Traveling can be expensive, but you don’t need to go bankrupt to manage it. With just a few smart strategies, you can explore the world and keep your finances and even saving goals in check. Here are six travel hacks to avoid breaking the bank.
So, whatever you’re planning, from a weekend getaway to a few months abroad, read this article and make the most of every cent.
1. Keep your Travel Dates Flexible
First up on this list of travel hacks to avoid breaking the bank is all about being flexible.
If you’ve ever been on a plane, you know how easily these change their prices depending on the day, the moment of the year… and even the weather, it seems sometimes.
The best solution for this seems to be to keep your dates flexible and find what best works for you. But don’t limit your vigilance to airplanes: research shows that in 2024, the fastest-growing travel category worldwide is rail transport, at 35.6% over 2023-2024.
If you avoid traveling mid-week and decide to take advantage of the off-season, you can save money. Alternative airports and nearby cities also help shave off a few dollars from your budget, and if you subscribe to fare alerts, you can find great deals in little time.
2. Save on Accommodation
Research shows that Europe (yes, the world’s most visited region) has reached 94% of 2019 levels of tourism. This also means that accommodation can get pretty expensive, depending on your destination.
Explore some websites like Hostelworld, Airbnb, and Booking to see your choices. After all, if you focus on experiencing the place’s culture, you’ll find yourself talking with the locals as soon as you land.
Of course, remember the safety rules for when you’re researching online: never give out your financial information on sketchy websites, and learn more about this by researching cyberattacks and different tools you can invest in.
3. Do Not Overpack
Look, packing light isn’t only convenient, it’s also wise if you have a limited budget. Almost every airline charges more money when you check a lot of baggage, and you don’t need that expense.
Our advice? Stick to the essentials: clothing, hygiene items, and a few pairs of comfortable shoes to walk around and get to know the cities you’ll be visiting. It will also help when you have to go from airport to airport, and even when you take the train.
It won’t be easy to carry two or three bags while trying to get to your terminal; save yourself the hassle.
4. Eat as Locals Do
Touristy hotspots might be great for one or two nights, especially if the place is historically significant. However, these places tend to be the most expensive ones so that local cuisine will work great –and be more authentic– for your wallet:
- Pay attention to where the locals decide to have breakfast and lunch. The costs will not be as high as those fancy places with other tourists.
- If your budget is limited, or you want to go frugal, pick food stalls, market vendors, and small restaurants to get filling meals for less money.
Food is cultural and traditional: get the authentic experience without paying for something too fancy.
5. Take Advantage of Travel Rewards Programs
Airlines, hotels, and credit cards all have reward programs. You can make the most out of them with a few tricks: sign up for frequent flyer programs, input your miles every time you fly, and redeem them for discounts or other advantages.
Hotel loyalty programs are also great if you want to access room upgrades and other interesting perks.
Your credit cards probably offer travel rewards, cashback, and bonus points for whatever expenses you make while traveling. All of these are great for saving money on future trips.
6. Enjoy Free Activities On Your Travels
Last up on this list of travel hacks to avoid breaking the bank takes advantage of the many free things you can do while on vacation.
I can’t count how many free tours and places I’ve enjoyed without spending money. Many destinations have a diverse offer of activities to enjoy! It’s just a matter of finding them and joining the locals, so here are a few examples:
- Free walking tours to learn more about the city’s history, mainly by the locals themselves!
- Trails to explore nature reserves, beaches, and even hiking trails. Think of the Alps or the black forest in Germany: would you pass up the chance to explore these places freely?
- Local markets, festivals, and other events with local artists, street vendors, and a great environment to meet new people and get to try new foods.
- Picnic in parks, people watching, and even window shopping in cute historical cities. I’ve done it, and I recommend it to get a feel of the place and perhaps find fun activities to join.
- There is also the chance to ride a bike, take walking paths, and simply enjoy life in the town differently. In Europe, many cities have incredible and environmentally friendly choices to enjoy.
- Workshops, classes, and other cultural initiatives that people from the community offer. Explore libraries, community centers, and other organizations.
Thoughts on These Travel Hacks To Avoid Breaking The Bank?
You can explore the world while being money-conscious!
From taking advantage of free activities, eating like a local, and keeping flexible travel dates to using your credit card to your benefit, these hacks can help you explore a new place without sacrificing your experience.
Go ahead and travel on!
This article is in cooperation with Surfshark.
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Thoughts on these Travel Hacks To Avoid Breaking The Bank?
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