I’m one of those people who craves traveling. Like I literally ache for it. Being a recent college grad and supporting myself with a teacher’s salary, I knew that if I wanted to make travel a big part of my life, I’d have to plan for it.
Gratefully, planning is my middle name, so over the years, I’ve acquired a list of tips on how to travel on a budget.
1. Prioritize
It may sound obvious, but if you’re serious about traveling and you’re not rolling in the dollar bills, then you need to PRIORITIZE IT. That might mean settling for a car as old as you are, not going out every weekend, going without the latest iPhone and avoiding the mall like the plague. It’s difficult, but those small financial sacrifices make a huge difference.
2. Separate Bank Accounts
If you can’t restrain yourself from your favorite stores or restaurants, this next option may help you. I have a separate bank account that’s linked to my primary one that I can transfer money into! This account is earmarked for travel so I never touch it for anything else. The best part is that I can transfer money from my primary account to my travel account on my phone! So convenient! For example, I tell myself that I'll spend $50 bucks on at the mall, if I don't spend that much, anything left over goes into savings and travel savings. It’s amazing how much easier it is to not buy that cute top when you compare it to an Italian getaway.
3. Flights 101
There are some amazing apps for finding cheap flights out there. Skyscanner, and Hopper are my favorite flight deal apps. Watch for your dream destinations on these apps or browse locations that have deals!
4. Cookies
Did you know that some travel websites track you looking up travel information and raise the price?! I learned that on a first date ... that was the best thing that came from that date...
To prevent this, use incognito mode on your computer or use apps to research.
5. Do your homework
Before I book a flight I seriously spend DAYS writing out which dates/airport combinations are cheapest. You’d be surprised the difference sometimes. For example, on my recent trip to Italy, my friends and I wanted to see Florence, Rome, and Sorrento. The cheapest combination turned out to be flying into Rome and out of Naples! Flying into or out of Florence would have cost us nearly $200 more!
6. Flights for Days
Some days of the week are cheaper to fly than others. Typically, midweek seems to be cheaper in most cases BUT, if you use Hopper the app, you can really do your research to ensure you’re getting the best flight deal because they will tell you what day to buy your ticket.
7. When to Book
I’m a planner, therefore I LOVE having everything booked way in advance. A positive of this is that it gives me plenty of time to watch flights, but the downside is that it seems like some flights get cheaper only a few weeks out! I’ve scored a few amazing deals to visit family and friends in Utah and Florida waiting until only a few weeks out. Motto: If you can book in advance do it but don't be opposed to last minute excursions.
8. Where to Stay
I recommend looking for places on Airbnb, HotelsCombined, VRBO, and Expedia.
9. Have a Buddy ... or Three!
Traveling is cheaper when you can split the cost with more people!
10. Travel Credit Cards
Now I'm brand new in this arena, BUT I recently realized that quite a few credit card companies offer travel incentives. I recently got a card that gives me 2 miles for every dollar I spend. Bring on the bills!
11. Read Up
Pinterest is one of my favorite things, especially when it comes to travel. You can find so many dream itineraries on there for whatever price range you're working with.
12. The Perfect Itinerary
Before I went to Italy I read up on what the expensive tour groups offer and how they plan their time. For example, if this one tour stops at the Colosseum and the Roman Forum on the same day but does Vatican City on another day, then maybe I should plan my time like that too. It also gives you a good idea on travel time frames between places.
13. Transportation
Navigating local transportation in Italy gave my friends and I quite a few things: memories, a true Italian experience, and MORE SPENDING MONEY. Trains are a lot cheaper than personal drivers and excursions and are not too bad to figure out if you do your research.
14. Talk to People
Ask around for insider tips on locations you'd like to visit! You'd be surprised where your Facebook friends have gone!
15. Enjoy the Planning
Not only will be content with your planning help you mentally, it will also provide you with the patience you need to snag that sweet travel deal.
Bon Voyage!
10. Travel Credit Cards
Now I'm brand new in this arena, BUT I recently realized that quite a few credit card companies offer travel incentives. I recently got a card that gives me 2 miles for every dollar I spend. Bring on the bills!
11. Read Up
Pinterest is one of my favorite things, especially when it comes to travel. You can find so many dream itineraries on there for whatever price range you're working with.
12. The Perfect Itinerary
Before I went to Italy I read up on what the expensive tour groups offer and how they plan their time. For example, if this one tour stops at the Colosseum and the Roman Forum on the same day but does Vatican City on another day, then maybe I should plan my time like that too. It also gives you a good idea on travel time frames between places.
13. Transportation
Navigating local transportation in Italy gave my friends and I quite a few things: memories, a true Italian experience, and MORE SPENDING MONEY. Trains are a lot cheaper than personal drivers and excursions and are not too bad to figure out if you do your research.
14. Talk to People
Ask around for insider tips on locations you'd like to visit! You'd be surprised where your Facebook friends have gone!
15. Enjoy the Planning
Not only will be content with your planning help you mentally, it will also provide you with the patience you need to snag that sweet travel deal.
Bon Voyage!
Love this! So oroud!
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