The cost of travel is increasingly becoming an unavoidable fact of life. With the rise in both the price of lodging and flights, it’s getting more expensive to go on vacation as much as we do. While you can certainly cut costs on your next trip, saving money while you’re away is no easy task. But with a little bit of planning and some creative thinking, you can still enjoy your next trip without breaking the bank. With that in mind, we rounded up all the tricks we know to help you save money on your travels. From tracking your funds so you don’t waste money on unnecessary amenities, to checking whether hotels offer any deals for guests staying over a certain amount of time, here are our top tips for how to save money on your travel budget.

Plan your trip before you book it

We’re not saying you have to spend the past six months planning your next trip, but it can’t hurt. As well as having a clearer idea of what you want to do and see during your travels, you can also see whether or not a certain destination has any travel deals. This can save you a lot of money in the long run. For example, if you’ve always wanted to visit South America but are worried about the costs, you can check if there are travel deals for that region. Of course, you could also just wait until the price drops a bit before you book; travel prices tend to drop as the year progresses, so sometimes the best time to travel is end-of-year.

Also Read: 6 Best Reasons To Keep A Travel Journal

Stay somewhere that offers deals and discounts

This is something that should go without saying, but you’d be surprised how many people forget. Many hotels have fine-print deals in which you have to hang around for a certain amount of time or book a certain number of nights to receive the perks. So when you stay somewhere for a single night, don’t be disheartened if you don’t get any rewards or benefits. However, if you can stay for a few days or even a week, you may be able to get some deals. That’s because at the very least, hotels often have daily rates that are cheaper than their weekly rates. It’s worth checking the hotel website or asking the front desk if they have any daily rates available.

Ask for perks and freebies when you stay

Some hotels and hostels are so eager to welcome you that they’ll often give you a few perks for free. This could be anything from complimentary breakfast to a free two-night stay if you stay with them for more than one night. If you’re staying in a hotel, it’s worth asking the front desk whether they offer any perks or freebies. Otherwise, you could always ask to be put on their mailing list for any special deals or newsletters. Hostels are similar – most will let you stay for free if you’re a member of their guest list or are staying for long enough. Hostels usually have guest lists located near reception, so once you get your key, just ask the front desk if you can be added to the list. If you’re staying at a private residence, you may be able to get a freebie or two as well. Ask the host for suggestions or be sure to write down any freebies you’re offered so you don’t forget about them.

Stay away from excessive amenities and in-room internet access

There are some things that seem like a good idea when you’re booking your trip, but they can really add up when you’re checking out the bill. For example, many hotels charge for in-room wifi, but it’s usually only charged once per stay. If you’re in a place where you have to pay for internet access, it’s best to avoid paying for it. Sometimes, there’s no need for hotels to charge for this, either. For example, if you’re staying in a hostel, you may not need internet access at all. Instead, you could go outside and meet new people or use the free wifi to keep in touch with family and friends.

Track your spending while you’re travelling

This may seem like common sense, but it happens more often than you’d think. Make sure to keep a close eye on your spending while you’re away. You can use an app like Expedia or Airbnb to monitor how much you’re spending and what you’ve booked. You may be surprised to see how much you’ve spent, and you can use this data to decide where to cut costs next time you travel. You can also keep a close eye on your spending when you’re booking your trip. Many travel booking sites allow you to see exactly how much you have booked ahead of time. This allows you to see where you can cut costs the most.

Conclusion

Traveling is an exciting experience, but it comes with a hefty price tag. By following these tips, you can save money on your next trip and make sure you have enough funds to cover your costs.