While traveling has become a beautiful reality for some, others are struggling with making travel affordable. For those trying to make ends meet in this world of rising prices and stagnant paychecks, affordable travel is nothing more than a fantasy.
Whether it is for Facebook bragging rights, to visit family, or to appease the wanderlust, there is a certain longing within us to be free. Free from the monotony of our daily routines and roaming in the world searching for new destinations and timeless memories.
But let’s face it:
Traveling does not come free or easy to most of us!
We work hard for our money and we want to make the most out of every penny we earn.
Thankfully, we don’t have to travel broke.
Instead, we can practice making travel affordable and indulge in our dream vacations while still maintaining a healthy bank account.
Here are my tips for making travel affordable:
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you purchase any of my recommended products at the bottom of the post, I will earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. Keep in mind though, that I only post affiliate links to products and services I personally love and use myself! Purchasing through my page ensures that I am able to keep writing useful content for all of you.
Table of Contents
Maximizing Your Budgeting
When it comes to affordable travel, you can start by maximizing your budget. The good news is that there are a few ways you can go about doing this.
Start a Travel Savings Account
You are on your dream vacation.
The last thing you want is to be worrying about the huge credit card bill you’re racking up!
Think of this as having a prepaid vacation of your choosing.
Just have to set aside a small portion of your paycheck and put it in a savings account.
When you have enough, then it is time to pack up and go!
Use Cash Back Credit Cards to Help with your Travel Expenses
My second tip for affordable travel is to use cash back credit cards.
Cash back credit cards give you a percentage back in cash for purchases you make with the card.
They do have their pros and cons but you can certainly use them for your advantage.
One downside to remember is they generally charge a higher interest rate than traditional credit cards.
So, if you are one who keeps a balance at the end of your credit card statement, the cash back you earn towards your travel budget is never worth the interest you’re paying.
By combining my previous tip with this one, you can not only earn cash back but pay off your balance within one month and avoid having the interest accumulate on you.
[mailerlite_form form_id=9]
Maximizing Your Travel
Another way you can focus on making travel affordable is to maximize your travel plans. Roadtips and key scheduling are your best friends to saving some cash 🙂
Gas Up and Go
Even though it can feel like it takes forever to get to where you’re heading when you’re on a road trip, it can be a fun-filled adventure as long as you have your travel itinerary planned ahead.
More than likely, there will be plenty of things to see en-route if you just know where to look!
When it comes to making travel affordable, this will definitely save you a few bucks on airline tickets.
Take Advantage of Cheap Airfare Promotions
Finding a great deal on airfare usually involves timing, travel flexibility and a bit of research.
However, once you see the savings, you’ll probably find the effort worth it.
Airlines like Southwest Airlines, JetBlue or WOW Air throws in Flash Sales throughout the year.
This is a great way to book some affordable travel so stick with it 🙂
Be Loyal to an Airline
If you find an airline you like, stick with it!
Most will offer loyalty programs where you can earn points through flights, hotel stays, and car rentals to use towards your next flight.
I personally use American Airlines and even though I don’t fly very often I’ve already had one free flight!
Pick the Right Season to Travel
Airfare to your favorite travel destinations is usually cheaper when you travel off-season.
Sorry! Blame it on the unavoidable effects of supply and demand in economics 😉
The same logic applies to hotel rates.
According to Frommer’s Travel, Caribbean off-season usually starts mid-April to mid-December. Of course, this varies from hotel to hotel. But during this time, hotels usually slash their winter rates in favor of their summer-time vacationers.
[mailerlite_form form_id=10]
Maximizing Your Stay
Choosing an Affordable Travel Destination
Travel costs typically include airfare, hotel, food, and transportation.
Are you thinking of vacationing on the white sands of Maui, Hawaii?
Why not try an all-inclusive vacation package on one of the resorts on the Caribbean if you are on a budget?
With the same cost as the airfare to Hawaii, you can have an all-inclusive stay in a luxurious hotel in the tropical Caribbean, airfare included.
Stay with Family or Friends
Do you want to cut cost on hotel stays?
A ridiculously easy way to benefit from affordable travel is to consider staying with friends or family members in a city you’re visiting.
This might not be a viable option for some, but I personally saved quite a bit on hotel stays when I stayed with a fellow sister while visiting Japan and with family in Mallorca.
Book via Tripnado
Take advantage of the amazing hotels, vacation rentals, and cruises offered through this program.
I would personally recommend signing up with Tripnado for incredible deals.
It is simple, quick, and most of all saves you money.
[mailerlite_form form_id=9]
TL;DR
These are my proven ways on how I’ve been able to travel to see family, go to amazing conferences, and explore the world.
So go on! Write up your own travel bucket list and start crossing off cities!
If you have exciting ideas on affordable travel, please let me know in the comment section below!
These are some really great tips. I’ll definitely bear these in mind. B X
Hi Bronwen,
I’m so glad you think so! I hope you’ll check back in every once in a while, I have tons of amazing travel content coming your way 🙂
StephanieCristi