Traveling has become a luxury that any budget and anyone can make a reality. Before, it seemed traveling was a “no expense spared” situation. Now, there are many tips and tricks to making travel affordable for even the tightest penny pincher.
There are times when travel seems unavoidable, like if you’re moving to Wisconsin and want to check out the Madison homes for sale, and saving every penny counts. If you find yourself in a situation that takes you away from home, here is how to save money while traveling.
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Research where you’re staying
Technically, this tip requires action before you leave home, but it will save you money during your vacation. You might save money by staying outside the central area of a city but could spend all of that extra cash getting yourself to where all the action is through other transportation.
Look into the cost of public transportation to get you to the activities you planned for the trip. This will help you determine if booking a room nearby may be more cost-effective.
Choose to eat in
Another accommodation option to explore is hotels that offer cooking capabilities. Whether you’re on a restricted diet or eating on a budget, cooking in your hotel room can make your trip easier on you. Purchasing food from local grocery stores and farmers’ markets means you can buy the food you want without paying a hefty bill, plus tip, at a restaurant.
You’ll also have the opportunity to pack meals and snacks to eat while you’re out of the room. You won’t need a full kitchenette to make this option work, but a refrigerator and microwave are necessary.
Use public transportation
It might be easier and more time-efficient to use cabs and Ubers, but the cost can add up quickly. Public transportation is meant to be affordable, so take advantage of this cheaper alternative. You will be subject to the established time tables, but planning can save you more money and still get you where you need to be. Check to see if there are any 24-hour or multi-day options for public transport that are offered at a discount. So, you don’t need to pay each time you ride.
Find free activities
If you’re worried about spending a bunch of money on staying entertained, look into free options where you are traveling to find alternatives. For example, many large cities in the United States offer free walking tours so you can see the city to decide what you’d like to explore further. Using sites like TripAdvisor and Viator will inform you of museums and other activities that have no entrance fee.
Pack snacks and water bottle
You’ve already read about the advantage of cooking in your hotel room. Even if you choose not to make meals for yourself, you can save money by bringing your snacks.
Grabbing something small between meals can cost almost as much as a meal itself. If you’re flying, you can pack a decent amount of snacks from home or go shopping at a grocery store when you arrive. Also, bring a reusable water bottle to fill up throughout the day instead of purchasing one each time you need to hydrate.
