TIPS FOR TRAVELING ON A BUDGET

1. Book Early 

Even if this means six months to a year in advance. Booking a trip far before the actual date allows you to have time to save. Set a budget for the trip and then divide that by the number of months until your departure date. That number is the amount of money you will have to save each month up until you leave. When booking a rental property with Airbnb you can break up the total fee into two payments, which is convenient when you don't have all the money up front. 

2. Bundle Your Deals 

Most booking websites offer amazing bundle deals. Unless you're visiting a city where public transportation is readily available, you are mostly likely going to rent a car. Bundle a rental car with your plane ticket to save big bucks. If you're staying in a hotel, look into bundling it with your plane ticket and rental car as well.  

3. Prioritize Your Luggage 

If you're flying cheap, chances are there will be hidden fees, such as up-charges for plane seats, carry ons, and checked luggage. Prioritize! If you're going on a week long trip, you will most likely want to check luggage. In this case, skip the carry on, which can be an extra $40 each way. Most airlines will allow you to bring a personal item, which can include a purse, diaper bag, or small backpack. Take advantage of bringing a personal item to avoid a carry on fee. If you're headed on a short weekend trip, skip the checked luggage and just bring a carry on. 

4. Don't be Picky 

Always make safety a priority, especially when you're traveling to a new city or country. Be sure to read all the reviews on where you will be staying and always make safe transactions. That said, most of the time when you travel, you will be out exploring all day and barely in your hotel/rental property. Ask yourself what luxuries are most important to you and what you can cut out for a cheaper stay.

5. Save Money on Food 

If you're staying at a place that doesn't provide free breakfast, hit up the grocery store when you reach your destination. Pick up breakfast items, snacks and beverages for the entire week. This will save you a lot of money. Eat breakfast before you leave in the morning. When you head out on a hike or adventure, bring your own water and snacks. This way you won't have to pay for overpriced items in resort areas. 

6. Avoid Tipping 

It's not what it seems! Yes, always tip when you go to a sit down restaurant. If you want to save money throughout the trip eat at restaurants where you order at the counter and a tip is not expected. Eating out is one of the most enjoyable aspects of vacationing. Save the more expensive meals for dinner and stick to small local eateries where you order at the counter for lunch. You'll be surprised at how much money you can save by doing this. 

7. Deals, Deals, Deals! 

It's fun to find as many deals as humanly possible and see how much money you can save! Plan out your agenda prior to your trip and search for deals and discounts. Groupon is a great source for coupons. Theme parks and museums sometimes offer discounts on their website, so check there as well. Stop in at an information center, they typically offer brochures that can have attached discounts. Sometimes you have to dig to find deals, but the savings are so worth it!