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Who doesn't like saving money on travel?
If you’re broke, it helps you afford a vacation you couldn’t have otherwise. If you’re a travel junkie, it helps you travel more. Or maybe you just like watching those sweet, sweet savings pile up in your savings account.
Either way, it’s actually pretty easy to do. Here are some of our top tips for traveling on a budget in 2021.
Choose an Affordable Destination
Your money-saving efforts start before you even choose a destination.
In fact, where you’re going may be the single most decisive factor on your budget. Because there’s such a huge difference in price between different places, even within the same region.
For instance, in Latin America, Mexico is a lot cheaper than Costa Rica. In Europe, Serbia is a fraction of the cost of France. And if you’re looking for an island getaway, your money will go much further in the Caribbean than the Maldives.
Have Flexible Dates
If you have set vacation dates dictated by your work, school, or what have you, that’s okay. You can still make it work.
But a little flexibility, if possible, can go a long way towards saving money. Even flying on a different day in the same week can be enough to save you a hundred dollars or more.
Book in the Off-Season
That hotel you had to book months in advance for the summer is practically empty a few months later, when the tourist rush dies down.
And you know what that means, don’t you? It’s a lot cheaper. In fact, you can get some crazy deals, even in the most popular destinations, by booking in the off-season.
Of course, most countries have gone through extended “low seasons” over the past year due to Covid, so be on the lookout for deals as tourism slowly ramps back up.
Look for Flight Deals
Flying at the right time of year, month, or day is enough to save you money. But there are still many other tactics you can use to get good deals on airfare.
Checking flight aggregator sites or apps, like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Hopper can help you find the best prices for your dates and destination. Booking separate connecting flights or buying tickets for your group individually are other easy ways to shave hundreds off your expenses.
Know Your Accommodation Options
On one hand, you have the backpacker staying in a hostel bunk for a few bucks a night. On the other, there’s the vacationer who’s overpaying for a room in a big resort or chain hotel.
But for savvy, budget-conscious travelers, there are a lot of options in between, where you can get great value without sacrificing privacy or comfort. That could be a boutique hotel, a short-term condo rental through Airbnb, or a homestay.
Take Public Transportation – or Walk
Depending on where you’re going, a taxi across town may cost a few bucks – or fifty.
But either way, public transportation is always a lot cheaper, whether it’s the subway, the bus, or a tuk-tuk. Not only will they save you money, they’ll help you experience a place from a whole new perspective.
There’s nothing quite like exploring the Philippines in the back of a jeepney, for example.
Of course, for the truly budget-conscious, your two best friends are your left foot and your right. They’ll take you anywhere you need to go – within a few mile radius at least – for free. But consider buying them (and yourself) a beer with the cash you saved.
Get Off the Beaten Path
The more tourists (or expats/digital nomads) are around, the more expensive things are.
So, if you’re looking for the best prices, try wandering outside the tourist zone a bit. You might be shocked by the deals you can find just a few minutes – or even blocks – away, whether it’s food, products, or accommodation.
Eat Like a Local
Look, we all enjoy a good hamburger or pizza. But when you’re in a foreign country, lay off the McDonald’s.
By seeking out local fare – and avoiding the tourist trap restaurants that cater to Westerners – you’ll not only save a lot of money, you’ll get even better food. And it’s easy to find: just look for the place that’s crowded with hungry, smiling locals.
That goes for coffee too. The Starbucks logo might be familiar, but you’ll get a much cheaper – and arguably better – cup of coffee at the local cafe down the street.
Do a Little Cooking
Now, if you’re just on vacation for a couple days, and you really need some R&R, sure, eat out for every meal.
But if you’re in town for longer – or you just want to stretch your money further – cooking some of your meals can be a good idea, even if it’s just some scrambled eggs. Buy your ingredients at the local grocery store or fresh market, then whip them together in the kitchen at your Airbnb.
Avoid ATM Fees
Paying a few dollars every time you withdraw cash abroad – or from an ATM that’s not in your network – can really add up.
That’s where a debit card with no foreign transaction fees comes in. For example, with a Charles Schwab checking account, you can get cash at any ATM in the world. The bank won’t charge you a fee themselves, and they’ll reimburse you any fees charged by the ATMs at the end of each month.
Ask the Locals
Befriending a local or three is never a bad idea.
And one of the benefits of doing so is their ability to save you money, even if it’s indirectly. They’ll know the best deals, the real price of goods and services, plus they’ll make things like navigating public transportation a lot easier – and less awkward.
Read More:
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19
8 Tips for Traveling in Latin America
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
EdwardV
Friday 28th of May 2021
An ATM even with fees is still one of the cheapest ways to get cash overseas. You will always get the exact exchange rate, unlike change booths, foreign banks or hotels who adjust the rate to pay their fee. Watch out for the infamous conversion fee. A percentage your bank or credit card company charge for converting every euro or peso back into dollars. Most all banks and many credit cards do it. However many high end credit cards don't. Capital One has a card with no conversion fee and best of all no annual fee either. While Charles Schwab refunds foreign ATM fees, most other brokerage debit cards only pass on the foreign ATM fee and nothing else. That's my preferred method, my brokerage debit card.
Nick Tomasovic
Friday 28th of May 2021
@EdwardV, Schwab's checking account is attached to a brokerage account. And "only" foreign ATM fees is still a decent chunk of change. I get $20 to $50 in refunds every single month.
Their exchange rates are also quite good.
There are other options, of course, which I link in the article, that's just the bank I use personally.