Have you made vacation plans yet? Although Summer is the most popular season to go on vacations, trips, or holidays -- many people travel during Spring as well. Whether your destination is a far away exotic land or a little closer to home, it's smart and savvy to plan ahead of time to maximize your travel experience!
In my travels - pun intended, I've discovered ways to save money and time so I was able to enjoy every moment of our vacation. Enjoy the journey, from the planning to the final destination - the memories are priceless! Here's my top 10 frugal travel tips ... bon voyage!
1. Set A Budget
Determine what your overall budget will be for airfare, accommodations, food, transportation, etc.. as well as pocket money. Log how much you've spent so far in a travel journal so that you can estimate how much money you have to work with for the other categories.
2. Use Travel Booking Sites
It's beneficial to use a booking site that compares prices for flights, lodging, transportation, packages, etc.. with several companies. I highly recommend BookingBuddy.com, where you can save money and time planning your entire trip!
3. Book Unpopular Times
Pick travel flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays - they are usually cheaper than other days. The best time to purchase your tickets is Tuesday at 3 p.m. Eastern. You can also select off-season or non-peak periods for better prices. Red-eye flight times also tend to cost less.
4. Check Out Travel Deal Sites
Save a lot of money by checking out travel on great vacation destinations. The travel deal sites I recommend are EndlessVacations.com for great last minute vacations. You can also become a member of Extreme Savings Travel Club so you can be your own travel agent.
5. Use a Rewards Credit Card
Use or sign up for a credit card that will give you great travel rewards. Make sure to only use this card if you can realistically pay off the balance soon. Some perks of reward credit cards are free flights or hotel stays. Do your research ahead of time to see if it's a good option for you.
6. Sign Up For Airline Mileage Memberships
Most airlines have memberships where you earn mileage points towards free airfare or other perks. Each airline's threshold towards free flights is usually very high, but it's a good idea to sign up for them anyway. You can also redeem your travel miles for free magazines at MagsForMiles.com.
7. Share Travel Cost
If you are traveling with friends, you can split the cost of not only the accommodations, but also food and transportation. If you are staying in a place that has a kitchen, split the cost of grocery shopping and eat in. This saves you all a lot money instead of going out to restaurants everyday! Keep all the receipts so the total can be calculated at the end and split accordingly.
8. Plan A Staycation
If you can't afford a vacation in a far away land, stay local. You can have a fantastic staycation in your own city or nearby. To feel like you are on "vacation" without hopping on a plane, stay one night in a cozy rental and explore the neighborhood for a fresh new experience.
9. Go On A Road Trip -
Although this is a less expensive option than flying, however factor in the cost of gas for your road trip. Utilize websites and apps such as GasBuddy.com to compare the best gas prices on the road. Make sure to pack a cooler for the ride to avoid stopping at greasy food joints.
10. Consider Vacation Rentals
An alternative way of booking affordable accommodation, which has become very popular. Instead of booking hotels (which are generally more expensive), consider renting a condo, apartment or an entire house for much less. I've booked great inexpensive and great apartments in Rome and in Paris using HomeAway.com. Plus, you feel more like a local vs. a tourist.
Determine what your overall budget will be for airfare, accommodations, food, transportation, etc.. as well as pocket money. Log how much you've spent so far in a travel journal so that you can estimate how much money you have to work with for the other categories.
2. Use Travel Booking Sites
It's beneficial to use a booking site that compares prices for flights, lodging, transportation, packages, etc.. with several companies. I highly recommend BookingBuddy.com, where you can save money and time planning your entire trip!
3. Book Unpopular Times
Pick travel flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays - they are usually cheaper than other days. The best time to purchase your tickets is Tuesday at 3 p.m. Eastern. You can also select off-season or non-peak periods for better prices. Red-eye flight times also tend to cost less.
4. Check Out Travel Deal Sites
Save a lot of money by checking out travel on great vacation destinations. The travel deal sites I recommend are EndlessVacations.com for great last minute vacations. You can also become a member of Extreme Savings Travel Club so you can be your own travel agent.
5. Use a Rewards Credit Card
Use or sign up for a credit card that will give you great travel rewards. Make sure to only use this card if you can realistically pay off the balance soon. Some perks of reward credit cards are free flights or hotel stays. Do your research ahead of time to see if it's a good option for you.
6. Sign Up For Airline Mileage Memberships
Most airlines have memberships where you earn mileage points towards free airfare or other perks. Each airline's threshold towards free flights is usually very high, but it's a good idea to sign up for them anyway. You can also redeem your travel miles for free magazines at MagsForMiles.com.
7. Share Travel Cost
If you are traveling with friends, you can split the cost of not only the accommodations, but also food and transportation. If you are staying in a place that has a kitchen, split the cost of grocery shopping and eat in. This saves you all a lot money instead of going out to restaurants everyday! Keep all the receipts so the total can be calculated at the end and split accordingly.
8. Plan A Staycation
If you can't afford a vacation in a far away land, stay local. You can have a fantastic staycation in your own city or nearby. To feel like you are on "vacation" without hopping on a plane, stay one night in a cozy rental and explore the neighborhood for a fresh new experience.
9. Go On A Road Trip -
Although this is a less expensive option than flying, however factor in the cost of gas for your road trip. Utilize websites and apps such as GasBuddy.com to compare the best gas prices on the road. Make sure to pack a cooler for the ride to avoid stopping at greasy food joints.
10. Consider Vacation Rentals
An alternative way of booking affordable accommodation, which has become very popular. Instead of booking hotels (which are generally more expensive), consider renting a condo, apartment or an entire house for much less. I've booked great inexpensive and great apartments in Rome and in Paris using HomeAway.com. Plus, you feel more like a local vs. a tourist.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, where I earn a small commission when purchased thru my link.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, where I earn a small commission when purchased thru my link.
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