Hey there travelers, and welcome to my post where we will discuss my 6 tips to save money on travel this year. Did you know that money is the number one reason people give for not traveling over any other factor. And since this is a common concern, I wanted to stress that it is not necessary to have a lot of money to go on vacation.
If you’re willing to get creative, there are many ways to travel cheaply (or even for free). It’s hard to imagine but it can be done, and done properly and affordably. You shouldn’t skimp on essentials like travel insurance, but there are many other opportunities to see the globe without breaking the bank.
Tips to save money on travel
Ok, so when it comes to travel, there are plenty of opportunities to save some $$ and still see everything you want to see. I have to highlight form the start that there are times when this takes a little work, or means you have to shop around. But at the end of the day hopefully these tips mean you don’t need to miss out on the important stuff once you get there.
So with that in mind, let’s check out my tips below:
Check out these: 6 Tips To Save For A Trip in 3 Months
1. Plan ahead and reserve your luggage
When it comes to flying, luggage is one of the biggest costs that we can endure. However you can often prepay for your luggage when you plan your ticket, at online check-in, or even at the airport if you need to. But the longer you wait to reserve your bags, the higher the price will be.
Some airlines charge more than twice the initial fee if you reserve your luggage at the last minute or during online check-in. The same holds true when purchasing them at the airport, where the costs are much higher. Another common money sucker are airline’s optional package deals. These packages may include things like checked bags, preferred seating, early boarding and other amenities.
However, the cost is usually higher and the traveler usually only needs a few of the services provided. In order to save money while flying, particularly if you’re just bringing a carry-on, it’s best to decline all of the packages that airlines offer when you plan your trip. Then only pay for the actual luggage you will be brining.
2. Pack light
And whilst we are on the luggage train (so to speak), the luggage costs discussed above have a lot to do with how much it weighs. When traveling then, you may save a lot of money by packing light and merely checking in a carry-on. Carry-on luggage, typically measuring roughly 22 x 35 x 56 cm, are often the least expensive bag choice with airlines and in certain cases, you won’t even have to pay at all.
So if you’re going somewhere for just a few days and don’t need a lot of stuff, this is excellent tip to keep in mind. Just keep in mind that airlines are aware of this little trick and implement strict carry on weight allowances as well.
If you do want to take a but more however, then my advice is to pick a medium to small sized bag (around 56cm x 45cm x 25cm) and only pack it with what you can fit. Trust me, you will need to really think about what you can take and with a bag this size, you are unlikely to go over your bag limit weight as well.
And keep in mind that the cost of a laundromat is almost always cheaper than the cost of talking extra clothes with you.
3. Using low-cost flight alerts
One thing in our favor when it comes to travel these days are the large amount of travel marketplace and budget airline sites available. Hence in order to save money on airfare, hotel stays, and car rentals, knowing when to make these reservations is crucial. Depending on when you book, the cost of the same flight might fluctuate widely over the course of only a few days. Luckily, there are several strategies you may use to maximize your budget while still experiencing your next ideal vacation.
Creating notifications for low ticket prices is the greatest way to ensure you don’t miss out on a great travel deal. All you need to do is download the smart phone apps for sites such as Skyscanner, Kayak, Google Flights, Hopper and Airfarewatchdog etc., create an account and look for the flights that you need.
From here, all you have to do is set up notifications for when tickets go on sale. The majority of sites function in a standard style, which consists mostly of two alternatives. You may set up “alerts” to be notified when a price drop occurs on a certain flight by doing a search for that flight and then adding it to your “alerts.” Alternately, you may set a price alert that will send you an email when the price drops by a certain amount, or for a certain number of days.
Other choices, such as “create notifications for airports nearby,” may also be available, depending on the site. And this step can also be undertaken for hotels and car rental as well.
4. Avoid peak season
You were probably aware of this, but during peak season, the demand is high. For example, did you know that it costs up to 60% less to play golf in Las Vegas in August than it does in May? Peak times are also the money making times for travel companies and airlines as they take advantage of school holidays and peak season to hike up prices.
In most cases, peak season is the summer months so if you can get out in early Spring or late Autumn, you will find the weather is still warm enough but costs aren’t through the roof. Another advantage there is that due to the smaller crowd, you will be able to avoid long lines at airports and booking offices as well as be able to get onto any tour you like on any day you like.
5. Use the free WiFi
Another killer for the old hip pocket is mobile/cell phone charges. Many carriers allow you to use you phone whilst overseas for a daily cost ($5 – $10) with access to calls and data. However many limit the amount you can use and then charge a motza if you go over leading to a big case of bill shock when you get back.
So to get around this, you have two options:
- Purchase a local sim card – these will usually give you access to calls and data at a ‘local’ price.
- Use WiFi only – Most hotels and many restaurants and bars offer free WiFi – especially in tourist areas. Use this to check emails, update social media and make calls via messenger services.
6. Find Work Abroad
Fi you are planning to be away for a while, then why not turn it into a working holiday. As long as you aren’t too fussy, the world is full with possibilities as a means to fund your travels. For many people, the idea of working abroad is dismissed as too daunting to even consider. To the contrary, it’s not. Positions in hospitality, sales or some services don’t need formal education beyond high school or extensive prior experience to be considered.
Obviously if you have a degree or experience, there are some higher-paying options as well. One of the best methods to gain money for travel is to teach English internationally. Depending on the country, all you need to get started is a TEFL certificate and the ability to speak English fluently. The globe is hungry for instructors, and this is a career in great demand; several firms in Asia will even pay for your journey over.
Conclusion
So there you have it, my 6 tips for saving money on travel this year. I hope it has been of assistance but as usual, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out by commenting below.
Do you have any other tips to save money when travelling? If so, please comment below.
Until next time
Have fun
Paul
