A weekend getaway is always a great time, especially if you live near a bustling city. Sometimes, you need to go a little farther from home and experience new cultures or witness impressive, unique sights. Still, travel can be expensive, so you might need to work out how to do it cheaper. This doesn’t mean you should travel on a shoestring, but look for ways to reduce the costs and see everything you want.
Don’t Pack So Much
Of course, you want to take all your favorite outfits and pack extra to prepare for various weather or temperatures. But, considering the cost of checking your bags could be an extra $100 on top of your plane ticket, it might be better to opt for a carry-on that’s big enough for all your stuff, but still small enough to fit in the overhead compartments on the plane. This approach is especially useful if you’re taking multiple flights and traveling around a region (like South America), as you may spend more on checked baggage than the actual plane ticket.
Look for Free (And Fun) Activities
While there are plenty of things to do on your travels, many of them cost money. You can still do some activities, but it’s better to choose these activities carefully. Additionally, you can fill the days with free things to do. Options include a walking tour (that only asks for a tip at the end) and or checking out interesting locations like the Historic Charleston City Market to get an idea of how the area became so prominent whether back in the day or even now.
Use Your Credit Card Points
If you’ve got credit card points you need to use them. What good are they just sitting there in your account? Depending on your bank, there are plenty of reward options that can help you save money, meaning you may be able to travel for longer or perhaps pick a nicer accommodation. Use your points for flights to cut down on some of the more expensive aspects of your trip.
Opt For Different Transport
Flights are undoubtedly the easiest way to get from A to B, but the convenience comes at a cost. If you’re not in too much of a rush, look at cheaper options to get around. Overnight buses are usually the most affordable as long as you don’t mind sitting in the same place for at least five hours. Likewise, some countries have cheap train tickets for day trips.
Book Accommodation With A Kitchen
Booking an extended-stay hotel can help you save money on eating out every day. While one meal doesn’t seem too expensive, eating out three times daily adds up. You can reduce these costs by making your meals. Maybe you have breakfast at the hotel and prepare lunch, saving the only expense for dinner.
Saving
Saving money while traveling can be tricky, but it isn’t impossible. You just need to know where to save some money. If you’ve got the time, take things a little slower and research all your options. You’ll be able to find a solution for most problems without spending your entire savings on your adventure.