Travel can be very expensive if you’re not mindful about your spending. If you don’t have a substantial amount of funds available for vacation, don’t let it deter you from having the time of your life. There are many ways to defray costs while travelingwithout sacrificing the quality of the experiences you have. You just need to be aware of what causes you to dip into your savings and the things you can do to cut back without affecting your trip.
Five of the biggest expenses acquired while traveling include:
- Airfare. There are many ways to save money on airfare. Among the most popular are to travel off-season, use a credit card with Frequent Flier Milesincentives, buy tickets last minute, use daily deal sites, and even ask for airline gift cards for gifts. Signing up for airline newsletters also alerts you to any sales that may be going on with airfare. You may stumble across the deal of the century that way.
- Transportation. If you’re in one location for a longer length of time, it may benefit you to buy a weekly or monthly pass opposed to single use bus or train fare. If the place that you’re traveling to is a hub for frequent travelers, you’ll likely find a visitor’s option in your price range. Factor in the number of trips you plan on making on public transportation to determine whether the cost of a pass is within your budget.
- Accommodation. Many people are just fine with staying in motels opposed to luxury resorts. Others prefer the amenities they receive from upscale hotels. Whichever your preference may be, there are many ways to save on lodging. Among the easiest is to use your Xpirient membership to locate participating hotels and resorts in the area that you’re traveling to. That way, you can take advantage of significant savings by putting your members-only benefits to good use.
- Meals. A good meal out every few days tastes great and adds to your travel experience. Too many restaurant meals, however, puts a sizeable dent in your budget. Learn to shop the local markets for fresh foods. If possible, attend events where free foodis served. Offer to cook for a friend who you’re visiting and make extra to eat later throughout the week.
- Entertainment. Look for free places to visit and inexpensive things to do while you’re away from home. Play the role of the quiet observer by sitting back, relaxing, and taking in everything going on around you. Keep a journal or photographic account of your experiences. You’ll have plenty to share with family and friends back home without going broke.
Account for all the hidden costs that come with traveling. You can budget for them or plan alternative types of transportation, accommodation, meals, and entertainment. There are many ways to enjoy deeply personal, immersive travel experiences without breaking the bank. In fact, all you need is to be as creative as possible while coming up with things to do while away from home. Making use of services such as Xpirienthelps defray costs, too, by offering deep discounts on travel expenses racked up throughout the year.
