Many of us are eager to travel after being grounded by the COVID-19 pandemic for the past two years. We all know that travel can be expensive, especially as a result of pandemic! There are ways, even during the pandemic, to save money when planning your next trip! If you are eager to travel, but don’t have a large budget, continue reading about these tips to save money for budget travellers.
If you have maxed out your credit cards or over-extended your budget as a result of travel, you might want to consider consulting debt help experts. They can offer you budgeting and savings advice to consumer proposals and the best debt solutions.
- Plan your budget before booking anything
Calculate and write down how much you can realistically spend on flights, accommodation, food, and activities before you make any reservations. This will not only help you avoid any financial surprises later on, but it also makes planning much more streamlined as you know what you can and can’t afford.
- Compare prices
Use websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare airline prices and find the best deals. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of baggage, as some airlines charge more for this than others.
- Consider alternative accommodation
Hotels can be expensive, so look into other options such as hostels, Airbnb, VRBO or Couchsurfing. You can often find great deals on accommodation if you’re willing to be a little flexible with your choices.
4. You don’t always have to eat in restaurants
One of the best tips for budget travellers is to be flexible about where you have your meals. When my mother and I visited Paris several years ago, we dined out at their exquisite restaurants five or six times, but in order to offset these costs, on one or two evenings, we stopped at a local boulangerie and bought artisanal cheese, ham or roast beef slices, fresh baguettes, and side salads and brought our food back to our hotel room for dinner. French deli food is delicious so we didn’t mind doing this and it saved us some money.
- Avoid tourist traps
Popular tourist destinations often have inflated prices for activities, food, and souvenirs. Do some research ahead of time to find budget-friendly alternatives that will still allow you to enjoy your vacation.
- Stick to free activities
There are plenty of things to see and do that don’t cost any money. Take advantage of free walking tours, public parks, museums and art galleries. In London, for example, the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery, Natural History Museum and Science Museum all offer free admission.
- Travel during low season
If you’re flexible with your travel dates, consider travelling during the shoulder or off-season when prices are usually lower. This can also be a great time to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed vacation.
- Use public transportation.
Walking or taking public transportation is often cheaper than renting a car, using taxis or rideshares. Plus, walking allows you to really see the local sights, stop in at local businesses or cafes and meet people from the area – something you probably won’t experience if you are travelling around in a car.
- Bring your own entertainment
Download some of your favourite TV shows or movies to your phone or tablet before you leave, so you have something to watch on those long bus rides or rainy days.
- Get travel insurance
In case of an emergency, it’s important to have travel insurance to cover any unexpected costs. Make sure to read the fine print and understand what is and isn’t covered before you purchase a policy. The Government of Canada recommends that if you are travelling outside Canada, you should check with your insurance provider to determine that you have insurance coverage for the following:
- COVID-19-related medical expenses;
- other non-COVID-19 emergency-related expenses; and
- trip cancellation and trip interruption.
- Use credit cards wisely.
If you use credit cards while travelling, be sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid incurring any interest charges. Additionally, some credit cards offer travel rewards or cash back on purchases, so be sure to compare rates before applying for a new credit card.
- Keep an eye on your spending
It’s easy to let your budget slip while you’re on vacation and enjoying yourself. Keep track of your daily expenses by using a budgeting app such as Tripcoin, TravelSpend or TripMate or simply writing down what you spend each day. This will help you stay on track and avoid overspending.
If you’re looking to travel on a budget, follow the above-noted tips for budget travellers and you’ll be able to save money while still enjoying all the sights and sounds that your chosen destination has to offer. By planning your budget ahead of time, comparing prices and seeking out cheaper accommodation, you can make significant savings without having to forgo any of the fun. And if you want to avoid tourist traps altogether or take public transportation rather than taxis or Uber, you can save even more.
You might be interested in reading, “How to Save Money When Shopping Online“.
Yes, I always try to save when we can when we travel! I find booking ahead can save money as well as getting various apps and such.
I love these tips. My favorite one is traveling during the off season. I actually prefer to visit places when everyone else ISN’T! It’s so much easier to take everything in.
I love using public transportation from the airport to my hotel when I travel for events. I also pack some of my food.
Love these tips for saving money. Also, shop for your ATMs. Some have cheaper fees than others.
We haven’t traveled in quite a while. I have to agree that your tips are great ones for those that are getting back out there post pandemic.
We have a family of five and when we try to we certainly stick to free activities. We also always compare prices.
Hi Lavanda, I’m sure many families seek out free activities while on vacation. I do as well! Cheers, Lori
I always compare prices, especially for plane tickets. It may take time researching but it’s a great way to save money.
Hi Alita, I think it’s time well invested! Cheers, Lori
Getting Public Transportation is a great way to save a couple of pennies while traveling. I will try the others on the list.
Hi Brianne, Yes! Taking public transportation while on vacation will save you a fair amount of money! Cheers, Lori
I love your tips. They’re practical and helpful. I will be traveling more this year and I need to learn to save some money while doing it.
Hi Claudia, I don’t travel that often, but when I do, I don’t like to go overboard with my finances! Cheers, Lori
These are all important tips, it’s so important to use your credit cards wisely.
Hi Tasheena, I agree. It’s very easy to go over your credit card limits when on vacation! Cheers, Lori
These are all really great tips specially when you love traveling a lot! This will help me a lot! Thanks for sharing this with us!
These are all really great tips specially when you love traveling a lot! This will help me a lot! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Hi Rose Ann, Thank you. I also love travelling, but don’t have a huge budget so I have to keep these tips in mind. Cheers, Lori
I always compare prices when I book a trip. it’s amazing how much you can save if you know how to shop around. Great tips x
Hi Melanie, I do the same. There can be such a variation in flight/hotel prices! Cheers, Lori
Food is such a good way to save money. We find ways around expensive food and it saves a lot of money!
Hi Marysa, Yes, you can really save a good chunk of change if you don’t eat in restaurants every night while on vacation. Cheers, Lori
What great tips!! I am a budget traveler and yes, insurance is a must. I live in Florida and I haven’t stayed in a place where they don’t give refunds for any reason. So the insurance is a must.
Hi Tammy, Thank you. I agree with you about getting insurance. Especially, now with the pandemic!! Cheers, Lori
I love travelling. I would like to discover a lot of new places with a reasonable budget. These tips are so useful
Hi Catalina, Thank you. I would also like to discover places that don’t require a huge budget! Cheers, Lori
These are some very helpful tips on saving money for travellers, free things are a huge help, as is insurance.
Hi Mel, Thank you. Yes, insurance is so important now with the pandemic! Cheers, Lori
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