Saving Money on Travel

Travel is amazing. But the reality is that it can be expensive. Saving money on travel is possible, and I’m sharing a few ways how today.

Plan Ahead. As with any big purchase, when it comes to travel, it’s important to plan ahead. It gives you ample time to consider your budget so money is not a stressor for the trip. Additionally, early booking ensures that you get the best deal on hotel and airfare- instant savings! Early planning also gives you enough time to research your destination, which you may find you much prefer to visit in the off-season when it is less crowded and considerably cheaper in price.

Utilize Social Media. There’s no denying how popular social media is nowadays. With “likes” and hashtags everywhere from television to the doctors office, it’s hard to escape. Facebook and Twitter are great ways to stay up-to-date on flash sales from airlines, cruise lines, and more. JetBlue is notorious on both Facebook and Twitter for their “cheep deals” with one-way fares sometimes as low as $49.

 

Cash in on Credit and Debit Reward Points. It often feels like the plastic in our wallets hurts us more than it helps. But when it comes to booking a trip, used wisely, it can definitely help. Most debit and credit card companies offer free reward programs that earn you points on basic everyday purchases. Accumulate enough points and they can be redeemed for a number of travel expenses, lowering your out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Skip the Hotel. Where to stay can surely make or break the travel experience. Hotels can get pricey, so why not consider skipping it altogether and renting a room, apartment, even a home from a site likeAirBnB.com instead? The overall savings can be used for other fun activities, and the experience of living like a local for a few days will surely make for some unforgettable travel memories. (This is my plan for Paris!)

 

Consider a Cruise. It’s no secret that I absolutely LOVE cruising. They’re a great way to see a number of locations when short on time and money. With almost all of the amenities covered in the cost, and so much to do onboard and in port, taking a cruise truly does offer the most value for your money.

 

I’ve shared mine, now tell me some of yours? What are some tricks you’ve used to save money on a trip?