By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger
As a frequent traveler, I have budget travel hacks that help me save a lot of money when traveling and can help you do the same. I always have 3-4 simple tips and now you have them, too.
One of them is getting to places. Forr short distances, I prefer to take a train as opposed to flying. It’s often half the price and half the hassle. Just step on and you’re off, and with a seat that is bigger and gives you a lot more legroom than you’ll ever have on a plane.
How To Save Money Hotels & Accommodations
Research the area in which you want to stay and seek out options that are close by because you might stay a lot cheaper a few blocks away from the main area. Check public transportation, too; you may be able to save a considerable amount of money by staying in a well-serviced away away from expensive hotels. In Sydney, stayed above a popular pub – it’s very common there and in some countries – in a private, comfortable room for half the price of a hotel. I try and use public transportation or ride share apps whenever possible as opposed to driving or having a car because you can save $20-30 a night in hotel parking.
Pro’s Tip: If the destination has good public transportation – you can tell by observing how many buses and or/light rail trains you see – get an all-day or even a weekly pass. Here in San Diego, you can ride all the light rail trains and buses for just $6 a day.
Airbnb, VRBO and other vacation rental companies can save money. Or not. Be sure and check the add-on charges before booking or you’ll spend more than you would on a hotel when you book it. The biggest of these is the cleaning fee. Some hosts put it on for the entire stay and others per day. I know this because I was once an Airbnb host (we charged a flat $60 cleaning fee so didn’t rip off anybody). That being said, these rentals can save over a hotel with big groups, four or more people.
How To Stick To A Travel Budget While Dining Out In Restaurants
Happy Hours! You can get great food and good drinks at far cheaper prices than during regular dining times. I always like to pick a lively place, too. It’s more fun and easier to meet locals, who can tell you a lot about the destination.
Another tip is to eat lunch on the go, and by that I mean grab a sandwich from one of the many small restaurants or kiosks selling local foods and sandwiches. Take it to a park to eat; this is a real budget saver anywhere as lunch with a drink at a sit-dow restaurant can set you back $20+ bucks with the food, a drink and tip. I generally steer clear of street vendors because I’m not sure of the cleanliness of at least some of them, tho I do know fellow travelers who love them.
Tips For Finding Budget-Friendly Activities And Attractions
Look for free or discounted museum days and rent a bike – especially an e-bike – because you can cover a lot of ground in a hurry without flying by things in a vehicle. These are two great way to see a city for cheap.
Look into tours; in two to three hours they will take you around a destination and if something catches your eye you can go back on your own later; check prices as they do vary by tour company and location. Heck, I took a free walking tour in Sydney. There was a guy in a bright yellow shirt that stated “FREE TOURS” and how could I go wrong, right? All I did was tip him at the end (tour guides really appreciate tips!). There are similar tours in several European cities.
I do sightseeing and exploring on my own (or with my fellow travelers) and walk around a bit. You will be surprised what cool and inexpensive things you can find on your feet while walking around a destination. Walking is free and so is hiking, such to the top of Diamond Head in Honolulu, Hawaii and Torrey Pines here in San Diego.
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