8 Travel Tips for Keeping to Your Vacation Budget

Updated On January 10, 2022
A passport and a map

Are you often asking yourself how can you make your trip as cheap as possible?

Well, you are not the only one.

If you think that your last vacation was too expensive, then do research.

However, if you do not have time or do not know where to start, do not worry.

We made a little research for you and found a few useful tips that will be of great benefit on your next vacation. 

You can still go on the trip from your dreams, do the things that you have planned to do and visit the places that are on your bucket list without spending a fortune. 

Do not be surprised, that is possible.

Just follow these 8 tips that we have selected for you:

Plans for a trip
Plans for a trip

Travel During Shoulder Seasons

Without a doubt, the main factor that determines the costs of your vacation is the month you plan to travel.

It is possible to save some money while travelling during the spring and fall months.

The peak season in the northern hemisphere and the tropical areas is between the months of June and September.

The prices rise during that period of the year, especially in the top destinations, so if you can, plan your vacation for April, May, October or November. 

Travellers
Travellers

Book Flights Wisely

Many have noticed, and probably you are one of them, that after online searching for airline tickets, the price suddenly raises up by 50$?

Numerous websites track your online browsing activities, so travel sites are not an exception.

They might raise the prices of the tickets after an increase in demand. 

If you want to stop this, clear your cookies and browsing history or use an incognito mode when flight searching.

Plus, many believe that there is no right time to buy a flight ticket.

So, they advise that it is always better to try with price alerts and wait for the best deals to come to you.

Be Smart With Your Money

Maybe you do not know, but banks use tricks to sneak money from your bank account when you are travelling.

For example, when you are asked if you want to pay in your home currency or the local currency, always choose the local, because cards charge from 2-7% for the other option. 

Plus, airport currency exchanges regularly have the worst possible rates.

If you can, go to the nearest city and search for an exchange service that is out of the touristy area.

Nowadays, many banks do not charge ATM fees for withdrawing money, so before starting your trip try to get an international bank account that will work best for you. 

Money
Money

Use Public Transportation

There are countries that do not have Uber, so sometimes you have to find other options.

Using private transportation can be an expensive choice, so public transport is a better option, especially if you want to save some money. 

Many cities have an efficient bus, subway and train systems.

Plus, on a bus or train, you will enjoy way more authentic views of the city. 

A public transport
A public transport

Make Use of Free Activities

Maybe you will be surprised, but sometimes you can find activities which are either totally free or very cheap.

Free sightseeing tours, free entrance to galleries and museums, free bicycle rentals, etc…

Just type “best free and cheap things to do in…” on Google and you will get a lot of ideas.

Play Your Cards Right

Borrowing money is always a risk because there are great chances to end up in debt.

However, if you are using rewards programs intelligently, you can get pretty decent discounts on your overall cost.

You can also find a bank that has airline miles (aka frequent flyer miles or travel points).

Sometimes they offer very profitable incentive programs, like, for example, the Chase Sapphire card.

They will give you 50,000 points, circa $650, if you spend $4,000 in a period of three months.

Eat Like a Local

Prepare your own meals or eat locally and save a good amount of money during your vacation.

Avoid chain restaurants and taste authentic local food at the street food vendors and food trucks.

If your room has a kitchen, buy your food in local markets and prepare healthy meals from local ingredients.

Local market
Local market

Work While You Travel

There are many work exchange programs (like WWOOFing and Work Away) which are helping travellers to save some money, but also to spend a great time while travelling abroad.

Hosts provide meals and a place to stay in exchange for a few hours of work per day.

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