Frugal Traveler: 6 Great Tips for Saving Money on Travel

From flights to food to accommodation and so much more, it’s no secret that travel can be expensive. At the same time, taking a break from the stresses of daily life, exploring new destinations and making precious memories is a high priority for us, so there has to be a way to make it happen as often as we’d like.

Fortunately, it can be done. All it takes is the right attitude and a bit of frugal travel know-how. So, without further ado, here are 6 great tips to help you save money on your next getaway.

Frugal Traveler

Plan Ahead

A well thought out travel budget will give you a clear picture of where your money is going, thus helping you find ways to save, such as cutting out unnecessary expenses or seeking alternatives. It would also be wise to draw up a savings plan. Be honest about the overall cost and how it will impact your finances.

If your trip is still a few months away, you can set short-term and long-term savings goals. Detail how you intend to achieve those goals, be it reducing your daily spending or adding an additional income source. As time passes, track your progress and identify how you can improve. In doing so, you’ll be much more prepared come the day of the flight.

Frugal Traveler

Research

The more you know about where you’re going and how to get there, the more you’ll be able to save. Find out about the tourist traps you should avoid, the best flight dates and where you can enjoy more affordable, local cuisine. Take some time to research your accommodation options and consider a hostel or AirBnB instead of a hotel.

You can also make use of websites that compile the latest travel deals and discounts. There are so many money saving coupon codes that you can make use of to reduce the overall cost of your trip. This can include your flights, car rentals, tour guides, accommodation, travel attire and so forth.

Travel Slower

Instead of tearing through every city and racing from one end of your destination to the other, take the time to get to know it. There’s bound to be a myriad of interesting places to discover that tourists typically don’t know about. Slowing down and spending more time in fewer places will go a long way in reducing what you spend on getting around.

Frugal Traveler

Join a Rewards Program

If you’re a relatively frequent traveler, a flight rewards program is well-worth becoming a part of. They can help you pay less for fares and upgrades, as well as obtaining free companion tickets. It usually takes some time to accumulate points, but every dollar saved is one you can put towards other expenses. The same applies to hotel rewards programs.

Frugal Traveler

Consider Your Credit Card

Another potential savings opportunity lies in your credit card. Check the program and benefits that your bank offers, as you might be able to put your rewards points towards flight and accommodation costs. There are many informative websites that you can check out to learn more about credit card rewards, such as FlyerTalk and The Points Guy.

Frugal Traveler

Camp

Depending on your destination and whether you’re prepared to rough it out, you could cut off the cost of accommodation entirely and camp at a beach or national park. Another option is couch surfing, which involves meeting up with a local and staying at their place.

As a bonus tip, opt to walk or rent a bicycle instead of paying for transport. You’ll be doing your body and wallet a favor, as well as being able to appreciate more of what’s around you. Keeping the above in mind will go a long way in helping you travel more often for less.

Julie Higgins
Author
Julie is a Staff Writer at momooze.com. She has been working in publishing houses before joining the editorial team at momooze. Julie's love and passion are topics around beauty, lifestyle, hair and nails.

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