17 Hacks To Save Money On Vacation--The Ones No One Tells You

17 Hacks to Save Money on Vacation—The Ones No One Tells You

You're likely filling the pinch as costs on everything is rising. Now fuel costs are skyrocketing which is making travel more expensive. Does that mean you should put off your vacation until prices come down? Maybe not. Travel doesn't have to be expensive to have a great experience. You can save money every time you go on vacation.

Here are 17 tips to help you keep travel costs down so you can take a relaxing and fun trip without killing your finances.

1. Travel one town away from your tourist city

Instead of staying in the destination city you want to visit, you can literally save hundreds by staying in a hotel or vacation rental nearby. These neighboring cities can keep lower hotel prices because of lower overhead, lower labor costs and hotels wanting to fill lower occupancies then the big destination cities.

Always do your research. Is the town safe and welcoming to tourists? Does the town have easy access to public transportation to your destination city? Does the city have easy access to grocery stores, drug stores and restaurants for easy access to your needs?

2. Travel on shoulder seasons

The shoulder season is before or after the peak tourist season or off season. Hotels and airlines lower prices considerably during these times. You can save dramatically by reconsidering when you plan to travel. In addition, you will likely deal with less crowds. Do your research—some places shut down late in the summer or early winter. Make sure your destination will be fully functional when you plan to go.

For example: Europe April—May or September—October

Tropical destinations: just before or after the rainy season

3. Be flexible with the days you travel

In many cases the day of the week can make a difference in how much you pay. Most business people travel on Mondays and Fridays. Most vacationers like to start their vacation on Friday after work. Therefore, prices for airfare and hotels can be higher on those days. So, shift your travel days and you can save hundreds. Tuesdays Wednesdays and Thursdays can be the best days to travel.

4. Use flight and hotel comparison websites

Never book the first flight or hotel you see. For example, review Google flight, Sky Scammer and Hopper for airfare and Trivago, Booking or Expedia for hotels. You can save by comparing prices for the most expensive part of your vacation. Remember to track prices and put yourself on a price tracking e-mail list on the sites. Use Incognito and/or DuckDuckGo so you won't be closely tracked on your searches. Check out my article, Get the best deal when booking an airline ticket for more information on a great way to save on flights.

5. Just ask for a better price

When you find a good price for your hotel and or airline ticket, call the service provider. Let them know what you found online and ask if they can beat that price. Remember, all they can do is say no. If they do say no, you can ask for more amenities if you book directly through them. Sometimes airlines and the hotels prefer customers purchase through their businesses. In addition, they may have some promotion you would never have known without calling and asking. Which can save you even more money.

6. Pack carry-on only

More and more we are seeing airlines charging for the smallest of extras. Some airlines charge between $50 to $200 for check-in luggage. By packing light, you won't pay extra baggage fees, you can move around quickly and efficiently, you'll save time at the TSA checkpoint and totally skip baggage claim.

7. Stay somewhere that has a kitchen

You know that cooking a meal at home could save a lot more money than eating out. Usually cooking makes more food than takeout and there are often leftovers. It's no different when you're on vacation. That gives you food for lunch or dinner for the next day.

Before booking your room, ask staff if pots, utensils, plates and cups are provided. That way you'll know what to bring if necessary. If the room provides a refrigerator, you can buy drinks in larger quantities and have them cold and ready before you go about your day. All of this saves a considerable amount of money.

8. Use public transportation

Taxis and ride shares can drain your travel budget in a hurry. But using public transportation can save you a lot of money. Whether in the US and especially around the world, there are reliable, safe ways to move around and between cities. Buses and trains are more reliable than ever. Before your trip, Google your destination and you will get directions on which methods of transportation are available, how much each method is, and how long it will take you to get to your destination. It will even give you walking directions to train stations or bus stops. Some cities have apps you can download for in-depth information about public transportation in the city you are visiting. Public transit also gives you a more local experience. And you may meet a friend or two on the way.

9. Walk whenever possible

Walking costs nothing and is good for you. In addition, more and more cities are making their sidewalks more wheelchair and blind accessible, so you and your loved one can move around town with ease. Again, this is a better way to get the flavor of the place you're visiting. You can experience more by walking than driving past an area. If you have a question, ask a local. You may learn more than you could by a Google search.

10. Take free or inexpensive walking tours

Walking tours are great ways to learn about the area you're visiting. Do a search, check out Yourguide.com or Viator.com. Locals give tours to teach people about their cities. You can get incredible insight and history on a city with these tours. Some are free and others cost less than 50 bucks. Always remember to keep cash on hand for tips.

11. Bring a water can

Staying hydrated on vacation is more than just healthy, it can make your overall experience much more pleasant. Water makes you move better. Being dehydrated can give you leg cramps, headaches and slow you down. But buying water can get expensive as well. Having a water can on your trip can ensure you have access to water whenever you need it. More municipalities have water bottle filling stations right on their public water fountains free of charge. Hook your water can on your luggage and then your travel backpack and go!

12. Use free activities

Surprisingly there are free activities available for tourists and locals in almost every town in the US and around the world. Parks, beaches, hiking trails, cultural festivals and public markets are accessible to everyone. In addition, some museums are free to visitors on certain days of the week. Search free activities for whatever town you plan to visit and the time you are going. You may find the city has certain events planned. You can learn more about the history and meet locals in a way you may never have otherwise.

13. Use grocery stores like restaurants

Eating out for every meal can destroy a travel budget. However, grocery stores can provide a fresh perspective. Grocery stores have fresh meals, ready-made sandwiches and cheaper snacks all while eating local. If you have a kitchen or at least a refrigerator and microwave, you can shop and keep food in your room saving you more money.

In Japan, 7-11 and other convenience stores are packed with local, traditional foods that are fresh and inexpensive. Do a bit of research or ask a local and you can be eating local foods at a much better price!

14. Choose lunch instead of dinner for restaurants

Many restaurants serve the same meals at lunch and dinner. However, lunch and dinner prices can be dramatically different. For a particularly fancy restaurant, have your big meal at the end of the lunch hour and pay less. If you're hungry later, get a quick, less expensive bite.

15. Plan and book your trip well in advance

It would seem booking last minute would get you the best deals. However, it doesn't usually work that way. Actually, booking your flight and hotels three to six months in advance will likely get you the best deals. Once you have your plans solidified, find the best prices and book when you can. Go to comparison sites and get yourself on their e-mail lists to alert you when airline prices go down. However, it's best to make reservations as soon as you can. Use free cancellation policies for hotels. Remember prices rise during spring break and summer months. Booking in advance will get you the best rates.

16. Eat like locals

Tourist traps can be just what it says—a trap. Restaurants will raise prices in areas vacationers visit. Restaurants especially those in foreign countries will have two different prices. One for locals and another for tourists. Ask a local where they like to eat. Locals can tell you where they go for the best food at the best prices.

17. Forget the souvenirs

This is one I had to learn the hard way. The first time I left the country, I went to Europe. Several people in my circle had never been, so I wanted to bring them some gifts back. I did it in Japan too. On both trips I spent way too much money and only a few people really appreciated the souvenirs I got them. So now on I have a very short list of people I bring things back for. I also budget souvenirs into my total trip cost.

Most people don't expect you to bring them something back from wherever you're visiting. Either way you don't need to buy anything for family and friends. The costs add up quickly and can take a bite out of your vacation budget. Keep the list short and enjoy your trip. Focus on yourself and have a great time!

Travel is an experience

Whatever your personal reasons for travel, the most important reason should be for the experience. Travel should improve your life, relax and rejuvenate you. If you accomplish this, it doesn't matter if you got discounts or if you spent a lot of money. Wherever you plan to go or whatever you plan to do on your vacation, it should be an enjoyable experience. It shouldn't have to cost an exorbitant amount of money. For special vacations, there are ways to earn and save for your dream trip (see my article—Get that Travel Money, Baby!) These 17 tips are great ways to lower the cost of your trips. In addition, planning with a little creativity will get you an enjoyable, fantastic vacation!