Saving money while traveling is easier than you think. The trick is to manage those seemingly tiny expenses that can add up quickly. Reduce your travel budget or have more money for fun activities by following these simple money saving tips for traveling.
A site like Fareness will show you how much you might have to pay for airfare on the approximate dates you’re planning to go, up to six months out. You can also set an airfare alert on Airfare Watchdog to inform you of cheap ticket opportunities. The Hopper app can also be used to watch airfare prices for you.
One of the lesser known money saving tips for traveling is to book with an online travel agent site like Tingo that automatically refunds the difference if the rate drops below what you paid.
The Honey browser extension, which works on several prominent travel sites like Hotels.com, Priceline.com and Trivago.com, will alert you to any discount codes as you are making a purchase. The extension will even test them automatically with a single click.
You can score some really excellent last minute deals on hotels at all times during the year. Hotels know they need to fill their rooms to make money and can give them away at astonishingly low rates.
Another of the lesser known money saving tips for traveling is to cut lodging costs by house sitting or pet sitting during your trip. House- or pet-sitting sites like TrustedHousesitters list homes and apartments throughout the U.S. and U.K., and as far away as South Africa and New Zealand. For a pet-free residence, Airbnb is a cheap alternative in many expensive cities.
Maximize your carry-on to fly without checking a bag. To make this work, cut down on the amount of stuff you think you need, choose the right bag, and change your packing method to maximize space.
Taking cabs is an unnecessary habit that drains money quickly. The best way to explore a city is by walking or taking public transit, which are both more cost effective. If you must rent a car, find out what your credit card and personal car insurance covers so you can decline anything you don’t need at the checkout counter.
Use a debit card linked to a bank account that you can monitor with your smartphone for purchases during your trip. If you do have to withdraw money at your destination, do it in as few transactions as possible to minimize your ATM fees.
Subscribe to restaurant deals near your destination through websites like Groupon and LivingSocial to get offers. Research prices before you go to avoid unpleasant surprises. Cook as much as possible if you have the facilities to do so. Take advantage of continental breakfast offerings at hotels and motels to avoid spending money.
Search online for a calendar of local holidays, major festivals, and scheduled events for the location you are traveling to. This will show you whether there will be free activities and events available or if the hotels may be overbooked and restaurants crowded due to special events in the area.