Six Tips for Saving Money When Traveling

By: Lina S. Yates


We all know traveling's expensive, but if you've got the travel bug, you need to get out there and, well, travel! It definitely feels much better than staying at home just so you can save your money.

Here's the key: do your research and follow a few simple guidelines, and you'll find bargains and get to where you want to go while spending a lot less money than you might have originally thought.

1. Go in the off-season. Don't travel when everyone else is. Off-season's a great time for getting discounts. Not only that, but you definitely won't miss the crowds. So haul out that spirit of adventure!

2. If you're flying, do everything you can to lower the cost of transportation. Air travel, fcan make up a large part of your costs. When looking for airfares online, check prices for different times of the day, and different days of the week. Or fly in the middle of the week, rather than on a weekend. Even when you check prices can make a difference - try logging on after midnight, or on different days.

3. There are always alternatives to air travel. Be creative - think about a cruise, or a bus, or a train. Cruises are great fun, and bus travel can be a great way to get to your destination if you have time on your hands. Rail travel is another good choice when you have a few extra days available.

4. Your car can take you places. Sure, gas prices are high, but if it's possible to drive to where you want to go, definitely compare prices. You'll have other possible expenses, like overnight accommodation, so make sure you take that into account. And you should definitely get your car serviced before you leave, so you won't be stuck with emergency repair bills.

5. Ask about cheaper room rates. When hotels have empty rooms, you can sometimes get a better rate. Hotels that cater mostly to professionals and business people, for example, tend to be less busy on weekends, so check to see if you can get a cheaper rate during those times.

6. Consider accommodation alternatives. You don't always have to stay at a hotel. Bed and breakfasts often offer a lot of bang for the buck, and you won't be stuck in a busy, touristy area. There are also retreat centers, timeshares and hostels. Don't forget about house sitting. Or you could set up an exchange of your home with someone else in the area you want to travel to. And in the summertime, you can often rent empty dorm rooms from colleges and universities.

Traveling definitely doesn't have to be expensive. Just make sure you do your research, follow the guidelines above, and you'll be well on your way to your destination with extra pocket money!

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Information about the Author:

Author Lina S. Yates covers life tips for the various to-do lists in your life at 99tangents.com. If you're thinking about a trip, or looking to save money on your next holiday, make sure you check out all the travel tips at 99Tangents.