5 Creative Ways To Save Money While Traveling
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Here are a few outside-the-box ideas to save some money while traveling.
Ways to Save Money on Travel: (Jump To)
Hotel Location Matters
Before you book a hotel for your trip, decide what you want to see. Map out the locations of everything on your must-see list. Find a hotel as close to all your attractions as possible. You will be surprised how much money you will save on taxis, rideshare, and public transportation. Plus you’ll save time, and when you only have 3 days in Paris, every second counts.
Keep Your Phone in Airplane Mode
International phone plans are expensive. If you can cut yourself off from your family, friends, and work while on vacation you’ll get out of paying that extra cost.
Many city centers, museums, and cafes have free wifi. If all else fails find a Starbucks or a McDonald's, you can almost always connect there for free (and most of the time no one will bother you if you don’t buy a Big Mac to do it).
Download maps and guides for offline use before you leave home to reduce the chances that you’ll need to turn on data.
If you do need to connect, check out our post about Phone and Data Options for Foreign Travel.
Get Loyal With Your Travel Brands
Hotels and airlines like to reward repeat customers. If you’re lucky enough to travel often, It might be worth your while to find some worldwide brands you love and stick with them. Sign up for their loyalty program. Before you know it, you’ll be a diamond, platinum, five-star, VIP status and the perks will start flowing.
Loyalty perks include things like free parking, free wi-fi, and early/late check-in/out. Many mid-range and higher-end hotels offer business lounges for loyal customers. These lounges often serve complimentary food and beverages that can replace a meal or two while on the road.
Read about our favorite travel credit cards many of which have loyalty program perks.
Connect With Regional Chain Restaurants
Check into regional restaurant chains in your destination. If there’s a location near your hotel or other attractions download their app or sign up for the restaurant’s email list. There will almost always be a coupon bonus for signing up or downloading the app. Plus it can be fun to try the local chain.
Hit Up the Local Grocery Store
I love going to international grocery stores. There’s always a new spread of candy, chips, and drinks that I have never experienced. After checking into your hotel, go to the closest grocery store and stock up on some provisions. Having some snacks on hand will avoid a costly trip to the vending machine, or (god forbid) the minibar.
Grocery stores are also great for lunch. Grabbing a sandwich to enjoy on a bench in a public park will likely be a more memorable experience than a quick bite at a cafe.
Everyone’s travel preferences are different and focusing too much on saving money while you travel can take the fun out of it. If you’re smart, careful, and know your travel priorities you can easily save some cash while you’re traveling.
