Saving money while traveling can be extremely hard. The travel industry is often over priced because everywhere you go someone is trying to get their cut. Personally I think that traveling is MUCH more obtainable to people than they believe. Everything comes down to your own personal priorities and where you want to invest your money. I’ve compiled a list of a few things that may significantly drop the prices of your future trips.
I almost ALWAYS suggest getting an Air BNB. More often than not, they will be cheaper and you will get more room. There is usually always a wide range of places you can look at. If you really wanted to save some money, you can rent a single room inside someone’s house. Often with this option, you would share the rest of the common areas. Personally, I could not do that. I find myself being too awkward and I like my space. You also have the option of renting a mansion, if that’s the route you are looking for. I know I said you can save money this way, and that’s still true! Many times, I have rented out a GIANT house/condo, and it has been extremely cheap after the cost has been split up.
That brings me to my next suggestion. Traveling as a group can drastically cut costs. Obviously, this is going to depend on what type of trip you are trying to plan. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, you probably don’t want your friends along. Most trips though, I always try to invite my friends and family with. On top of being cheaper, you get to vacation with your friends. Honestly, what could be any better?? Being able to split things like housing, a car, food, etc. can significantly help save money!
When renting a car, constantly be looking online. Car rental prices are ALWAYS changing. A lot of places often make you just make a reservation, and you can cancel at any time. So just keep watching in the weeks leading up to your trip, they will often drop the price. So renting a car, is going to depend on what type of trip you’re taking. Almost always, I try and rent a car. Say you were going to Vegas though, I would advise against it. For the most part you are going to be staying around that main Vegas strip, where you can either walk or take a short Uber ride there. If what you want to do is all spread over, renting a car could save you money. Prior to the trip, try and tentatively plan the activities that you want to do. Then try and outweigh the costs, to determine what you should do. I’ve mentioned it in other posts, but ALWAYS bring your own Car Insurance card with. Most rental services are going and try to convince you to get their insurance, when most personal insurance companies cover rental cars. Depending on how long your trip is, you could save a lot of money.
Unless I am staying at an all-inclusive resort, I’m almost always going to buy some amount of groceries. Usually that will be one of the first stops we make once we get somewhere. While eating out is often fun (and delicious), the prices add up quickly. If me and my boyfriend go out for a meal, the prices is almost always over $50 (Average sit-down restaurant, including a drink). Doing this three times a day, every day, can really add up quick. Personally, I get sick of eating out after a few meals in a row. We will often pack a sandwich, snacks, and drinks for while we are out an about. Especially if we are going out to the beach or doing something active. It’s almost nicer not having to stop everything we are doing to get food. You can have a little picnic wherever you are. How romantic??
Saving money on liquor is actually something I learned quickly in college. Pre-game! Similar to buying groceries, look into buying some liquor while you are traveling. Mixed drinks can run a pretty penny, especially if you are somewhere like Las Vegas. I remember having to pay over $20 for Captain and Coke while there. Ummm, no thank you!
I always try and scan Groupon before heading anywhere. Groupon often has some really good deals on activities and restaurants. Sometimes I will see restaurant deals for half off! You cant beat that! When we were in Oahu, I ended up finding our Shark Diving experience on Groupon. I liked it so much, I went back to the same company the next time I was in Oahu. I believe that Groupon only has locations in United States though, so if you are looking for somewhere abroad you may be out of luck.
As far as currency exchange, I can only speak for Wells Fargo. But they do free currency exchanges! Even if its not a “common” currency, they will ship the currency that you need to your bank. They will also exchange it back for free as well if you have any money leftover after the trip. A lot of places will try and rip you off when it comes to currency exchanges. Especially in foreign countries. If I run out of money when I am abroad, I will try and use an ATM. Make sure your bank doesn’t have any outrageous fee’s, but I’ve found this to be the cheapest!