5 Ways To Travel Cheaper In 2024

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In an era where travel seems more accessible than ever, budget-conscious explorers are always on the hunt for ways to stretch their dollars.

I am one of those people! As a single mom, budgeting can be tough. But adding a travel fund to see the world can be even tougher.

But with the right strategies, you can turn your travel dreams into reality without breaking the bank, just like I did. Let’s dive into five practical tips for traveling cheaper this year.

Leverage Flexible Travel Dates

One of the easiest ways to cut travel costs is by being flexible with your dates. Just like a savvy shopper waits for sales, a shrewd traveler knows when to hit “book.” Most airlines and hotels allow you to look at the days or even weeks before your trip so you can compare prices.

Don’t have kids? Try to travel while kids are in school. Avoid holidays and school breaks.

Consider a mid-week vacation. Most people tend to travel from Saturday to Saturday to make the most of their days off. But if you plan to go from a Wednesday to a Wednesday, you can save significant money on airfare alone.

Use Fare Comparison Tools

Tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner are your best friends. These platforms let you compare fares across various dates, showing you the cheapest options at a glance.

Want to fly to Rome? You might find a ticket for half the price if you shift your departure by just a few days. These tools are like the price tags of the travel world, helping you spot a bargain from miles away.

Consider Alternative Airports

Flying into or out of smaller, nearby airports can save you a significant chunk of change. For example, if you’re planning to visit New York, it’s often cheaper to fly into Newark or even Philadelphia and take a train to your final destination.

Sometimes, taking a slight detour leads to major savings.

Embrace Budget Accommodation Options

Where you rest your head at night can make or break your budget. However, you don’t have to stick to pricey hotels. I’ve learned over the years to choose more budget-friendly hotels once I realized I barely spent time in them anyway.

Excursions and experiences were more important to me so cutting back on my accommodations was a no-brainer.

Try Hostels and Guesthouses

Hostels and guesthouses aren’t just for backpackers. They offer great value, clean rooms, and an unbeatable chance to meet fellow travelers.

These spots often have communal kitchens, letting you save even more by cooking some of your meals. It’s like staying with a distant cousin… who has 20 other guests crashing too!

Hostels have really come a long way in the last few years. Many are super aesthetic and look more like cute Airbnbs then an actual hostel.

Consider Home Exchanges

Home swapping might sound like something from a movie, but it’s a real, cost-effective way to travel. Platforms like HomeExchange let you swap homes with someone in your desired destination.

Imagine staying in a comfy home with all the amenities at zero additional cost. It’s like having a vacation home waiting for you anywhere in the world.

Trusted Housesitter allows you to stay in someone’s home for free in exchange for taking care of their pets and their home. And you can go to some really great places around the world with this site!

Utilize Public Transportation

Catching local buses or trains instead of taxis or rental cars can lead to significant savings. Plus, it gives you a more authentic travel experience.

Places like Key West are actually cheaper (and easier!) to get around by renting bikes.

Research Transportation Passes

Many cities offer transportation passes that grant unlimited travel for a set period. For instance, cities like London or Tokyo offer day passes that can be a real money-saver.

Look up these options before you travel, and you might find yourself zipping around the city for a fraction of the cost tourists usually pay.

Walk and Explore

Walking is the best way to truly absorb a new place. It’s free, healthy, and often leads you to discover hidden gems off the beaten path. Lace-up your sneakers and let your feet guide you through your next adventure!

Take Advantage of Travel Rewards Programs

Rewards programs can turn your everyday spending into free or discounted travel. I haven’t actually spent money on airline tickets in years. I always book with points! And several cards now offer points you can use for car rentals and hotels too!

Choose the Right Credit Card

Join airline loyalty programs to earn miles with every flight. Frequent flyers can rack up points quickly, leading to free flights or upgrades. Don’t let those miles go to waste—treat them like gold.

Select a travel-focused credit card that offers points or cash back on travel purchases. Some cards offer welcome bonuses that can cover a round-trip flight after you meet the minimum spending requirements. It’s like getting paid to plan your vacation.

My favorite Airline credit card is with Delta because they are the best to fly with! They not only offer points that are easy to rack up, but companion passes and fun upgrades like priority boarding and their Sky Lounge Access.

My second favorite is the Chase Preferred Sahipire Cars. This card allows you to use your points for airfare, car rentals, hotels, and more.

Plan Meals Wisely

Eating out every meal can quickly drain your travel funds. But with a little planning, you can eat well without emptying your wallet.

Grocery Stores and Local Markets

Shopping at grocery stores or local markets is a great way to save money on food. Buy some local produce, grab a baguette, and have a picnic in the park. It can be more charming and cheaper than dining out.

I have always found that eating local is much more affordable. Food trucks in Hawaii not only offer the best prices but often the freshest food.

Visiting the Bahamas can also be very expensive. Their restaurants are very high priced. But if you head outside of the resorts and eat local, you’ll save a ton of money and also experience some amazing local cuisine.

Look for Meal Deals and Happy Hours

Many restaurants offer meal deals or happy hour specials. Lunch menus are often cheaper than dinner menus, and some places have specific days with discounted dishes. Researching these options can make dining out more affordable—and who doesn’t love a good deal?

Keep Reading: How To Travel With A Full-Time Job

Easy ways to Travel Cheaper

Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. By being savvy with your travel dates, accommodation, transportation, rewards programs, and meal planning, you can explore new destinations without blowing your budget.

Embrace these budget-friendly tips for Ways To Travel Cheaper, and make your next adventures not only memorable but also kind to your wallet. Happy travels!