Close

Collins Community Credit Union

How to Travel on a Budget

It’s on our phones. It’s on our newsfeeds. It’s on our TVs. We see it in the movies we watch, the songs we listen to, the stories we read. We dream of it. It’s what we imagine when our head hits the pillow and our heavy eyelids close shut each night. A far away land – paradise. If you're ready to plan your dream vacation check out our latest blog post to learn how to travel on a budget. 

Published on Aug 07, 2017

It’s on our phones. It’s on our newsfeeds. It’s on our TVs. We see it in the movies we watch, the songs we listen to, the stories we read. We dream of it. It’s what we imagine when our head hits the pillow and our heavy eyelids close shut each night. A far away land – paradise - bliss.

Fiji. A beach basked in golden warmth, swaying seagulls, rolling water and white sandy shores. Paris. Where the Eiffel Tower stands in delight as if waiting for our eyes to widen, our mouths to gasp, relishing in our childlike awe. China. The Great Wall, larger than life and steeping in history. We all dream of these things. There is only one thing that seems to stop us. Money! We tell ourselves we don’t have enough. It’s too expensive. I can’t afford it. But can we afford not to take the moments in life to replenish our souls and see the world? What if you had tricks and tips on how to travel on a budget without spending a fortune? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

Stay in Airbnb’s: Although it may seem obvious, it is still vital to point out. Airbnb’s can thoroughly thicken that wallet of yours compared to a hotel or resort. They are a good choice if you want to save money but still want a private place to stay. Not only are you getting a cheaper price, you’re also getting that true authentic backpacker, wind in the hair, sea salt soaked skin atmosphere and experience that you’ll remember for years to come. Plus, they’re popping up in almost every country!

Find Free Classes: Free. Oh, what a beautifully rich four-letter word. The next time you travel, take it upon yourself to see if there are any free events or classes going on in the area. Most museums and popular tourist destinations offer a free day once a month. Take advantage of this! Whether it be stretching and soothing your soul with yoga, visiting a museum veiled with exquisite art, or taking a cooking class to hone in on the local cuisine, free classes are out there! 

Wake Up and Smell the Waffles: Did someone say free breakfast? At many hotels and hostels, the most important, and perhaps delicious meal of the day - is free! Many include a buffet style venue, offering breakfast delights like waffles, bacon, eggs, cereal, fruit, and oatmeal. Anything and everything you could possibly crave. Don’t pass up the opportunity for free food and extra money in the bank.

Book in Advance: Did you know prices will often increase as time gets closer to your trip? CheapAir.com, an airfare booking site, monitored 4,191,533 trips last year to find the best time to book a getaway and analyzed the booking data from roughly 1.3 billion airfares. According to the results of the study, the best time to book a domestic flight is 54 days (or seven and a half weeks) in advance. Now you know. Get booking and start saving!

Travel Tuesdays: According to travel experts, the best time to book a U.S. flight is Tuesday at about 3 p.m. eastern time. Why? According to CheapAir.com, many airlines release weekly airfare sales early on Tuesday and by mid-afternoon, competing airlines have matched these sale prices and shoppers will have the best deals to choose from. It is also due to low demand for flights on this particular day. Who knew Tuesday could instantaneously be our favorite day of the week?  

Follow Your Feet: What is the cheapest, and perhaps the best way to travel the streets of a new foreign destination? Your feet. Since your breakfast is possibly paid for, stop by a local coffee shop for a soothing coffee, or enter a pub or restaurant for a glass of beer or wine. Probably even more than one. Walking through a new city lets us absorb the culture, to smell the fresh pastries around the corner, and to witness the most beautiful sunsets in the world. It allows us to truly be a part of the architecture and the people.

Clear Your Browser Cookies: Always make sure that you clear your browsing cookies and use a private window while searching for flights. Why, might you ask? Websites tend to be tricky. They have a certain way of tracking what prices you’ve been quoted in the past. So next time you book that big getaway, make sure you’re browsing cookies are cleared, no bread crumbs to follow. This is a simple and easy trick to do!

So get those bags packed, your passport ready and remember, life is for the living, so go on and LIVE!

 

You may be interested in...

Lifestyle Savings Account

You’re unique and so are your savings goals. Ignite your dreams with a Lifestyle Savings Account from Collins Community Credit Union.

Savings Ltd.

Ignite your financial future!

The Collins Savings Ltd. Savings account is a basic savings account that helps you achieve your financial goals.

Schedule Your Free Financial Review Today

Become a Member