Basic Budget Travel Tips
Try Off-Season Travel
Going to Florida during July and August will cost more than going in November and December. The basic economic lesson timing your travel is to determine when everyone else wants to go. Demand is high during those times, allowing places to charge more for hotel rooms, foods, and other goodies.
Check for Large Groups
Traveling at the same time large groups will be in town ensures you will pay a premium for everything you do. Going to Ann Arbor during the weekend of Michigan home football game means dealing with 100,000 other people needing hotels and tourist items. If you’re not going for the big event, plan your travel around it for the best budget hotel prices.
Plan Ahead
Know where you are stopping to eat and rest and the entertainment venues you plan to visit. You can plan your budget if you know the cost of everything you’re planning to do.
Budget Airline Tips
Find Basic Flights for Budget Travelers
Flights without meals and extra room for passengers will cost less. Budget airlines are cheaper because they offer less to their passengers, but typically you are giving up only luxuries that you can do without for a few hours anyway.
Be Flexible on Flying Times
Budget flights on larger airlines are at times when others don’t want to travel – late at night or early in the morning. Being willing to travel during those times means you’re more likely to get a budget airline price.
Connect More
Direct flights cost more. Being open to one or more layovers, especially for popular flight routes, helps you save on the price of tickets.
Budget Car Rental Tips
Avoid the Frills
Sure, you would like to have the dual-temperature control, all leather interior, and V6 upgrade. Do you need it, though? Car rental prices are directly related to the car you choose. For budget travel, pick a basic car to rent.
Be Flexible on Style
You may have a personal preference for a Toyota Camry, but the Honda Accord will work just as well. Budget car rental often means taking whatever is in stock, even if the car is a funky shade of green. Sit back and enjoy it; the car’s purpose is just to get you to the best vacation spots.
Rent a Car Seat
Most car rental places have car seats for rent, and it typically is easier and cheaper than lugging your seat on the plane.
Budget Hotel Tips
Get a Bed
Budget hotels have few frills. They probably have cable – and maybe a swimming pool. For the most part, though, budget travel means getting just the basics. A bed and clean bathroom really are all you need in a hotel room. On a fun vacation, you won’t spend much time in it anyway.
Stay During the Week
The best hotel prices are during the week when most people are working. Staying from Tuesday through Friday will be much less than a Friday through Monday stay. Plan your budget travel for the off-peak times.
Book Early
Reserve your room as early as you can to get the best prices.
Budget travel is possible with time and planning. When you travel for less, you won’t spend your vacation worrying about what you’re spending!
