Money-saving Travel Hacks You Can’t Afford to Miss

They say travel is one thing you can buy that will make you richer. However, it can come at a pretty penny. Here are some money hacks to help you enjoy the experience of a lifetime without breaking the bank.

Money Hacks to Save on Travel

1. Travel light, especially when you fly.

Take advantage of your carry-on luggage. Most airlines charge a fee to check your bag, more so if it’s over 50 pounds. Packing smart and only taking a carry-on can save you money, not to mention time waiting at baggage claim.
 
If you’re worried about fitting everything into your bag, rolling clothes is one technique that will save space and help you fill your bag to the maximum capacity.

2. Compare travel credit cards.

While the credit card you use at home might be the best one for domestic purchases, you might be missing out on earning free flights or exclusive airline perks by overlooking cards geared toward travelers. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or fly once in a blue moon, travel credit cards are a great option.
 
There are a few things to consider when deciding which credit card is best for you.
 
If you fly on the same airline frequently, you may want to consider the card that airline offers. For instance, if you prefer to fly JetBlue, look into the JetBlue Card, which offers deals tailored to that airline’s loyal customers. However, if you tend to fly on a variety of airlines, it may be more beneficial to look for a card that has a more flexible point system.

3. Avoid hotels.

Hotels may be becoming a thing of the past as home rental businesses continue to grow in popularity, and with booking sites like Airbnb and VRBO, you may be able to find a place to stay at a cheaper rate. One of their biggest advantages is that you are given the option of whether you would like to rent an entire home — great for multigenerational vacations — or just a room.
 
Couchsurfing is an alternative option that allows you to connect with people in different countries. Couchsurfers open their homes to you for free and take you in during your journey.

4. Stock up the fridge.

Don’t let that fridge and microwave in your rental be dust collectors. Vacation can be expensive, especially when you find yourself eating out for three meals a day. By keeping just some essentials like milk, eggs, cereal, and cold cuts in the house, you could cut out at least one restaurant meal per day.

5. Follow the five block rule.

When visiting a new place for the first time, odds are you will be drawn to all the major tourist attractions. As you take it all in, it’s sometimes hard to not get swept up in the thrill of the moment and sit down at the closest restaurant to enjoy your next meal. The businesses that are within five blocks of a major tourist attraction often spike up their prices as a tourist trap. When it comes to restaurants, many that surround main attractions also lack authenticity. By taking a short walk, about five blocks, you will stumble upon storefronts and restaurants with items for half the price.

6. Avoid hidden fees when transferring money and converting currencies.

When traveling overseas, transferring money and converting currencies could be costly. Depending on your bank or money transfer service, you may be charged with hidden fees such as international fees or bank-to-bank fees.

It could be beneficial to compare different money transfer services prior to selecting one in order to make sure you are getting the best deal.

7. Get smart when road tripping.

Gas is a crucial part of your trip, and quite frankly you can’t have one without keeping your tank full. GasBuddy is an app that gathers the prices of nearby gas stations in order to find you the cheapest option.

Gas is not the only aspect of a road trip you should plan. You could benefit from researching what restaurants you want to stop at along the way. Figuring this out ahead of time gives you full control over how much you want to spend on each meal and will help you get the most bang for your buck. You may also want to pack a cooler with lunch or dinner options before you hit the road to avoid stopping all together.

Finally, make sure to get your car to the mechanic for a quick checkup before you hit the road. If your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, you may have extra expenses at an unknown mechanic. If your car is at the point of no return, you will then have to pay for a rental to finish the rest of your trip or to simply get you back home.

8. Check your health.

Your health is another factor you should consider before going on your trip. You do not want to have any surprise health issues that may run up your credit card in hospital bills and medicine. Make sure you are able to endure the trip you are about to embark on before you do.

Travel Insurance for Budget-friendly Getaways, Luxurious Escapes, and More

Even when you take all the precautions to save money and protect your health, accidents can still happen. Protect the money you spend for your trip by purchasing travel insurance. A quick quote online or chat with one of our licensed travel insurance agents can help you get the right coverage for your trip and budget.

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