Your passion for travel may conflict with your budget, but there are ways you can make an affordable adventure happen.
One of the key components of success is taking advantage of rewards and loyalty programs to maximize rewards and discounts, such as flights, hotel stays, meals or merchandise.
1. Do Your Research
As part of saving for a vacation, research should always be your top priority. Learn the cost of visiting your desired destination as well as ways to save money during travel.
Scheduling what’s known as a ‘wonky weekend’ can save you both time and money, by flying out on Saturday and returning on Monday instead of leaving on Friday and coming back Sunday night.
Do your research before travelling. For example, if you’re visiting tropical or developing nations, be sure to get your vaccinations and malaria preventative medication in advance.
Researching your destination’s culture is also vitally important. You might be surprised to discover that some cultures don’t practice tipping or that museum entrance fees add up quickly, so it is wise to do research on these aspects prior to setting out on your travel budget and keep an eye out for any unexpected expenses that may occur.
2. Plan Your Itinerary
Before creating an itinerary, it is essential that you determine how much of a budget is available for travel expenses. This will allow you to determine where and what activities will fit into the itinerary best; there are numerous websites and apps that can assist with this process.
Be flexible with your destination and dates in order to save money, as many airlines offer discounted flights during off-season. Sign up for paid newsletters such as Scott’s Cheap Flights or Airfarewatchdog for up-to-date offers and savings opportunities.
Once you have an idea for an itinerary, the next step should be figuring out how to turn it into reality. While you may need to trim some activities from your list, don’t be intimidated to try new experiences! For instance, many tours, live performances, and spa services offer last-minute discounts, enabling travelers to save money while experiencing local culture while saving money – some hostels and hotels even provide complimentary or discounted meals!
3. Look for Discounts
Accommodation and transportation typically account for the bulk of travel costs; however, creative thinkers can find ways to cut these costs to save money without compromising the enjoyment of their trip.
One way to save money by dining out more affordably is by going for local hole-in-the-wall restaurants over more renowned ones. Not only can these locations offer authentic cuisine at much cheaper prices, they may even taste superior!
Packing a picnic is another easy way to save money when it comes to meals – it provides the opportunity to enjoy inexpensive snacks and meals while enjoying scenic natural environments such as Eiffel Tower views or beach activities.
Signing up for paid newsletters like Scott’s Cheap Flights or Airfarewatchdog and following travel deal influencers on social media (TikTok can be especially helpful), are great ways to save money when traveling. Another effective strategy is using credit cards with miles or cash back programs; provided that your balance can be paid off each month, this could save a bundle on airfare and hotel stays!
4. Negotiate
Bargaining is not only an art, but a great way to save money and experience local culture. From souvenir shopping at bustling marketplaces to transportation fares negotiations, mastering this essential travel hack will allow you to spend less while experiencing more.
Travelers sometimes perceive haggling as rude or offensive; however, bargaining is part of many cultures worldwide and should be done with mutual respect. REI Adventures travel staff have put together some general tips on how to bargain effectively when traveling.
Prep by conducting extensive research to understand market prices for items and services you intend on purchasing in your destination country, then offer a lower price than your desired limit to start negotiations with vendors. If they don’t budge, walk away – another vendor might come along offering better terms! Keep in mind though that certain products like food and beverages have fixed pricing structures that cannot be changed during negotiations – these should remain unnegotiated!