On average, vacations run about $1,145 per person, but your total costs can vary widely. Your destination, accommodations, travel method, and food spending are all factors in your total travel costs. Being strategic about your trip, whether it’s for business or for fun, makes it more affordable and stretches your budget.
Check out these tips for how to lower travel costs.
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Travel in the Off-Season
Your trip’s timing has a major influence in the total cost. Airfare and accommodations often fluctuate significantly based on the time of year, with off-season prices being lower to encourage more travel. Activities and attractions might have lower off-season pricing as well.
The off-season can vary depending on the destination, so research the heavy tourist times where you’re planning to travel. Many destinations receive lots of visitors in the summer, especially colder climate like Chicago where winters are brutal with little to do. Yet winter is the prime travel time to ski resorts, so they’re often more expensive.
Shop Around
Once you decide where you’re going, look on various travel sites or contact a travel agent to shop around to find the cheapest options. Being flexible with your dates and testing out different travel dates can also help you lower your travel costs.
You might look at hotels first for accommodations, but you can often find very affordable vacation rentals through Airbnb, Vrbo, and similar rental sites. Explore all of the options to find the cheapest ones.
Use Ridesharing Wisely
Skipping a rental car and learning how to save money on an Uber can cut your overall transportation costs if you’re flying somewhere. Figuring out how to lower ridesharing costs can also help you save money just traveling across town.
When getting a ride, compare the prices for Uber vs Lyft to see which one is cheaper. Sharing a ride with someone else can cut your costs as can timing your rides to avoid surge or prime time pricing. You can also get free rides by giving your referral code to people and earning referral credits when they sign up.
As a rideshare passenger, it’s important to know your rights if you’re in an accident. An Uber accident attorney can help you protect your financial interests if you’re in an Uber accident. This can prevent your trip from becoming a lot more expensive due to unexpected accident expenses.
Save on Food
Food can eat up a large portion of your travel budget, so consider alternatives to dining out for every meal. Take advantage of free breakfasts at your hotel if you’re staying at one.
If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, grab groceries when you arrive and cook at least some of your meals. No matter where you stay, buy snacks and drinks at a local grocery store to save money over vending machines or convenience stores.
Lower Your Travel Costs
Knowing everything from how to travel in an Uber for cheap to when to book your trip can lower your travel costs significantly. Make a strategic plan anytime you travel to do it as inexpensively as possible.
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