If you’re not careful, trips can quickly get expensive. And these expenses sometimes stop us from visiting the people we love most.
So today we’re going to explore the many ways you can spend quality time with loved ones without breaking the bank!
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead can you save money, help you avoid last minute costs and impulse purchases, and keep you from overspending on activities:
- Create a travel budget and break it down into daily allowances.
- Pack light! Consider using packing cubes to stay organized while traveling.
- Travel in the off-season. Prices rise certain times of the year, so consult a calendar to determine when the slow season is.
Take Advantage of Technology
There are tons of free apps designed to help you save money on travel, from accommodations to attractions. Here are some popular apps to download:
- Goldstar: Find half-price tickets to live shows in over 30 cities.
- GasBuddy: Fill up your rental car for the lowest price.
- Hotel Tonight: Find last-minute deals on hotels as soon as they become available.
- Groupon: Search by city for deals on things to do and places to eat and stay.
- Citymapper: Choose the most affordable and easiest method to get from point A to B.
- Atlas Obscura: Find unique (and free!) destinations in your area.
- Allegiant: Say goodbye to the paper boarding pass, and hello to convenient air travel.
Look for Lodging Deals
Often, the cheapest option is to stay with the friends or family you’re visiting. If that’s not possible, there are plenty of affordable options:
- Hostels: They get a bad rap sometimes, but hostels are affordable, clean, and usually include breakfast!
- Last Minute Hotel Deals: As the dates get closer, hotels will drop prices to fill rooms, and you can save up to hundreds on last minute hotel rooms!
- Travel Packages: Allegiant offers all-inclusive travel deals with cheap flights, rental cars, and hotel deals.
- Follow Travel Influencers: Sometimes influencers have great recommendations that no one else knows about yet!
Use Public Transportation
Before the trip, ask yourself: “How can I get around without a car?”
While public transportation is not always preferred, it costs a fraction of what taxis, rental cars, and Ubers charge.
Do some preliminary research on bus routes, metro cards, and maps.
Eat Like a Local
Skip the overpriced touristy hotspots. You’ll find more affordable meals when you eat like a local. Ask your friends and family for recommendations!
Consider buying groceries to make your own meals. That way you can pack a lunch if you’ll be out and about all day.
Farmers markets are also great places to enjoy fresh local flavors without spending a ton of money.
Skip the Souvenirs
It’s tempting to buy new things when traveling. We’re all guilty of vacation spending! But if you’re looking to travel on a budget, souvenirs may not be an option.
Not only does it require extra space in your luggage, but prices are often marked up in touristy areas.
Instead of buying trinkets to remember the trip by, consider creating a photo album! There are tons of options for assembling your own, like Chatbooks or Snapfish.
Take Advantage of Free Activities
Free activities are the best way to save money and still have a great time. Avoid expensive tourist attractions and look for things to do that are in walking distance or close to public transportation. Museums and art galleries are great candidates for free activities.
If you enjoy the outdoors, consider exploring the area; whether it’s an urban hike through the city, or a nature hike at a nearby park.
Visiting friends and family doesn’t have to break the bank! Keep an eye out for deals, do a little extra research, and check out cheap flights through Allegiant. You could end up saving hundreds on your trip!
Got an extra tip we didn’t cover? Comment and let us know!
