Are you wondering how we afford to travel all of the time?
Here are 5 practical, but useful tips how we travel and you can too!
Tip #1: Do you research!
This is one of the biggest tips for saving money when it comes to travel planning. Sometimes we hear a person rant and rave about a destination and may even book a trip to that place only to find out there is hardly anything to do!
**cough, cough here’s looking at you Pisa**
Knowing your particular travel and vacation style is a great starting point for narrowing down destinations. Once you have narrowed down your destination check out the time of year you are thinking about visiting. Is it across the country or across the world and will the weather be similar to your weather at home or vastly different?
Once you have those two key components narrowed down head to your favorite flight search engines and play around with some dates, but before you book that amazing $139 flight be sure you know more information about the carrier AND do a quick check on accommodations. If I had a dollar for every time I found an awesome flight deal to only burst my own travel bubble once I saw how much the hotel was going to cost I would be a hundredaire, but that is beside the point. Save yourself the hassle and research before you get over excited!
Tip #2: Budget!
The HILARIOUS Tasha Mac’s answer to that question was “the way my bills are set up I’m able to travel from the living room to the hallway”. And in all seriousness sometimes that is just the way life is!
What you can do in the meantime is use that motivation from trip planning to help power your budgeting plans! Take a long hard look at your current budget and if you don’t have one, start one, it doesn’t have to be strict. Now identify areas where you can cut back or trim unnecessary spending. My 5 year old has a new favorite saying when I am debating stopping at Starbucks is “Mommy, do you want to see Giraffes in Africa or in Seattle at the zoo” Touché young grasshopper! Some areas people are able to cut back on are coffee stops, eating out, Netflix, and other guilty pleasures.
*PRO Tip: Set up a direct deposit for your travel fund, this can be as little as $10 per check, which equals roughly $240 in a year which could help cover gas & hotel for a weekend getaway!
Tip #3: Be SMART when booking!
Stay Flexible: Moving your itinerary one day forward or back can save you hundreds of dollars on plane tickets and accommodations!
Move airports if necessary. In some major cities there are more than 1 airport and for some crazy reason leaving from one airport will save a boatload of money so put both airports in the search before you book!
Avoid days when everyone else is traveling: Think holidays, weekends, school breaks, or popular tourist destinations during certain times of the year.
Rentals are your friend: Before booking at a hotel, consider AirBnB or Innclusive. Not only will this save you a good chunk of money, but also you can immerse yourself in local culture from your host. **Be sure to read the reviews of the host and research possible back-up options in case things go left**
Theyyyyy’re GREAT: Try to secure accommodations that offer breakfast. Breakfast included allows for you to start your day with a full belly and also saves you some cash to splurge on a nice lunch or attraction
**Yes I know that T was reaching, but I had already started with the SMART acronym and I am no quitter! **
Tip #4: Travel Light!
Airline companies are making a pretty penny with baggage fees! If you are traveling internationally typically you are able to check 2 bags for free, but if you are traveling domestically try to use a carry-on as much as possible. Be sure to check the airline carrier for the dimensions they allow as a carry-on so you don’t end up paying a hefty charge at the gate.
Consider combining luggage if you are traveling as a couple or family! Packing only the essentials in 1 checked bag can save you time, hassle, and money. If you can’t cut the overpacking habit (I know your pain, I am in overpackers anonymous), utilize your credit card for the carrier you are flying on. One of the perks of having an airline branded card is that baggage fees are waived!
Tip #5: Get out there and DO IT!
Start small if you need to, but get out there and start exploring. Don’t compare your travel with other people. It is really tempting to buy those plane tickets to Bora Bora, but there is no sense in putting yourself in financial shambles when you can have a fantastic time at a local beach!
Don’t listen to the naysayers! A wise old proverb says, “real Gs move in silence like lasagna,” sometimes the negative people in your life don’t need to be given the opportunity to be negative. Identify the people that have similar passions and gush about your adventures, and tell negative Nancy you will send her a postcard!
Meet yourself where you are! Figure out what is a realistic for you and do that, whether that is going around the corner or around the world! Find out what sparks interest in you and let that be your compass!
