Travel is fuel for the soul. Exploring new areas and cultures and meeting new people will forever enrich your life. However, while travel creates a life well lived, it can be expensive. To travel more over the years, here are five ways to save while still having a stellar travel experience.
1. Travel Light
The travel industry has been able to increase its revenue by charging per bag and more per bag. To avoid high luggage fees, pack only the things you need, and pack clothes and shoes that can be mixed and matched. Also, getting sturdy luggage that’s easy to lug around helps you remain organized. Save even more on the luggage itself by searching for deals at retailers like Kohl’s. Rakuten lists some Kohl’s saving tips, such as signing up for alerts so you’re notified of current promotions, shopping during Gold Star Clearance Events, and earning Yes2You rewards. With the extra savings, you can splurge more on different areas of your trip.
2. Bring Your Own Snacks
A bag of chips here, take-out there, and a candy bar to top it off can run up a large bill. Once you pass through airport security, prices seem to double and you’re paying more than you would if you had packed your food. To lower your food expenses, spend some time at home prepping snacks that will last you throughout your travel.
3. Carry a Water Bottle
Purchasing a single water bottle here and there can run up an expensive tab. Retailers know they can make extra money because the demand is high for water and travelers will pay more to meet their needs. Essentially, when you’re buying a bottle of water, you’re paying for the bottle, transportation costs, and branding — not the water itself. To avoid the recurring high costs of buying water wherever you go, bring your own bottle to refill as you need.
4. Plan to Use Public Transportation
If you’re not bringing your own car or traveling by rental car, then you will face the enigma of how to get around. If you plan ahead for the time it takes to get from point A to point B, walking or using public transportation can save you way more money than using taxis or Uber. The added benefit is that you will get immersed in the culture of the city that you’re in and see more sights along the way. Plus, you will be reducing your carbon footprint.
5. Travel During the Off Season
Peak season is popular for a reason. Wherever you’re vacationing, if it’s peak season it means that the weather is ideal and that everything is open, among other benefits. However, traveling to a location during the off-season also comes with its perks.
The most significant advantage is that it’s much less expensive, especially when it comes to airfare and lodging. And since some restaurants spike their prices during peak season, you can even save money on dining out during the off-season. Along with lower costs, the off-season typically means there’s less traffic in and out of the city, fewer tourists (and shorter lines), and more flexibility for booking things like airfare, lodging, restaurants, and events.
Many people find that traveling during the shoulder season is a nice compromise because it falls between peak season and off-season; in most cases, this is late autumn or early spring. During the shoulder season, you can still get better prices on a variety of things, and the weather is usually a little better than going in the off-season.
Everyone benefits from travel, and there are cost-effective ways to do it. Remember to travel light, prepare your own snacks beforehand, and bring your own water bottle to refill throughout the trip. Also, consider using public transportation and traveling during the off-season. These tips will help you save money and travel more, all without compromising the quality of your trips.
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