. Some cards also provide perks like free checked bags, airport lounge access, or travel insurance. Just be sure to choose a card that aligns with your spending habits and travel goals.
13. Book Directly with Hotels
While comparison sites are great for research, booking directly with hotels can often lead to better rates or perks. Many hotels offer best rate guarantees or special packages only available on their websites. Calling the hotel directly can sometimes result in even better deals or room upgrades, especially for longer stays.
14. Use Student and Senior Discounts
If you’re a student or senior, always ask about discounts. Many attractions, transportation services, and even some hotels offer reduced rates. An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) can unlock student discounts worldwide. Seniors often enjoy discounts on everything from museum entries to train tickets. Don’t be shy about asking – these savings can add up quickly.
15. Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible
Start planning your trip early to take advantage of early bird discounts and have more options available. However, keep some flexibility in your plans. Last-minute deals on activities or accommodations can offer significant savings. Balance advance planning with the ability to seize unexpected opportunities for the best combination of savings and experiences.
States With The Most Deadly Road-Rage Incidents
Simrin Law Group studied National Highway Traffic Safety Administration automotive crashes between 2017 and 2021 to find out how many fatal incidents were caused by road rage. They also looked at which states are prone to road rage incidents. Where does your state fall on the scale of the likeliness of road rage-related fatalities?
20 States Where the Government Can Seize Your Firearm
The right to bear arms remains a topic of heated debate across the globe, but only a handful of nations constitutionally protect this right, with the United States being one of the most prominent. Yet, the freedom to own firearms in the U.S. is not absolute. Federal restrictions are in place for certain groups, and state laws further define circumstances under which firearms may be seized, particularly for individuals deemed at “extreme risk” or involved in domestic violence situations.
12 States with the Most Aggressive Traffic Enforcement Policies
Traffic policies are set in place for the safety of drivers and civilians on the road. States throughout the US have different laws and varying degrees of enforcement when it comes to traffic laws. This ranking is based on a weighted point system that assigns points based on each category depending on its importance and sums up the total.
