Traveling can be a great way to expand one’s mind and open oneself to new experiences. However, between airfare, lodging costs and other incidental expenses, a single trip stands to leave a sizable dent in your bank account. Because of the financial strain synonymous with taking trips, many people elect to abstain from traveling altogether. Fortunately for cost-conscious travel enthusiasts, there are many ways to embark on new journeys without breaking the bank.
Book Tickets Well in Advance
The most expensive trips tend to be the ones that aren’t planned out. This is particularly true when it comes to airfare. The further away your desired departure date is, the cheaper the tickets are likely to be. Conversely, tickets purchased only a day or two in advance will eat up a sizable chunk of your travel budget. As tempting as an impulsive, spur-of-the-moment trip may sound, it’s also liable to cost you a pretty penny. With this in mind, make a point of booking your plane tickets at least two to three weeks ahead of your departure date. Not only with this give you more seating options, but it will trim a substantial sum off the ticket prices. Additionally, booking tickets during the weekend can oftentimes save you even more money.
Don’t Opt for the Best Room
It’s only natural for travelers to want the best possible lodgings. After all, most humans are naturally wired to want the best of everything. However, applying this principle to hotel rooms can take a huge bite out of your travel budget, especially if you’re staying in an area with a high cost of living. When searching for the right hotel room, carefully consider how much time you’ll actually be spending there. The purpose of your trip is to see the sights and experience new things, not hang out in a hotel room. While having an amenity-laden suite would be nice, it’s hardly necessary, and there are much better ways to put your travel budget to good use. This isn’t to say you should settle for low-rated lodgings or hotels in dangerous areas, but when it comes to rooms, it’s generally a good idea to prioritize sensibility over luxury.
Use Ride Share Services
When visiting a new locale, you’ll find a number of transportation options at your disposal. Although public transit and taxi services have traditionally been the most popular choices, ride share is steadily edging them out. Ride sharing services are fast, affordable, easy to book and can be found in virtually any city or township.
Keep an Abundance of Snacks on Hand
Sampling new cuisine is one of the best things about traveling. Regardless of whether you’re an avid foodie, dining at locally famous restaurants and exposing your palette to new delicacies is a real treat for the taste buds. To help ensure that you have ample funds for real meals, make a point of carrying snacks and beverages with you when you’re out sightseeing. This will prevent you from having to pull out your wallet every time you become hungry or thirsty throughout the day, thereby freeing up more money for substantive dining experiences.
Look for Free Destinations
When visiting a new locale, many travelers opt to explore destinations and attractions that cost money. However, people often fail to realize that most cities and townships are home to an array of free entertainment options. Parks, museums, historic sites and many other complimentary destinations abound in almost every community, proving that one doesn’t always have to spend money to have fun.
Everyone needs to get away from their usual surroundings every now and then. Remaining perpetually tethered to the same place can breed feelings of boredom and stagnation, and the occasional trip is an effective way to break up the predictability of everyday life. Unfortunately, because of the high costs commonly associated with travel, many people simply write it off as too expensive. While it’s true that travelers should be prepared to spend money, taking a trip doesn’t have to be an exorbitantly pricey affair. Putting the previously discussed pointers to good use can help make your next travel excursion both affordable and enjoyable.
