Traveling doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. There are several ways to keep costs down and enjoyment high. From scoring deals on hotels rooms through websites like Hipmunk to getting free upgrades, read on for top tips for budget travel.
1. Don’t simply grab the first hotel room you find at the right price. Take into consideration how close the hotel is to the major areas you want to visit. A great price can be ruined by a long trek to attractions.
2. Ideally, you should purchase your airline tickets two months before your trip. You’ll get the best price if you book on a Tuesday, too. If you’re not quite ready to pick a destination, signup for airline newsletters. You’ll be alerted to special offers and deals, which may help you make your decision.
3. Pick up your rental car early in the morning. If you’ve booked the smallest, cheapest car, you have a better chance of getting a free upgrade early in the morning because many people won’t have returned their cars from the day before.
4. Book your cruise either super early or very late. By booking six to twelve months in advance, you’ll snag the best price, because supply is high and demand is low. However, if you’re just a few weeks away from vacation and you haven’t booked a cruise yet, you may get a decent deal because empty rooms need to be filled in.
5. Depending on how many people you’re traveling with, getting a vacation rental instead of a hotel room may be a better deal. While the rental may cost $200 or more per night, if you’re splitting the cost between several people, it could work out in your favor.
6. When visiting a major city, don’t bother renting a car. Instead, make like the locals do and use public transportation. Learn popular routes and pricing systems ahead of time so that you don’t waste too much time figuring out how to get where you need to go.
7. Head to a museum or two. Most museums are free, or at least have free time slots, even if they typically have a suggested donation amount or admission price. If you’re planning a vacation primarily to explore new museums, you may want to schedule your trip around those freebie days.
8. Visit national parks and state parks. Not only are national parks gorgeous and rich with opportunities to hike, bike, and picnic, but they’re also affordable. You don’t have to book a hotel inside the national park; instead, simply visit for a day and pay the car fee, which will likely be low.
9. Pack lightly so that you don’t get hit with an unexpected baggage fee at the airport.
10. In town for a destination wedding, birthday, or your honeymoon? Don’t be shy about spreading the word. A lot of travel vendors will give you add-ons and upgrades if they know you’re celebrating a special occasion.
Being a budget traveler doesn’t mean skimping on things that are important. It means finding the most cost-effective, smartest way to do all of the things you have your heart set on.
This article was contributed by Fiona Moriarty of Hipmunk, a complete travel platform that allows you to do everything from comparing charter flights and train rides, to finding the best resort hotels and Airbnb rentals.
Sponsored Post