One of the best life experiences one can achieve is by traveling, yet many daydreamers feel as though they can’t afford to do so, based on the ever-changing economy. In some cases, this could be good for those who have been saving to travel for a long time. For others, this may crush their hopes of traveling within the year, however, with thorough planning and taking tips and tricks from a few travel gurus, you can still take that trip you’ve been ever so waiting for.
Research
Whether you’re a spontaneous traveler or rely on strategic planning, the first step to any trip you take is to research. You may be able to save money by flying to a different city than what you planned for, while being able to explore a location you didn’t plan to. I suggest researching as soon as you come up with the idea of taking a trip somewhere. For one, transportation and hotel lodging is probably the most expensive part of any trip. Through your research process, you can focus on comparing these costs, however be aware of price surges. Have you ever noticed how flight and hotel costs can jump to higher prices after checking them? Be sure that your website cookies browser are turned off, and only search for these prices in private or incognito windows. Another trick to consider is to search for flights and hotels months before your planned trip. Prices tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.
Plan
As a spontaneous traveler, the idea of coming up for strategic plans for a vacation sounds contradicting, right? However, having a plan for your travels will actually help you save money. Begin by coming up with a daily budget, and remember to always overestimate your costs. The last thing you want to do is run out of money on vacation. Although you’re on vacation, this doesn’t mean that you can’t live like a local. Consider cooking meals at your accommodations or staying in hotels that offer free breakfast. If you’re planning a night out on the town, plan on purchasing a bottle at the local liquor store and drinking before you actually hit the bars and clubs. This will save you money on individual drinks which can cost hundreds of dollars per night. One more suggestion is to cut back on your luggage. For one, flights tend to charge hefty prices for transporting your luggage bags. Some flights offer free carry-ons, so don’t overpack and take advantage of this. Remember that you can always buy whatever you need when you arrive at your destination.
Consider your transportation
Unless you plan on going overseas, who says that you need to fly? One of the best ways to experience travel journeys is by taking in as much as you can. By taking a road trip, you will not only be able to take your time in exploring destinations, but you’ll come upon small towns and cities that you may have never heard of. Taking a train is also a great way to travel, as you’ll be able to relax, while enjoying the views of the journey throughout. Alternative transportation can also save you hundreds of dollars, while allowing you the experience of a lifetime.