The advent of a new year opens doors to adventure and new places to discover. When you’re adhering to a modest budget, you might think that traveling is unaffordable. Yet, affordable travel is possible, especially when you plan carefully. Here are some useful tips to consider for budget-friendly travel this year.
PLAN YOUR TRAVEL BUDGET EARLY
Avoid spending beyond your means by checking what you can comfortably allocate for travel expenses in advance. Consider setting up a yearly budget specifically for travel, putting aside money each month. If you’re able to spare $150 monthly, you’ll accumulate $1,800 by year’s end. Keep in mind, your budget might even stretch further through bonuses, savings, or extra income. Having a rough budget in place helps anticipate costs, so you’re not caught off guard by unexpected expenses.
OPT FOR LOCAL TRAVEL
Traveling doesn’t necessarily mean an extravagant international trip. You can satisfy your wanderlust by exploring destinations within your own country, which could significantly cut costs, especially on airfare. For example, within the U.S., there are various affordable destinations like New York City, Boston, Chicago, Charlotte, Denver, Orlando, and Las Vegas depending on your location. Comparing flight prices on Google Flights can assist in identifying the best deals.
MONITOR CREDIT CARD REWARDS
If you regularly use credit cards offering rewards, you might accumulate points or cash back to redeem for your travel plans. You can earn these rewards with your usual spending behavior, as long as you maintain a habit of paying off the full balance each month. Also, there may be travel bonuses offered by your card company. Assess the points on your rewards cards to see if they can help offset the travel costs.
EXPLORE DIFFERENT ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Accommodation is a significant aspect of travel expenses. Look into various accommodation options to find the one that suits your budget and itinerary. If hotel expenses would stretch your budget, consider services like Airbnb, which allows you to rent apartments, rooms, or entire homes at lower prices than hotels. Airbnb also offers more space and kitchen facilities, saving costs on dining out. Hostels are another budget-friendly option, especially if you will be spending most of your time out exploring. You can use Hostel.com to discover affordable accommodation options near your next destination.
PRIORITIZE THE SIGHTS YOU WANT TO EXPLORE
Outlining your desired attractions and sightseeing trips in advance is a wise move. Refrain from trying to accommodate everything into your itinerary to avoid monetary strain. Instead, list out preferred activities and sights, then seek out coupons and discounts through tourist websites, Groupon, and LivingSocial for the best deals. Additionally, it’s essential to take time to relax. Spending a day at the beach or resting for an afternoon is fine as it is crucial to maintain your health and energy for a gratifying trip.
Got any budget-savvy travel plans for this year? What are your strategies to make sure you stay within your budget?
