Checking your bank account after returning home from a vacation is a scary thing.
Many of us go on trips expecting to drop some money, but a lot of us end up spending way more than anticipated.
Between airfare, hotels, dining, shopping, and activities, the costs really add up when it’s all said and done.
You’re going to have to spend money while traveling, there’s no way around that. However, you also don’t have to return home filled with intense financial anxiety (and a suitcase of unnecessary souvenirs you’ll never look at again).
Here are some easy money-saving tips to take with you during your next big trip.
Free is Fun
This may be obvious, but try to do as many free activities as possible while on vacation. For example, instead of paying to be a part of a guided tour, challenge yourself to walk around the city by yourself.
Odds are you’ll end up finding something way more unique or interesting than whatever was offered on the guided tour, and you’ll also save a chunk of change.
Not to mention, oftentimes the pricey tourist attractions are packed with people and hard to enjoy.
Of course, there are certain sites and experiences that are worth paying for, but you should be selective. Make a list of your must-see destinations, figure out the prices, and budget accordingly.
Breakfast at Home
Arguably the biggest money suck when it comes to traveling is dining out. Now don’t get me wrong, eating out is a cultural experience and should be enjoyed while on vacation, but not for every meal.
Try to eat every breakfast at your Airbnb or hotel. If you’re staying at a hotel you probably won’t have access to a kitchen, so bring breakfast bars, instant oatmeal, yogurt, or anything you can store in a mini-fridge. Hit up a local supermarket to grab snacks too.
And, if you’re staying at an Airbnb or a place with a kitchen, get more creative! In fact, try having as many meals at home as possible and allow yourself to eat out for one meal a day.
Don’t Buy Junk
Souvenirs sound like a good idea while you’re on vacation, but trust us, they’re really not. Do you really need another keychain, magnet, t-shirt, bag, hat, or random stuffed animal?
Now, if you’re someone who collects magnets from all your travels and keeps them in a special place, go ahead and get yourself a magnet. But don’t spend hundreds of dollars buying a suitcase full of junk.
You’ll probably never touch it again and it’ll just take up space in your home. Instead, focus on taking beautiful pictures, creating lasting memories, and living in the moment.
Be Flexible
If you’re not in a time crunch, be flexible with your flights. In fact, you could end up saving hundreds of dollars, if not thousands, just by being willing to stop in an extra city or fly out early in the morning.
While getting up at the crack of dawn for a flight isn’t fun, neither is spending $500 more for a flight that leaves seven hours later. Ultimately, it’s just not worth it.
