10 Ways to Save On Your Next Trip
Traveling can be expensive, but these 10 strategies will help you keep costs down on your next vacation:
Pack smart.
Take your carry-on and avoid the checked bag fees. When checked bags cost $25 each way, is it really worth $50 to travel a bag under the plane instead of under your feet? That's up to you to decide, but know that hotels are equipped with shampoo, conditioner and other troublesome travel liquids upon request. You can always make a stop at the drugstore when you arrive. Picking up a $5 bottle of shampoo is still a lot cheaper than a $50 checked bag fee.
Ask a local.
Avoid the tourist traps by asking locals for recommendations. You can either reach out to people you know in the area or check online forums for insider recommendations. Get a bunch of opinions and see where you find the most overlap.
Reach out.
Contacting friends and family at your destination is not only a good way to get recommendations, but also a way to give them the opportunity to offer either to host you or serve as your tour guide for a day or otherwise. The last time I was in Vegas I saw two shows on the strip for free, just from reaching out to former coworkers who had connections in the area.
Read the reviews.
Not only do review sites help you determine and prioritize your must-do travel activities, they can also provide useful, money-saving tips. For instance, if you're visiting a state park, there may be free parking on the side of the road or in a lot nearby which will allow you to save on the vehicle entry fee. Or if you're going to see a show, maybe there's a rush or standing room option where you can get tickets for a fraction of the price. A lot of these insider tips are shared on sites such as yelp.com and tripadvisor.com.
Check the deals.
Another great way to choose travel activities is to check deal sites like Groupon and LivingSocial for the city you are traveling to. Not only will you find out what activities and dining options the area has to offer, but hopefully you can score a good deal, too!
Save on breakfast and snacks by stopping by the grocery store as soon as you reach your destination. A box of granola bars and a bag of apples will be a lot cheaper than frequenting the diner each morning for breakfast.
Do lunch.
Make lunch the big meal of the day. Most restaurants offer lunch specials, which means discounted prices on many of the same items you get at dinner. The midday specials are a great way to experience some of the nicer and more popular restaurants in town without having to wait or pay the dinner hour premium.
Happy hour.
Be sure to make note of any happy hours or drink specials during your research or while walking around, exploring town. When you're on vacation, there's no reason not to cash in on the drink specials that start at 4pm.
Join the rewards programs.
Just about every facet of your travel experience, including booking sites, airlines and hotels, offers some kind of loyalty or reward program that is free to sign up for. I never know if it will add up to anything, but I know it doesn't cost me anything so I keep track of all my rewards programs in a little spreadsheet and check the status before any trip. So far, I've been able to book several flights and nights at hotels all over the country with points alone.
Have fun.
There's no point in vacationing if you're going to be stressed out about your spending the whole time. Plan ahead so you know which activities are within your budget and where you can afford to splurge.
Stefanie O'Connell is a New York City based actress and freelance writer. She chronicles her struggle to "live the dream" on a starving artists' budget at thebrokeandbeautifullife.com.
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