Traveling is not the most inexpensive of passions. From flight tickets, to accommodation, from meals to visiting all the attractions, everything adds up. To better fuel our passion, here are some tips on how to save on travel. These are based on my own travel experience, especially my international trips, and I hope you find them useful.
Travel Off-Season
The best way to make sure the price for everything drops significantly is to travel off-season. It does not have to be months before the craziness starts, but a few weeks prior to the official peak season, or a month after the wave of tourists has passed can generate significant savings. Hotels and flights usually cost less, and while most attractions like museums, historical sights, or galleries will not drop their prices, some of the tours might. Whether you catch a last minute travel deal, or you book in advance to save some money, deciding to travel off-season will reduce your costs even more. The other benefit is obvious – less of a crowd to deal with during your trip.
Use Discounts and Coupons
I am a big fan of hunting for discounts and of services like Groupon. My favorite to use are Expedia coupons because they relate directly to travel planning. When I decide to visit a certain destination, I first do my research on when to travel there. I usually go for a mild temperature option, then search for all the coupons and discounts I can find that apply to my period of choice. That way I can maximize my travel savings.
Join Rewards Programs
I am a big fan of rewards programs. I tend to use the same websites to book accommodation or flights because most of them have rewards set up for frequent users. Be it discounts of free nights, everything that helps me save on travel is a great incentive to use a certain service. Of course, you do need to travel relatively often to enjoy the full benefits of these programs. There are also cards you can use to accumulate points and get further discounts, but those are always country specific. Make sure you find a rewards program that is available where you are. Check travel planning sites, airlines, and hotel chains to discover them.
These are my most often used tricks to save on travel. They apply to anyone wanting to travel and they significantly reduce my travel budget. I am sure there are a lot more things I could be doing, so if you have your own tricks, please share them in the comments.
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
