Introduction
Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. A lot of people who we met over the years always had the question, how do you travel so much? Isn’t it expensive? Or, a lot of times saying, you must have a lot of money because you travel all the time! Well, God bless them. We have travelled in many ways, sometimes, we do have luxury travels, but sometimes, we also go on budget travels. At Whereaway Trips, our mission here is to teach you to travel in a multitude of ways, we don’t believe in limitations. We have travelled extensively and discovered ways to make travel more affordable and accessible for everyone, thus saving money travelling. Through years of working in the travel industry (Zaara), and our adventures around the globe, we’ve accumulated a treasure trove of tips and tricks to help you save money while still enjoying the best of what the world has to offer. Here, we share our top travel hacks to help you maximize your travel budget.
1. Book in Advance
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to save money on travel is to plan and book your trips well in advance. When you book flights and accommodations early, you can often snag the best deals and avoid the price hikes that come closer to the travel dates. Do you know flight schedules are open for booking up to 12 months before the travel date?
For example, if we have a travel idea, especially a planned family gathering occasion, we start planning around 6 months to a year ahead. For one, this assists with holiday booking for those who need it. We used fare comparison websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights to monitor prices and set up alerts, or you can also check here. By being proactive, we usually secure flights at a fraction of the peak price. Additionally, we will look at booking our stay through Booking.com. This enables often in managing to get a significant discount, as well as some upgrades at times.
2. Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations
Flexibility is a traveller’s best friend when it comes to saving money. Traveling during off-peak seasons not only helps you avoid crowds, but also reduces costs significantly. Similarly, being open to alternative destinations can lead to discovering hidden gems.
We once planned a trip to Europe with the intention of visiting Paris. However, after comparing costs, we decided to spend more time in Lisbon and Porto instead. Not only did we save on flights and accommodations, but we also fell in love with Portugal’s charming culture and cuisine.
3. Use Travel Rewards and Points
Travel rewards programs are a fantastic way to reduce travel expenses. By signing up for airline and hotel loyalty programs, you can earn points on every trip, which can be redeemed for free flights, hotel stays, and other perks. Additionally, using credit cards that offer travel rewards can accelerate your points accumulation.
For instance, our travels are greatly supported by our travel rewards credit card. By using it for everyday purchases and major expenses, we’ve accumulated enough points for free flights and hotel stays. We are a Gold Elite Member in Marriott Bonvoy, and often we use that privilege to book hotels. During our trip to Bali, we redeemed points for a luxurious resort stay, making the trip far more affordable.
4. Pack Light
Packing light is not only convenient but also cost-effective. Just bringing a cabin bag can save you money, especially on budget airlines. Choosing versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched ensures you have everything you need without overpacking.
Honestly, I’m (Zaara) with the habit of travelling with full luggage, as I need my clothes, my toiletries, my hair dryer and hair straightener. Along with that, I also need products for hair and skincare specially. But over the years, I’ve lessened things, as in getting travel-sized toiletries, and since me & Sami started our travelling together, we minimize to just 1 check-in luggage and 2 cabin bags.
5. Use Public Transportation
Public transportation is often the most economical way to get around a new city. Instead of relying on taxis or rideshares, explore buses, trains, and trams. Many cities also offer travel passes that provide unlimited rides for a set period, which can be a great deal if you plan to explore extensively.
In cities like London, we’ve always opted for travel passes. The Oyster card in London, for example, provides with unlimited travel across buses and the underground, saving us both time and money. Plus, using public transportation allows you to experience the city like a local.
6. Cook Your Own Meals
Eating out for every meal can quickly deplete your travel budget. Instead, consider staying in accommodations with kitchen facilities, such as vacation rentals or hostels, and cook some of your own meals. Shopping at local markets not only saves money but also gives you a taste of local life.
As we are currently living in Tbilisi in Georgia, we have started cooking at home as well. One reason to it is, as much as we love adventuring for food, we also miss our home food. This not only saved us money but also became a cherished part of our travel experience. It’s pretty fun visiting local markets like the Dezerter Bazaar in Tbilisi.
7. Take Advantage of Free Attractions
Many destinations offer a wealth of free attractions and activities. Researching and planning to visit these sites can significantly reduce costs while still providing enriching experiences.
In almost every place we visit, there is always a number of free attractions. We spent days exploring these sites without spending a dime on entry fees.
8. Travel Insurance
While it may seem like an extra expense, travel insurance can save you a lot of money in the long run by protecting you against unforeseen expenses such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Comparing different insurance plans ensures you get the best coverage for your needs.
We tend to get annual Travel Insurance, as we are always jet-setting or living somewhere apart from our home country. There are a few popular ones you can book, like EKTA, HeyMondo and SafetyWings. Some of them are great that you can purchase on your travels even after leaving your home country.
9. Stay in Budget Accommodations
Accommodation can be one of the biggest expenses while traveling. Consider staying in budget-friendly options such as hostels, budget hotels, or vacation rentals. Websites like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Hostelworld offer a wide range of affordable choices.
During a trip to Bali for a family gathering, we opted for a cozy 7 bedroom villa through Airbnb. Not only was it significantly cheaper than hotels, but it also provided us with a more authentic experience of living like a local. All of us had an amazing experience.
10. Use Local SIM Cards or Wi-Fi
Avoiding expensive roaming charges is another great way to save money. Instead of relying on your home network, purchase a local SIM card at your destination or get a Travel e-Sim like Airalo. Alternatively, utilize free Wi-Fi available at cafes, hotels, and public spaces to stay connected.
In most countries we travel to, we tend to buy a local SIM card upon arrival to enjoyed affordable data and call rates throughout our trip. For those who prefer not to switch SIM cards, making the most of free Wi-Fi can also keep costs down while staying connected.
11. Utilize Apps and Websites for Deals
Numerous apps and websites offer discounts and deals on activities, meals, and transportation. Apps like Groupon, LivingSocial, and local deal sites can provide significant savings on a variety of experiences.
In Australia, we used Groupon to find discounts on tours and activities, saving us a considerable amount. Similarly, local deal websites helped us discover restaurant offers and entertainment options that fit our budget.
Conclusion
Saving money while traveling doesn’t mean sacrificing the quality of your experience. With these travel hacks, you can make your adventures more affordable and enjoyable. At Whereaway Trips, Sami and Zaara are passionate about helping you travel smarter and more efficiently. Implement these tips on your next journey, and you’ll be amazed at how far your travel budget can take you. If you need help planning, you’re your upcoming trip, hit us up!
Remember, the key to budget travel is planning, flexibility, and a willingness to explore new ways of doing things.
Happy travels from Sami and Zaara at Whereaway Trips!