Traveling can cost us quite a lot of money, whether we think about the amount we give in exchange for fuels, or the costs of accommodation, food and specific shopping.
How to spend money wisely on vacation
Vacations could be a lot less expensive than you might think, especially if you know how to manage your money or even how not to spend it the wrong way. Discover below some strategies to keep your money in your pocket, or in other words, some strategies to put it to better use for your benefit.
1. Use airline ticket deal sites
It’s always a good idea to start your flight search on a search aggregator like Google Flights or Momondo. Such platforms display a list of flights that match your itinerary and redirect you to the website of the airline or an online travel agency to complete the booking. They are great for getting an estimate of the cost of your flight and giving you additional options and booking ideas, especially if you are flexible with your travel dates and times.
However, if you’re always on the lookout for the best deals, there are several flight deal websites that can send you alerts when a great deal comes along. Some of these may require you to subscribe.
2. Hotels or Airbnb to save money
The hotels vs. Airbnb dilemma is a common one among travelers. Both offer you accommodation, but the amenities and experiences you receive are different. Hotels have services like housekeeping, various amenities and other services included. Also, a hotel stay can earn you rewards, which can later be used, turning into, for example, free nights of accommodation. Linking to a hotel credit card can bring additional benefits, such as certain services reserved only for premium customers.
On the other hand, the experience of accommodation through Airbnb is not to be refused either. There is no check-in desk or dedicated staff for each property. You’re on your own once you get to your accommodation, but you can get help before or during your stay by communicating with your Airbnb host.
While there isn’t an obvious price difference between the two options, multiple options can help keep costs down, especially if you’re flexible about your accommodation options. Usually, when traveling in a large group, choosing an Airbnb apartment can be more economical. Additionally, an Airbnb apartment most likely comes equipped with a fully equipped kitchen, allowing you to prepare meals there instead of eating out every night. Also, unlike many hotels, you won’t be charged extra for amenities like resort fees or parking.
3. Checked Baggage vs. hand baggage
Many travelers do not know what to choose between checked and hand luggage. Some prefer hand luggage because they don’t have to worry about their luggage being damaged or lost. For those who prefer to pack more or need to carry items that are not allowed in the cabin, there is an opportunity to save on checked baggage fees by using an airline credit card. Many credit cards offer the benefit of being exempt from baggage fees. Sometimes this would mean a savings of $60 per person for a round trip.
If you don’t have an airline credit card, you’ll probably prefer to travel with carry-on only. Each airline has its own specifications on what is accepted as carry-on luggage, but in general you’ll save more money by choosing a smaller bag.
4. Collect points. You can use them instead of money
Don’t forget to collect valuable points for flights and hotel stays. This is the most effective way to save money on travel. You can thus significantly reduce the costs for flights and accommodation. Some credit card enthusiasts accumulate millions of points per year and even manage to pay off almost all of their travel expenses with those points just by using the rewards they earn, according to CNBC.com.
There are lots of attractive credit card deals that you can access. With a travel credit card, you can earn loads of rewards and access extra services like car rental insurance and travel insurance – saving you even more money.
5. Choose to travel in the off-season for less money
Choose to travel in the off-season. Most tourist destinations have periods of time per year when the number of tourists is much lower. If you choose to travel in such intervals, you will find that everything from souvenirs and accommodation to plane tickets is cheaper.
6. Cook instead of eating out with more money!
Prepare your meals in the kitchen of the hostel or AirBnB where you are staying, using food purchased from local stores or markets. Although this takes a little more time and planning, it will save you a lot of money.
7. Eat what the locals eat
Be willing to learn and try new things. Eat what the locals eat. In specialty stores that carry the brands you are used to, prices may be higher. In addition, there are plenty of travel guides that tell you where to find places to eat cheaply and well.
8. Ask the locals where to go shopping
No one can tell you the best place to buy groceries or eat in a town or village like a local. Ask where you can find the cheapest groceries and when or where the best restaurants are. Many times these restaurants have better local products than the big restaurants. There the local product is authentic, and if the locals prefer it, it is clear that it is also good and authentic.
9. Find the discount section at stores
Not in all stores you will find a section of products that have discounts. Usually in supermarkets you will find such corners or shelves with food whose shelf life expires.
10. Things to avoid to save money
Travel can be full of temptations and attractions, but you must always be aware of the pitfalls that can empty your wallet faster.
Expensive souvenirs are among the first temptations. Set a budget for souvenirs and choose less expensive items. Also, don’t forget that some of these souvenirs can sometimes be bought in regular shops where they are much cheaper and not in the areas usually frequented by tourists.
11. Trip organized personally or ticket through the agency
Organized tours are convenient, but can come with exorbitant prices. To avoid this pitfall, find out in advance about the attractions you are interested in and plan your itinerary carefully. This approach will give you more economical alternatives, such as public transport or online tickets for tourist attractions, or even local guided tours, which can be more affordable.
12. The best exchange rate
Don’t forget the financial aspects of travel either. Currency exchange rates at airports and hotels tend to be less favorable to tourists. Use local ATMs to withdraw money or compare exchange rates at several currency exchange offices before converting.
