Traveling can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to keep your costs down.
If you know how to avoid the common money traps, it’s possible to save money while you travel and still have a great time.
Here are some tips for saving money when you travel:
- Plan ahead. Nice hotel rooms cost less if you book them up to six months in advance, and booking flights can save you as much as 50 percent if you book more than three weeks before your trip. And if you’re traveling internationally, make sure you set up a bank account that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Don’t forget to notify your bank of your plans so it won’t block your card when you use it in another country.
- Set limits for yourself. Decide how much you’ll spend each day on food and entertainment and then stick to those limits. You may want to bring a certain amount of cash for spending money and leave the rest of your cash in the hotel room safe or at home so you don’t end up overspending. Also consider taking a prepaid travel debit card that can be used in place of cash at ATMs abroad (but check first with your bank because some banks may not work with international cards).
- Book your flight wisely. While some airlines have gotten rid of blackout dates, many still impose restrictions on when you can travel for free with frequent flier miles. Don’t just book your flight based on what day works best for your schedule; make sure it’s when you’ll get the best deal with points or miles, too.
- Consider traveling during the off-season. Some of the best deals are to be had in the off-season, when most people aren’t traveling. For example, if you’re looking to go to a warm beach destination, consider going after the summer season is over and before the winter holiday rush begins.
