In today’s economy, every penny counts! Many of us find ourselves struggling to get the most value out of our hard earned money, but fret no more! There are plenty of ways to use your money wisely so that you can enjoy your travel experiences!
Booking Flights
Travelling can be costly, but if you plan in advance, you’re already ahead. Finding the cheapest flights can be tiresome and frustrating. With endless sites boasting the best rates and comparisons, paired alongside consistently fluctuating airfare prices, you may find yourself asking how you can be certain you snagged the best deal out there.
Most sites use cookies to log which flights and destinations you use, and if you’ve ever noticed an increase in flight prices after multiple searches for the same site, you’re not crazy! Keep your travel plans private by using an incognito web browser to see the lowest prices. When you show a high demand for a specific flight, these websites up the prices to give a sense of urgency so that you will jump on the cheapest deal before it skyrockets again. Your cookies are automatically reset each time you open an incognito browser, so be sure that you are using a fresh page for each flight search in order to optimize your results and truly find the best deals available!
Another great way to book the cheapest flight is to determine which day is the cheapest for your flight needs. Contrary to popular belief, there isn’t a set day or days that are cheapest, although weekdays are typically cheaper than weekends. The best method of determining the cheapest dates and times to book a flight is to enter your departure and arrival cities and do a one-way ticket search for the entire month instead of a specified time or date. This method allows you to get an overview of all flight prices for each available option so that you can optimize your potential for the best deal!
Using search engines that compare travel sites can take a lot of frustration off of your hands. However, there isn’t just a single site that consistently comes up with the cheapest flights, and many do not include budget flights. A few top-recommended sites include , (Great for finding sale priced fairs as well as ridiculously cheap fares due to airline errors!), and JetRadar(which, unlike many sites comparing flights, includes budget airline fares.).Pairing these, along with searching for regional budget airlines, can ensure you get the best deal on your flight!
Driving
When traveling inside your country, driving can be cheaper in many instances. If you have reliable transportation, AAA or other dependable insurance, and a well thought out plan, this could be for you! Knowing the shortest route, using the GasBuddy app to save on gas, and packing all essentials including car-friendly snacks and meals can minimize expenses on the road. This is also a great way to enjoy the scenery!
Avoid stopping in high traffic and tourist-based areas for anything you require, as they will likely be overpriced. Avoid bottled drinks and pre-packaged and snack-sized foods. If you plan ahead before the trip, you can portion your own snacks and car-safe foods for much cheaper. Re-using and re-filling a water bottle will save you an incredible amount of money, versus paying $2-4 for a soda every time you need to quench your thirst.
Once you reach your destination, you will have some options as to where to sleep for the nights you will be visiting. Hotels are always the first and easiest solution, however, they are rarely budget-friendly. Camping in a national park or campground (they usually charge less than $20/day) is a great way to get in touch with nature and save some cash. If you packed light, sleeping in the car is always an option. Staying with friends or relatives in the area, using sites like Airbnb or Couchsurfing to find hosts for the night are fun ways to optimize your experience while maximizing savings. When possible, walk or bike to nearby destinations to save on gas.
With all these opportunities, it’s up to you to decide what works best for your circumstances!