Traveling can be expensive. Airplane tickets, baggage fees, hotel costs, car rental prices, and eateries contribute to the cost, and that’s before paying additional money for sightseeing. Perceptive travelers will savor the experience without breaking the bank with these nine money-saving tips.
1) Pack light. Include toiletries and soap. Everything must fit two carry-on bags. Additional bags incur baggage fees plus the worry of when the bags will arrive. Heavy bags incur a baggage fee too, so it is imperative to weigh the bags to make sure they meet airline weight requirements.
2) Room service, airport restaurants, and vacation restaurants may be overpriced for tourists. Going out for every meal can add up quickly. Look for local markets where you can pick up a few groceries to keep with you at your destination. Prior to departure, plan ahead and pack enough snacks and drinks for the entire trip. Carry dry foods like granola, protein bars, and crackers that will make a light, but filling midday snack to ease hunger pains. Lastly, choose lunch as your largest meal of the day. The prices are often more inexpensive, and many restaurants have lunch specials.
3) Grab a travel-friendly credit card, and be wary of using a card that will incur more fees than intended. Travel credit cards often offer frequent flyer miles. Rewards credit cards can offer cash back on travel. A credit or debit card with low or no international ATM or exchange fees is always a good choice as well.
4) To eat without paying extra, book a low-cost hotel with free breakfast. For longer than seven days, rely on an extended stay hotel with free breakfast so the rate per night lowers.
5) Similarly, select a hotel with a washer/dryer service. A washer/dryer service washes and dries dirty clothing, allowing you to save room in your luggage.
6) A cost-free way to sightsee is walking. Walk around the neighborhood and enjoy the scenery, architecture, and atmosphere. A nice stroll allows the eyes to soak in the details not noticed by car, bus, or train.
7) If tourists want to venture out further, rely on public transportation such as trains, city buses, and bicycles. It’s cheaper than riding a tour bus, renting a car/motorcycle, or riding a cab.
8) Enjoy the free activities in the city. Do a little research to find out if there are any free community events, museums, art walks, parades, or live music while you are in the area. Another great option is to explore local hiking trails, parks, and beaches.
Travelers have a choice. Spend wildly and return with buyer’s remorse or spend with a budget-conscious mind and return with a pleasant experience. The choice is yours.