Simple Travel Tips to Save Money
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Traveling can be costly, whether paying high gas prices on a road trip or the rising costs of hotels and airlines due to increased demand.
These tips will help you save money when traveling.
Pack light
Packing light will indeed help you avoid checked bag fees. But there are other benefits to doing so. Packing light will make it easier to get around. You’ll be more agile with a lighter suitcase or backpack and can navigate public transportation without paying for taxis.
How can you pack a lighter? Bring clothes you can easily wash in the sink. Choose clothes that can be mixed and matched, and look for items that are quick to dry. You don’t have to pack four pairs of shoes if you choose essential items.
Packing light will also help you avoid buying souvenirs, as the limited space in your luggage or backpack may discourage your impulses.
Local grocery stores are a great place to shop
Local markets are an adventure in themselves. You will find foods you would not usually see at home. You’ll also save money by having your food since you won’t be tempted to purchase the overpriced, stale muffin at the hotel café just because you are hungry.
Pack snacks
Packing snacks from home can be a good alternative if you need more time to visit the local market. Protein-rich snacks like jerky or protein bars can help you feel satisfied and take up less space in your suitcase.
Bottled water can be an expensive option when you are on the move. Bring your canteen and consider a compact water bottle to access clean water.
Airport lounges are available for you to use
Centurion Lounge, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The lounge offers a buffet for American Express cardholders. (Photo by American Express)
Airport lounges are a great place to eat while on the road. As a perk, many premium travel credit cards provide lounge access. This is usually through the Priority Pass membership program. The quality of the food varies by the lounge. However, you can expect light snacks such as fruit, chips, and cookies. Some lounges offer a full buffet meal.
In addition to food, airport lounges offer Wi-Fi that is typically faster. Some lounges also offer massages, showers, or exercise rooms. Arrive early at the airport to take advantage of the best amenities.
Arrive early
Allow plenty of time to get to the airport. You might panic and call a cab at a high price instead of using public transport, which is usually cheaper. You might also discover that ride-sharing prices are higher at certain times for routes to airports. You can avoid surge pricing by having more time.
Avoid re-booking your flight at the last minute if you arrive late.
Reimburse your TSA PreCheck and Global Entry membership fees
Apply for TSA PreCheck or Global entry to avoid airport crowds. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers two types of Trusted Traveler Programs.
You’ll have the option to use the expedited lane if you are approved. These lanes usually have shorter and quicker lines, as travelers can leave their shoes or laptops. They also won’t be required to remove belts, jackets, or belts. TSA data shows that 94% of TSA PreCheck travelers waited less than 5 minutes in December 2021.
You can get a refund on your application fee if you have a card. The price for TSA pre-check is $85, and for Global entry, it’s $100.
Booking hotel rooms with points
It’s always better to use your bonus hotel points than save them. Booking rooms with issues rather than cash is a good idea, as it will help you avoid dipping into your savings. But there are other advantages:
You can avoid resort fees. These extra charges, which hotels charge to cover the use of additional amenities like Wi-Fi and pools, are annoying and sometimes cost more than $50 per night. Some hotel loyalty programs, such as Hilton Honors or World of Hyatt, do not charge for points-based rooms.
Staying longer could unlock extra discounts. You can, for example, get the lowest-valued night free when you visit five nights in a row at a Marriott hotel funded by Marriott Bonvoy. Hilton offers a similar program whereby members with at least a silver elite membership get the fifth night for free when booking with points.
Visit tourist attractions for free
Visit the Hamon Observation Tower in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco’s de Young Museum.
Even expensive destinations like San Francisco, New York City, and Walt Disney World are within reach.
Disney World, for example, offers a lot of free activities. You can ride the monorail at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or view fireworks from the beach. You can also find free walking tours in most major cities.
It would help to prioritize free attractions over those that charge a fee. For example, tickets to San Francisco’s de Young Museum cost $15. However, you can visit the Hamon Observation Tower for an unrestricted city view.
While there are many excellent cultural institutions to visit in St. Louis, you should start with those that offer free admission. These include the Saint Louis Art Museum and Saint Louis Science Center. Then, if time allows, you can visit the attractions that charge a fee.