Save big with these cost-cutting travel hacks
You know what's better than traveling? Traveling on the cheap. By that we don't mean cutting corners. We simply mean taking advantage of deals, knowing when and how to book, getting creative with overnight experiences and more.
Here are 10 travel hacks that will elevate your trip while saving you money. Some are simple, while others require a little bit of effort (and, yes, you might have to pick up a phone and talk to someone IRL). But all of them can help you and your travel companions see the world on a budget.
1. Book smart
If you’re flying, you should know that the cost of your flight could take the biggest bite out of your budget. So it makes sense to start here. Generally speaking, it’s cheaper to book flights in the afternoon, after business travelers have finished booking their flights (typically in the morning). The cheapest days to fly are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, because they’re the slowest days of the week for airlines, and priced accordingly.
Read more: How to boost your travel budget
2. Go with the flow
The more flexible you are, the better your chances of getting terrific deals on flights. If your schedule allows it, set alerts for cheap flights to locations you want to visit, then sit back and let the internet work its magic. There are even a number of services that will let you know whenever there's a super cheap flight to be had—to anywhere. So if you’re destination-agnostic, and your schedule’s flexible, you can snag some of the very best deals.
3. Go cruising
Unlike plane tickets, which usually get more expensive the closer you get to takeoff, cruises frequently work the other way around. Take a spin through the various cruise line websites to see if you can score a last-minute deal, and go anchors aweigh to Norwegian fjords, Hawaiian islands or Caribbean beaches.
4. Haggle for a hotel room
The easiest way to book a hotel room is through one of the dozens of internet aggregators. The smartest way to book a hotel room could be to call the front desk or on-site booking agent and ask for the best deal. This hack leads to cheaper prices because you're removing the middle person (read: website) from the equation and going directly to the source. Be wary of third-party numbers that come up when you search the property in question. Make sure you’re connected to the hotel itself.
5. Extend that rental stay just a little bit longer
If you choose to do a short-term rental instead of a hotel, we don't blame you. This can provide a more authentic experience. But the fees! The good news is that the longer you stay in one place, the less the fees will cost per day. (It's not like the cleaning fee goes up based on the length of stay, after all.) Plus, staying put lets you save money elsewhere by doing things like grocery shopping.
6. Travel overnight
If you are going to multiple destinations, traveling overnight is a great way to reach a new location while eliminating the cost of a hotel room. This is especially effective if you're traveling in Europe where the robust rail system is clean and comfortable, and booking well in advance leads to cheap fares for all. Fall asleep outside Paris, wake up well rested in Prague. That doesn't sound too bad, now does it?
7. Sightsee for days
Most travelers will want to see the sights each city has to offer. That's sort of the whole point, right? Look into picking up city-specific tourism cards that will get you discounts to museums, monuments and other attractions. They might even let you skip the line, too.
8. Lean into lunch
Another way to hack your travel budget is to make the most of meal offers. In many places, there are deals for long, luxurious and delicious lunches. The menu is frequently the same as it is at dinner, but the price point is significantly more affordable. Hit up the daily special, enjoy a midday respite and have a bit of bread and cheese for dinner. In many places, it's what the locals do, too.
9. Withdraw - don't exchange - cash
We live in an increasingly cashless society, but make no mistake, you should have cash on hand while traveling. Always take cash out from the bank rather than going to a money exchange. The rates at the bank will be vastly superior and you won't feel duped.
10. Get long-term travel insurance
You might be the type of person who skips travel insurance altogether, and that’s your prerogative. But the more you travel, the more cost-effective an annual policy becomes. If you travel more than a couple of times a year, it could be an investment that saves you loads in the event of a theft, cancellation or an accident.
