How To Travel On A Budget With These 7 Tips

It’s January, it’s ridiculously cold, and enough is a enough already.  Why does January seems like it lasts forever! I know I’m not the only one planning, dreaming and yes, trying to figure out how we are going to take that next big family vacation.  Or heck, even just escape the cold for a much needed weekend getaway.   Are you ready to escape reality for a while? Here are my tried and true quick tips on how you can start traveling sooner.  Here’s how you can start living the dream.  This is how to travel on a budget.

Plan Ahead and Be Flexible

Airfare, train tickets even hotel rooms can be found at a discount if you can be a little bit flexible and book ahead.  When searching for fights be sure to search for flights in and out of different airports near you and consider travelling at “down times”.  Avoiding travel during the more expensive Summer and school holiday seasons.   You truly can find some amazing deals in the shoulder season or off season!  Paris in September?  I think so!

Don’t Forget The Points

I have a Credit Card that I’m loyal too and use consistently to rack up those points.  I may shop a little bit too much, but it doesn’t take me too long to rack up enough points to pay for a flight….or two!

Eat Like A Local

When exploring those touristy hot spots and hunger strikes, make a conscious effort to walk a few blocks away from the crowds and find some local haunts.  Odds are not only will you find even better restaurant options, but the prices will be better too.  Not in the mood for a sit-down meal?  Find a local shop or grocer and create a picnic to go.  While you’re at that grocer snag a few snacks and drinks for your hotel room. It’s much cheaper to stock your mini bar with bottled water, granola bars and fruit from the market then eating out of the hotel rooms fridge.

Another BIG eating tip.  Splurge at lunch and save at dinner.  A tasting menu in a fancy schmancy restaurant at lunch is often substantially cheaper then at the dinner hour.  The menu is the same, so is the great service, ambiance and memories you will make!

Don’t Over Tip

Do a little research on your destination before you go. In many countries you are not expected to tip on your meals, in some countries it is even considered rude.  Alternately, some restaurants have already added a tip to your bill – you wouldn’t want to tip twice!

Grab Some Free Culture

Many museums offer free admission one day a month – check the local guides.  If you don’t happen to be travelling that day, consider purchasing a museum pass that often allows for not only Front Of The Line access, but entry into multiple museums and galleries over the period of a week.  This pass pays for itself in no time.

Stay Differently

Full disclosure, I am an  accommodation snob.  When I travel I want to stay somewhere fabulous.  What I’ve learned is that this doesn’t have to be a 5 Star Hotel.  With a little research you can find some stunning AIR BNB’s, Home Rentals, or Home Exchanges, and when sharing the cost with friends or other couples it may even be cheaper than a traditional hotel.  Plus!  You can easily save a few more dollars by preparing a few meals in your “home” for the holiday!

Buy Travel Insurance

Advising to spend money when you are trying to save it?  Yes, yes I am.  You hope you never need it, but as they say an ounce of prevention…  One trip to the doctor for an ear infection, a jellyfish sting, a broken leg, or heaven forbid something worse and you will save every penny you ever invested and more.

Happy travels.