Author: Lina S. Yates
Source: articledashboard.com
We all know traveling’s expensive, but if you’ve got the travel bug, you need to get out there and, well, travel! It definitely feels much better than staying at home just so you can save your money.
As a savvy traveler, you know that research makes a big difference. The guidelines in this article go hand in hand with your research. Check them out – you’ll find yourself saving money and still getting to where you want to go.
1. Stay away from trends. When everyone else is heading off to that Caribbean beach, find your adventurous spirit and go where most people aren’t! It’s a great way to miss out on the crowds. Off-season travel is another good idea.
2. Lower your air transportation costs. Airfare can make or break a budget, so search carefully for the best fares you can find. You can usually get good deals online, and even better deals if you check prices for different times of the day, or avoid weekend flights. And don’t forget to check for prices at different times, too.
3. Check out the alternatives to flying. You can definitely be creative, and try something you’ve never tried before. Cruises are fun, and you can sometimes get good deals. Traveling by bus can be an option if you have additional time. And train rides are a great experience.
4. Your car can take you places. Sure, gas prices are high, but if it’s possible to drive to where you want to go, definitely compare prices. You’ll have other possible expenses, like overnight accommodation, so make sure you take that into account. And you should definitely get your car serviced before you leave, so you won’t be stuck with emergency repair bills.
5. Check for bargain hotel rates. It never hurts to ask if you can get a discount for a room. Hotels like to be full, so if there are too many empty rooms, often you can negotiate a better room rate. A hotel that does a lot of business conferences, for example, is likely to be less busy on weekends.
6. Check out cheap accommodation alternatives. Bed and breakfasts are charming and may be less expensive than hotels. There are also retreat centers, hostels, timeshares, house sitting or even home exchanges. During the summer, many colleges and universities will lease out dormitory rooms and apartments.
Sure, you need money to travel. But you can definitely keep well within your budget. Research, and follow the tips above, and you’ll be able to plan a trip well worth taking without breaking the bank.



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