Nothing gets me more excited than a good travel experience! The world is filled with so many amazing places, some of which I’ve been eager to explore for the longest time.
However, if there’s something we can all agree on is that traveling sometimes comes with a hefty price tag, especially in the summer.
Naturally, I don’t want to spend all my hard-earned money on a single trip, which is why I always resort to travel hacks to save money.
Before we get into the details, allow me to let you in on a little secret – not all vacation hacks you see online work. Trust me, I found that out the hard way.
But, as a travel expert myself, I’ve gone through a lot of trial and error and discovered the ones that are actually effective.
And now, it’s your turn to find out what they are!
With that said, in this blog, you will discover how to save money on travel. With these top travel tips, your next trip might be the best one yet. Best of all, you won’t have to spend a small fortune on it!
This post is all about the best vacation hacks even if you spend like sailors on leave.
Easy Vacation Life Hacks
1. Embrace The Off-Season
As previously mentioned, summer is usually when travel prices skyrocket, especially for more exotic locations.
What you may not know, however, is that the same destinations can cost a fraction of their “regular” price during the off-season!
I know that some of you may not be willing to fully commit to this vacation hack thinking that the experience may not be the same as you’ve pictured it.
But, as an avid traveler, I recommend you explore this option with an open mind.
For instance, New York is one destination that is often found on many travel bucket lists. Unfortunately, many people stray away from it simply because they find it too expensive.
Though, that isn’t always the case, as winters in the Big Apple can be quite budget-friendly. Despite the weather being cold, experiencing the city when it’s covered in snow is one you won’t forget for a lifetime!
2. Book Your Tickets Carefully
Airplane tickets are usually the main culprits of high travel costs. Luckily, there are many travel hacks for flying you can try!
I always like to start my search for airplane tickets on Skyscanner. This platform provides all the possible options for my selected dates, so I can easily find the one that suits my budget.
Next, be mindful of the day when you book your tickets. Flights on Saturdays and Sundays are usually the most expensive since most people need to return home on Monday.
With that said, see if it’s possible to depart on either Tuesday or Wednesday as tickets on these days go for the lowest prices.
In addition to the day, try not to look and book tickets in the mornings. This is when most business travelers tend to book their flights, making airfare tickets skyrocket.
For that reason, aim for the afternoon – this will save you a pretty penny.
3. Go For Budget Airlines
When it comes to travel hacks to save money, not mentioning budget airlines would be criminal! Still, given their “wonky” reputation, not all travel enthusiasts are keen on them.
One of the biggest advantages of budget airlines like RyanAir and easyJet is their low ticket prices.
If you’re not looking for luxury while flying, this option can save you more money than you imagine!
However, why many stray away from budget airlines is due to their lack of reliability. Flights from these airlines can get canceled more frequently than “normal” ones, so you’ll have to look for other options yourself.
On top of that, some of these airlines can be very strict over their luggage policies. Even if your suitcase is just an inch larger than the provided guidelines, they may force you to check in your luggage which can be quite pricey at airports.
So, if you’re considering this option, ensure your carry-on baggage meets all the guidelines so you don’t run into any last-minute (and rather hefty!) surprises.
4. Travel Light
Speaking of baggage fees, we all know how expensive checked-in luggage can get. With that in mind, one of the biggest travel hacks to save money is to always stick to carry-on bags.
Firstly, check how the weather will be in the destination you’re traveling to. This will give you an idea of what you need to bring, avoiding overpacking in the long run.
Winter clothes are bulkier and take up more space, so all of your biggest pieces should be on you when you fly. This especially applies to jackets and boots/shoes.
Additionally, packing cubes can be of great assistance! These are nylon bags with zippers that help you stay more organized. You can find great deals on Amazon for less than $20. Plus, they’re reusable so you can bring them on all of your trips!
5. Be Smart With Your Accommodation Choice
All of us have different priorities when it comes to booking accommodations. While some go for the ultimate comfort and features, others are more interested in the location.
No matter what group you belong to, I can say for certain that we all appreciate a good deal!
For starters, I always go on sites like Booking.com or Hotels.com to see what kind of accommodations I have at my disposal.
Once I select a few of my favorite options, I go to Tripadvisor.com to see what other travelers have said about these places.
One of the biggest vacation hacks I’ve learned is to contact accommodations directly to see what kind of deals they offer.
Once I have all the rates from different sources, I go for the cheapest one. Talk about effective budgeting!
Designed by Freepik
6. Choose Less Popular Destinations
For my final international travel hack, I recommend you embrace the “destinations less traveled.”
Instead of Santorini, you can book your trip to Paros – it boasts the same Mediterranean vibe for a fraction of the price. If you’re looking for something even more unique, check out islands such as Crete or Corfu.
Trust me, you’d be surprised by the kind of places you can discover once you amp up your research skills!
The Best Cheap Vacation Hacks
I swear by these travel hacks to save money and you should too! Before you book your next trip, keep these top travel tips in mind to make your experience even more enjoyable!
Have any more vacation hacks I should know about? Leave a comment below! For even more budgeting tips, be sure to read the rest of my blogs!
This post was all about the hottest trips and tricks for your next dream vacation! 😊
Other posts you may like:
How to Stay Productive During the Summer: 12 Tips and Tricks
Leave a Reply