Traveling can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are ways to maximize your trip without overspending. A great place to start is to follow other travelers’ tips on how they saved money on their travels. Here are some of their hacks, broken down into three phases: before travel, at the airport, and at the destination.
Savvy Planning
Booking flights and hotels last-minute is often the most expensive way to travel. With some savvy planning, you can save a lot of money. Try these hacks on your next trip:
Pick the Best Season
There are three travel seasons—high, low, and shoulder. If you travel during high season, you’ll pay the most. Conversely, if you have the luxury of choosing when to travel, you’re going to save a lot. High season is the Christmas and New Year period, and often runs from the start of December until the end of January. During high season, flights, hotels, and even meal prices are inflated.
The low season usually falls when the destination’s climate isn’t ideal—often wet and cold. The benefit of traveling during the low season is that prices are up to half of high-season prices; there are bargains everywhere. It’s also quieter, with shorter lines at major attractions.
The shoulder season is commonly reserved for school holiday periods—typically the second most-traveled time. During shoulder season, expect to pay halfway between low- and high-season rates.
Beyond timing, where and how you book can also make a big difference.
Book Directly for the Best Deals
Travel agents serve a purpose. If your itinerary is complicated, has many travel legs, and you need assistance everywhere, a travel agent can arrange everything. The challenge is that airlines have stopped paying commissions to agents. As a result, they need to charge you a service fee, which can be high. If you’re flying from A to B and staying at one hotel, save yourself the service fee and book it yourself.
While many travel apps offer discounts, a better suggestion is to go to the airline’s official page and contact the hotel directly. Hotels pay a commission to be featured on an app and would rather sell you the room at their walk-in rate. During the low season, if the hotel has low occupancy, this rate can be much lower than what’s advertised.
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Cut Costs at the Airport
Once you’ve booked your trip, you can still cut costs on travel days. These days, with poorly timed connections and unpredictable weather conditions, flight delays are inevitable. You may be stuck at an airport for hours. Airports are notoriously expensive. Getting a massage, sitting at the bar, and even buying a book can be pricey. To make the most of long layovers, the travel hacks below will help:
Food and Drink
Airport dining can easily drain your budget. Prices are double or triple what you’ll pay in town. When you have a short layover, eat a big meal before heading to the airport. That way, you won’t be hungry until you get on your flight.
Most airports still won’t allow you to take drinks of any kind through customs. You can, however, bring an empty bottle through security. Pro tip: There are water fountains near the restrooms, so you’ve got access to fresh water without paying a cent.
Once you’re full and hydrated, you might wonder how to pass the time. Why not take advantage of the airport’s free WiFi?
Use the Airport’s Free WiFi
Airports know you’re going to be stuck there for a while, and most have some form of Free WiFi. You may need to provide an email address and flight details to get a free login, but it’s worth it. Once you’re online, find a charging station, plug your device in, and settle in to read an online book, reply to some emails, or play some games.
Many free game apps are available. If you like to play casino games but don’t like the idea of wagering money, you can get free SC coins at social casinos. These sites and apps can provide quick, no-cost fun without draining your travel funds.
At Your Destination
It’s easy to spend a fortune on food and drink at your destination, but you don’t have to if you follow these hacks:
Avoid the Hotel Minibar
Many travelers dread their final bill at checkout, especially if they’ve been charging things back to the room. If you can avoid doing this and pay as you go, you’ll manage your spending more efficiently.
Minibar beers and snacks are overpriced. Instead, head to a supermarket or mini-mart and stock up on drinks and snacks. There may not be any room in the hotel room’s tiny fridge to keep items cold, so shop accordingly.
Eat Locally
Your hotel might have a fancy restaurant with amazing chefs, yet this all comes with a hefty price tag. If you’re traveling internationally, here’s your chance to immerse yourself in the culture. Go into the city and try the food at a local restaurant. These tucked-away spots let you eat like a local. It’s likely to be more authentic, and far more affordable. Skip the hotel’s overpriced breakfast buffet; the local bakery has better-priced items and probably more local options.
There’s No Need to Overspend When You Travel
With savvy decisions, you can travel well without breaking the bank. If you plan well, make clever choices when you reach your destination, and be creative with your downtime, you’ll notice the extra money in your account when you return home.