Smart Ways to Save Money on Your First Big Travel Experience
Blogger and author Kristen Harkey of The Rad Traveler is a coming-of-age travel journalist who informs, encourages and inspires anyone and everyone to see the world from the inside out.
As a young person who is eager to see the world, a lack of funds can be very discouraging. Try not to let financial stress stop you from chasing those travel dreams. Although many people think otherwise, you really don’t need a lot of money to travel. It’s extremely possible to see the world on a tight budget. As The Rad Traveler explains, all you have to do is find strategic ways to cut back on your spending and hunt for deals along the way.
Shop for Deals on Travel Gear
Fancy travel gear can quickly eat up your funds before you even leave home. Save money by sticking to the basics. Eagle Creek suggests making a list of essential items you need for your trip—like good walking shoes, a travel backpack, and a travel adapter—and steer clear of gimmicky gear. For those travel basics that you do need to buy, try eBay or thrift stores for the really good deals. Double-check zippers and fasteners, but lightly-used gear from quality brands should serve you for years.
Employ Some Safeguards
Travel requires a certain amount of safeguards, notes Nationwide, and this is especially true when traveling abroad, such as to Mexico. Keep in touch with family and friends, keep copies of important documents safe, and have contingencies for worst case scenarios, like a health concern or financial calamity. Bear in mind that if you need money fast, your loved ones can use a money transfer service to get it to you quickly, and there is only a small fee when you use a service like Remitly. In fact, there’s no fee when $500 or more is sent. In addition, they can send funds to 21 banks and more than 40,000 pickup locations in Mexico, making it extra convenient.
Pack Some Familiar Comforts
You may also want to pack some comforts of home to help ease those occasional homesick feelings. Bring along pictures of your family or pets, a favorite scented candle, a treasured memento, or your cozy slippers. You could even pick up a portable streaming device so you won’t miss any of your favorite TV shows while you’re away.
Take some time to research different options to find the streaming device that fits your budget and includes your desired features. For example, you’ll likely want one you can control with your phone so you don’t have to pack a remote. Finally, remember to check your data plan before leaving to ensure you will be able to contact your family without worrying about overage fees.
Use Google Flights to Find the Cheapest Routes
When it comes time to plan your trip, use Google Flights to find your cheapest route options. With this tool, you can compare the prices of different airlines, routes, and travel dates so you can find the cheapest possible options for your trip. You may even discover new destinations within your budget! To learn more, check out this Google Flights guidefrom Upgraded Points.
If you fly with budget airlines, be wary of sneaky fees and charges. You can end up paying extra for picking your seat or printing your boarding pass at the airport. You can save a lot of money with these airlines as long as you avoid the traps.
Carry-On Only
Most airlines charge for any bags other than a small carry on under ten pounds. Save money—and travel time—by only taking the carry-on. Invest in a good travel backpack, and pack significantly fewer clothes than you think you’ll need on your trip. Most first-time travelers pack far too many things and end up hauling space-hogging items from country to country that they never use or wear. Take some packing advice from YTravel, and don’t bring any items “just in case” you’ll need them.
Stay Away from Tourist Traps
You can save even more money on your trip by staying away from tourist traps. Chances are that you’ll forge some of your best memories when you stray from the beaten path. Don’t feel pressured to pay for every popular tourist attraction you come across just because everyone else does. Instead, ask the locals for tourist recommendations and be sure to take advantage of free museums and walking tours. Many museums offer discounts for students, seniors, Triple A, and more. Check Groupon for deals on local attractions. Look for interesting and unique experiences to enjoy; if you’re really brave, you can even hike a haunted trail or take a ghost tour!
Avoid Loading up on Souvenirs
Souvenirs can quickly drain your travel budget and load down your luggage. Instead, take pictures and keep a journal to help you remember your experiences. If you like to collect mementos, hold onto ticket stubs or brochures that you accumulate over the course of your trip. You could even write a postcard to yourself at each place you visit. When you get home, you can combine all of these paper items into a memorable scrapbook!
When it comes to saving money and fully enjoying your first big trip, it’s important to be flexible. Be prepared to switch things up, drop previously-made plans, and grab deals when they pop up. You’ll quickly learn that the best travel experiences happen spontaneously.
Contributing Author- Lance Cody-Valdez