The world is your oyster! There is so much to see, do, and experience in the world, and sadly enough, most people don’t even get their feet wet. Not only does traveling bring happiness and a lifetime of memories, its makes you a more cultured person. You see how people live and how different it may be from the way you live.
For most people, especially millennials, traveling is high on the to-do list. Unfortunately, traveling isn’t always cheap. Not to mention, you do have to come home and pay bills once you’re done traveling! The CGS Team is sharing 8 ways you can save money on travel, so you can get out there and see the world. Remember to always plan, budget and save for your travel. You never want to go somewhere only to come back and not pay your rent.
#1 Ask for cash or travel gift cards for special occasions
The best way to save your own money on travel is to have someone else use their money for you travel! Asking for cash or gift cards for airlines, hotels, and more is a great way to lighten your financial load.
#2 Ensure your credit card comes with travel rewards
If you have no credit card debt, use a credit card with travel rewards for all of your regular purchases. The longer you use this card before it’s time to book your trip, the more reward points you will have to use for the cost of your trip. Stick with credit cards that give you miles or discounts on travel when you use them. Travel-hacking is a big thing! Learn more in CGS Podcast Episode #12: An Introduction to Travel-Hacking!
#3 Pick your flights strategically
To save money on your flight tickets, book during the days and times people fly the least. Late night red-eye flights or early morning flights increase your chances of getting a lower rate. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the days people fly the least. Lastly, avoid traveling during the holidays. It’s a rough time.
#4 Consider hostels or guest homes
Do you really need to stay at a fancy hotel to get the full travel experience? Probably not. Make the most of your time in a new place by staying local. Hostels and guest homes (even AirBnB may have a steal) are great options when you want to save on lodging and still get a feel for the place.
#5 Use public transportation
Skip worrying about driving in a new place and paying money for a rental car by using public transportation. Just like staying in a local hostel or guest house, using public transportation will give you a completely different experience.
#6 Eat and shop in non-tourist areas
You definitely want to visit tourist areas, especially in certain cities in countries, but that doesn’t mean you have to eat and shop in those areas. In fact, you can save a lot of money by eating and shopping in areas that aren’t as popular for tourists.
#7 Use the Trail Wallet app
According to Meg Collins of the Travel Freedom Network, the Trail Wallet app can be a great way to keep tabs on your spending while you are traveling. She says “It keeps tabs on every single cent you spend while traveling. You can also break it down into categories so you can see where your biggest expenses are, and if you need to cut down next trip.” This can be a great resource to making sure you are staying within your budget
#8 Use a card with no foreign transaction fees
You never know when an emergency may come up or you may need to use a credit card instead of cash. Be prepared for any circumstance by bringing a credit card with you that doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees. You may have to call your bank or credit card company ahead of time to confirm, but those fees add up fast, especially if you’re using you card throughout the trip.
Related: 5 Awesome Travel Apps
You don’t have to spend all of your money to travel the world! Budget and plan, save where you can, and be smart when planning your trip. Do you love to travel? Do you have any tips you can share for those who want to travel? How do you save money on your trips? Post a comment below to share your tips and travel tricks!
