Traveling can be an expensive hobby, but with a few strategic changes, it’s possible to explore the world without breaking the bank. If your dream is to travel more, here are three things we stopped doing to make our travels more affordable, along with tips on how you can save money on your next adventure.
1. Letting the Deal Determine the Destination
How We Used to Travel:
We used to choose our travel destinations and dates first, and then search for flights. This approach often left us paying premium prices for airfare. If you're dead set on spending your summer vacation in Greece or your Christmas in Aruba, you are going to pay a premium.
The Change:
We stopped choosing our destinations and travel dates in advance. Instead, we now let the best travel deals guide our decisions. When we see a great deal, we jump on it and then plan our trip around that. One year, we spent Thanksgiving in Paris because we found flights for $285. And we decided to celebrate Shelly's 50th birthday in Mallorca because we found flights to Barcelona for $215. (These were all round trip flights in economy from Phoenix.)
Flexibility is key. Don't just check your home airport, but check nearby airports. We live in Phoenix, Arizona but often book flights out of LAX. This has saved us hundreds of dollars on so many trips! When we found $500 round trip flights from LAX to Tahiti, we quickly pulled the trigger. We were then able to find flights from our home airport to LAX for $99. Flights from Phoenix to Tahiti regularly sell for more than $1500, so we easily saved 60% by booking it this way. (When booking separate flights like this, be sure to add in plenty of time between flights. Pro tip: we always try to book the first flight of the day as those have a lower chance of being late or cancelled.)
Tools We Use:
JetsetClub.co: For just $59 a year, JetsetClub.co provides daily cheap flight deals. It’s a fantastic resource for finding amazing offers. You can sign up here.
Google Flights: We use Google Flights to search for flights from our home airport to "anywhere." This flexible approach helps us discover incredible deals to places we may not have initially considered. If there is a destination that is on the top of your bucket list, you can set a price alert that will notify you when the price drops.
Real-World Example:
In addition to the examples above, earlier this year, we found $130 flights from Honolulu to Sydney, Australia through a Jet Set Club deal, so off we went! By being open to various destinations, we significantly cut our travel costs.
2. Booking Accommodations with Kitchens
How We Used to Travel:
Many times, we reserved hotels or places to stay that didn't have kitchens, so we depended on restaurants for the majority of our meals. Although it was fun, this method became costly over time.
The Change:
We now prioritize booking places with kitchens. This allows us to prepare our own meals and save a substantial amount of money. Where available, we often purchase a meal prep delivery service like Hello Fresh. We have found that many countries, including France and Australia, offer a new subscriber box at a significant savings. In Australia, we were able to order 5 meals for 2 people for about $40 USD. By taking advantage of this type of deal, we've saved hundreds. We love cooking and were able to learn how to make and some delicious local dishes!
Benefits:
Cost Savings: By cooking just two meals a day, we save a significant amount on food expenses.
Local Experience: Shopping at local farmers' markets and bakeries gives us a deeper connection to the places we visit and provides fresh, authentic ingredients for our meals.
Example:
During our recent one month stay in Barcelona, we managed to save a significant amount of money by preparing our own breakfast and lunch, and opting to eat out only for dinner.
3. Avoiding Overpacking
How We Used to Travel:
On our first extended trip, we packed way too much stuff, which led to unexpected additional fees for overweight luggage. Lugging around heavy bags also made moving between locations a hassle.
The Change:
We have become more thoughtful about what we bring and now travel light.
Tips:
Leave Heavy Toiletries at Home: Instead of packing large bottles of shampoo, sunscreen, and bug spray, we buy these items at our destination.
Minimalist Packing: We focus on packing versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched, reducing the need for excessive outfits.
Benefits:
Cost Savings: Avoiding overweight luggage fees.
Convenience: Easier to move locations and a lighter load overall.
Example:
On a recent trip to Southeast Asia, we packed only the essentials and purchased necessary toiletries upon arrival. This not only saved us money but also made our travel experience much smoother. It's also fun to find local places to shop. We have been able to find our favorite brand of toothpaste, sunscreen, and shampoo every place we've traveled to.
By making these three changes, we have managed to make our travels more affordable and enjoyable. Letting deals determine our destinations, booking accommodations with kitchens, and avoiding overpacking have all contributed to significant savings and a more streamlined travel experience. If you’re looking to cut costs on your next trip, give these strategies a try. Happy travels!
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