Okay so most of us who love travel always come up with the same reaction: It’s expensive!! But, good news is, there are many aspects of travel where you can save money! I am going to start by saying DO YOUR RESEARCH! Each option has its pros and cons for everyone, this is just what we have found works best for us as a couple and our traveling styles.
Airbnb/rentals vs Hotels
okay so this one varies per location, hence the research part. In some areas we have found that Airbnbs are cheaper and essential for us since we like exploring the less popular areas, it is easier/cheaper. Also, with Airbnb’s, most are equipped with laundry machines and a small kitchen which is helpful when you are travelling for 7+ days. You can experience some really great and unique stays as well. We have never tried Hostels so I am not going to speak about those but that is another option. One con to using an airbnb is that you usually need a vehicle unless it is in a popular area (taxi/uber adds up). The main reason we use Airbnb brings us to my second tip…
Food
THE top area that we save money is by staying in an Airbnb and making our own food. Buying groceries is a head of a lot cheaper than eating out every meal (in most places). We normally make eggs and toast for breakfast and make sandwiches to go to pack for lunch. We also pack out bookbag with lots of snacks and a reusable water bottle so we don’t have to spend a lot of money on drinks: it adds up. Supper is when we will usually buy something to eat.
Third party booking sites (Expedia, Booking.com etc. )
To be honest, we rarely pay full price for flights.hotels when travelling. when trying to find the best price, one of the first places i look is Expedia (not sponsored). Once i know what hotel/flight i want, i compare between Expedia, Booking, and the company’s official website. From there, I choose the best price and book. Now, one contraindication to this is if you travel LOT which brings be to the next point…
Points and Rewards Programs
Because hotels want you to book directly with them, most, if not all, hotel and airline companies offer a point/reward program which are FREE to join. Normally when you sign up, you are now a member and there is always a member price (usually 10-30% off). Besides the discount, these rates usually include a breakfast and extended check-in/check-out. Some offer a free night after a 2-3 night stay. Although this sounds great, still compare with the third party booking sites to ensure it is actually worth it and they aren’t just getting you by using the work “FREE”.
Credit Cards
Another type of rewards program is through credit cards. This will be worth it for those saving for a trip or those travelling often. There are many types of travel credit cards out there that earn you money or points towards travel purchases. Put your day to day living expenses ono your credit card and pay it off before paying interesting on it and you will literally earn money. Remember to stay within your spending limits though. Remember to also shop around for the credit cards… some give you a few free flights a year on tops of points, or access to exclusive planner, but my favorite are those that give you free access to airport lounges. This way, when you have layovers, you can go to a lounge and eat for free, most have showers, and some even have quiet/sleep areas! Save money AND recharge!!
Lastly… Layovers
Now before i start on this one, I am going to remind you that this works for us, as a couple. This may differ for those with a family and kiddos. Generally speaking, flying at night, on a weekday, with layovers, is cheaper than on the weekend using a direct flight. Personally we always take the layovers option and check our credit cards to see if there is a lounge at the layover airport to take advantage of. Yes, we are usually a little more tired when we land but normally the excitement of being in a new place takes over and we just head to bed early that night.
I hope you found some of these tips useful!! There are so many more! If you want, comment down below and I can always do a part 2 with more nitty gritty ones.
Until next time,
Tracey