Budget travel hacks for travel that won’t kill your savings

Travel has always come at a very high price. Now with higher prices for gas and plane tickets (thanks, inflation!), it’s more expensive and for many, it’s just not in the budget right now.

… or is it?

Even when money is tight, getting away for a while shouldn’t be completely out of the question. You just have to travel More intelligent. We spoke to Kathleen Curran, travel expert and associate content director at EF Ultimate Break, who shared some simple and real ways to save money while traveling—without sacrificing any of the fun. With these budget travel hacks, you can book that plane ticket without worrying about depleting your savings. Bon voyage!

1. Book Smart

The keys to saving money on travel are planning and preparation. That starts with booking your travel arrangements and accommodations, as they are usually the highest ticket items. One of the easiest travel hacks to save on lodging? Choose a hostel over a hotel, resort or rented house as it is often the cheapest option. “If you’ve never stayed in a hostel before, you’re missing out,” Curran said. “They’re usually centrally located, affordable, and a lot more fun than you think.”

Hostels are also a good option if you are traveling alone. Staying in a shared accommodation is a great way to make new friends, get tips from other travelers and stay safe with others, Curran said. Many hostels have kitchens, which can save you even more money if you buy local groceries and prepare several meals!

2. Write early

When it comes to your budget travel, when is Your book is as important as it is important. where You book. “If you’re a long-term procrastinator, this one should be better,” Curran said. “Booking your trip early all the time It will find you the best flight price. Outside of the once-a-year deal (think Black Friday), the earlier you book, the more you save.

It’s a good idea to use shopping tools like price scanners or sign up for travel alerts and deals in advance. Hopper is a popular app that helps you find the best travel deals or you can easily track flight prices on Google Flights. The right tools will help you order at the best time for you and your wallet.

Source: @somewhere

3. Package light

If you’re used to packing everything you can into your suitcase, it’s time to fix that. Overpacking can result in additional fees for overweight bags, multiple carriers, and more. Avoid unnecessary extra costs by packing light. “Plan your travel style around staple pieces (think skirts, pants) that you can use on multiple looks and pair them with a variety of tops and accessories,” advises Curran. “This gives you a unique everyday experience without the dreaded baggage fees.” You definitely don’t have to sacrifice your style – just be strategic about it!

As for packing your bag, Curran suggests Marie Kondo’s folding method or the rolling technique, both of which allow you to save space and pack more items. Bonus: These travel hacks can help keep your clothes wrinkle-free because, “Ain’t nobody got time for scoffing when an adventure awaits,” says Curran.

4. Choose local, casual foods

To stretch your food budget, avoid tourist trap restaurants, brunches, and fancy multi-course meals. Instead, shop the streets for small, local businesses that offer authentic but affordable prices. “Put your fork into the typically more affordable street food options,” says Curran. “Cities like Cartagena, Marrakesh, London and Tokyo are known to have some of the best street food you can find.”

Another helpful strategy? Press on lunch! Because the lunch menu is typically cheaper, “go big at lunch and choose a smaller, more casual meal at dinner,” Curran advises. “You save more than you think.”

Source: @vanessa.e.aguirre

5. Drink as an environment

When it comes to affordable dining, consider your cocktails too! As Curran advises: “Hands off the minibar!” The markup on those tiny drinks is insane. And if you’re checking out the local bar scene, opt for house wines, low-shelf or local brews.

For pre-dinner or casual drinks, grab some beer or wine at the supermarket, where prices are typically much lower. “And when you want to experience the nightlife, keep your eyes peeled for bars and pubs full of locals,” Curran said. Don’t forget to check out happy hours and drink specials!

When it comes to staying hydrated, pack plenty of your own water or use a reusable water bottle filter for when you’re outdoors. Curran cautions that water bottles are always oversold in touristy areas, so being prepared can save you some serious coin.

6. Consider travel-friendly credit cards

When saving for your trip, keep an eye out for travel-minded credit card promotions. Look for cards that offer modest sign-up bonuses or travel points for purchases. Instead of paying off your entire trip on credit, Curran recommends using the card as a savings tool: “Pay bills and collect points at the same time to offset some of your travel expenses.

Using these travel hacks, you’ll find it really easy (and fun) to plan a wallet-friendly trip that works for any budget. Happy travels!