Enjoying the World on a Dime!
Hello to all my fellow veteran travelers, those who are planning their first journey, and everyone in between! If you are anything like me, even the idea of planning a trip is enough to light a fire in your soul!
However, many of us are burdened by our student loans, rent, mortgage, and other bills which have been preventing us from clicking that beautiful blue "book now" button. This series of blogs aims to help those adventurous souls plan their trip for as cheap as possible! With some creative hacks and strategic forethought, you too can enjoy the world on a dime!
Let's talk about the most important piece of traveling, getting from Point A to Point B. Luckly, there are many tips that make it more cost-friendly!
Tip for Traveling by Airplane, Train, Bike, Car, Bus, or Boat!
Being Flexible with Dates: Being able to move dates to the left and right is a great way to save a lot of money. A rule of thumb is that flying on the weekdays or during off-peak times can really help keep the price low.
Comparing Multiple Sources: There are many platforms that will help aid you in comparing prices, such as Expedia.com, so you can get the cheapest deals.
Book in Advance: Generally, booking a flight weeks to months in advance can help you secure some of the cheapest prices.
Using Incognito Mode: Something that many people don't know is that some airlines may increase prices based on search history. To avoid these dynamic changes, make sure you are using a hidden browser and not accepting cookies.
Round Trip/ One-Way: I always check round trip first, then try to plan my trip individually. For instance, I did this for my trip to Brazil. Round trip was going to cost me about $1,100. After booking each flight individually as one-ways, I spent a total of $894.
Purchase a Railcard/ MetroCard: If you are in a country where trains or metros are a common transportation method, consider get a card that will give you discounts on all your rides like UK's 16-25 Railcard or Spain's T-Casual metro pass. This can help you not only get around the city but also travel between cities for cheap!
Check for Group Discounts: Some providers will offer a discount if traveling with a group which could significantly reduce the cost!
Watch out for Extra Fees: Be cautions of extra fees such as seat selection or other hidden costs that may increase the price. Some sites are set up to make you think that you have to purchase these "add-ons" off first glance.
Public Transit: Don't underestimate the effectiveness of using buses, trams, and subways. Most places have great transit services that are fast and cheap. Finding a day pass can save you even more!
Bike Rentals: If you are in a bike-friendly city, one of the best ways to explore at your own pace is by renting a bike.
There you have it, there are some tips for planning the transportation for your next big adventure! If you learned something new or have other considerations for saving, please leave a comment below! If you'd like to learn more about cost effective living arrangements while traveling, make sure you check out my other blogs. Follow me so you never miss another chance to save!
Stay curious, stay inspired, and safe travels! 🌍✈️💸