Have you grown weary of watching your friends explore the world as you remain homebound? If so, don't give up yet - travel can be more affordable than you think! As an experienced traveler and savvy saver, I'm here to share with you invaluable knowledge on how to get the most out of your travels while maintaining a budget.
Before we dig into the travel budget tips, let's discuss the cost. How much does it take to travel wisely? The answer is simple; it varies! It depends on where you are going, how long your stay will be, and what activities you have planned while there. Nevertheless, allow me to give you an idea...
The average cost of an individual trip in the United States is $589 per person for a week. If I told you that you could drastically reduce this cost with the advice I'm about to share, would you believe me? Well, you’re in luck!
How to Travel in the US for Less Than $1,000
Let me give you some advice on how you can embark on your own personal frugal journey from my own experiences. Would you believe me if I say you can undertake a 7-day trip in the USA for just over $1,000 - airfare included! How do you pull it off? By taking advantage of credit card points and budget airlines along with staying in affordable hotels; furthermore, by researching affordable activities in each city visited - and taking advantage of websites that offer discounts!
While I cannot guarantee you will have the same experience as me for a similar cost, I can demonstrate that it is possible to travel without breaking the bank and still have an extraordinary journey.
The Best Time to Purchase Tickets: Saving Money on Flights
Did you know that booking your tickets at the right time can help you save a great deal of money on airline fares? Knowing when and how to purchase travel tickets is key to budgeting while traveling.
If you're looking to save big on domestic and international travel, CheapAir's research revealed that the ideal time to book a ticket is 76 days before your scheduled departure domestically and 54 days in advance for an overseas trip.
Furthermore, to decrease your flight costs, be willing to change up the days of travel. Midweek flights tend to have better bargains than those over the weekend, and off-season dates can also result in considerable savings.
Affordable Places to Travel: Exploring the World Without Breaking the Bank
Don't let the most popular tourist hot spots dictate your travel experiences. Plenty of budget-friendly places offer just as much beauty and intrigue - Budapest, Prague, Krakow instead of Paris; Puerto Rico, Mexico, or the Dominican Republic instead of Hawaii! The choices are endless!
By traveling to these places, you will save a great deal of money on airfare and accommodations and have the chance to be immersed in an entirely new culture.
Let's discuss some of these delightful yet affordable travel destinations together!
1. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a delightful city with something for everyone - thermal baths, beautiful architecture, and an unbeatable charm. Plus, you can save considerable money on accommodation or food with average daily costs of around $50 per person! Budapest offers it all, whether you're looking for modern vibrancy or old-world enchantment.
2. Krakow, Poland
Krakow is a city brimming with history, culture, and captivating architecture. Its Old Town alone is an esteemed UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of fascinating galleries, museums, and other enthralling attractions to explore. Fortunately- its accommodation and food costs are quite reasonable compared to most cities around the world, averaging at roughly $45 per person each day!
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a vibrant and captivating city with its cobbled streets and historical buildings, making it an ideal destination for exploration. The cost of lodging and sustenance here is exquisitely affordable - on average, around $50 per person daily! So why wait? Go to Prague on your next vacation!
4. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, the paradisiacal tropical destination that's just a flight away from the US, is an ideal spot to indulge in both culture and cuisine. Not only does it boast stunning beaches, but also its cost of daily accommodation and food averages about $100 per person - making it one of few affordable beach vacation destinations!
5. Mexico
Mexico is a country ripe with opportunities for travelers! Whether you're seeking an inexpensive beach getaway or a cultural exploration, there are plenty of affordable destinations to choose from. Accommodations and food costs vary by region but typically add up to about $60 per person each day - making it the perfect budget-friendly vacation spot.
6. The Dominican Republic
When on the search for an inexpensive beach escape, The Dominican Republic is your best bet! The clear beaches and heartwarming hospitality is the reason why this Caribbean nation is so popular amongst holiday goers! Plus, with accommodation and cuisine at a daily rate of roughly $80 per person - you can't get much better value elsewhere.
Choose Luxurious Road Trips Over Flights
Hit the open road and discover the place you're visiting by car – It'll save you loads of money! Road trips are an ideal option for those who want to traverse vast landscapes without costing an arm and leg. Skipping pricey airfare is just one-way drivers can save, plus camping or budget accommodation options make your travel costs even more affordable.
Think about this: a round-trip flight from New York City to Los Angeles can cost up to $190, depending on the season. Instead, if you hit the highway in your car and drive instead of flying, you could save hundreds of dollars – driving is cheaper than flying!
Moreover, you can save even more money by camping or spending the night in budget accommodations. Camping for a night usually costs around $20 to $30, while booking an economical motel or hotel is as low as $50 to $60 per night.
When you opt for a road trip, budget accommodations, and choose to drive over fly - not only do you get the chance to witness this beautiful country up close and personal, but you can actually save hundreds of dollars! Flying would've meant missing out on sights that are unique to be able to take your time on land.
Best Credit Cards for Traveling and Perks: How to Maximize Your Savings
Travelers can get the most out of their trips with a credit card that offers flying points and an abundance of benefits when you spend. I personally have the Delta Skymiles Reserve card, so I will speak about my experience and what Delta Amex cards can offer you. With this card comes a variety of rewards, such as two miles for every dollar spent on Delta purchases and one mile per dollar on all other transactions. The earned points are redeemable for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses - what more could you ask for? Enjoy the advantage of using your Delta Amex Credit Card by earning membership access to exclusive airport lounges and complimentary checked bags!
The Delta Amex card grants a tremendous advantage - complimentary checked bags! As a holder of the card, you and up to 8 travel companions on the same booking can check your first bag without charge when flying with Delta. This perk is overwhelmingly beneficial, considering that baggage fees could easily add up over time.
With a Delta Amex card, you can access some of the world's most luxurious Sky Club lounges for a highly discounted rate of just $39 per visit or for free depending on your card. So, if you're looking for a way to save money on snacks, drinks, or other amenities while waiting at the airport gate - this is your answer!
By having the Delta Amex card, you can accumulate miles while simultaneously saving funds on your travels. Whenever you use it to book a flight with Delta, these miles will be added up and used for future journeys. Furthermore, taking advantage of complimentary checked bags could save an estimated $60 per round trip! Plus, access to airport lounges means that indulging in food or beverages is no longer expensive as before. All of this combined makes the Delta Amex card a great option for saving money during your trips!
For frequent jet-setters, the Delta Amex card is an excellent way to save money and receive rewards on your travel expenses.
Here is my referral code where you can earn up to 50,000 points.
The Final Word
You don't need to be wealthy in order to discover the world! With some strategizing, research, and willingness to adapt, you can explore new cities while saving plenty of money. All you need to do is play smart and pick budget-friendly spots and lodgings, take advantage of credit card rewards programs or special offers, and follow the tips I've shared above. There are numerous ways for cost-conscious travelers like yourself to enjoy an extraordinary trip without going overboard with expenses.
Moreover, traveling on a budget can result in an experience that is more genuine, worthwhile, and long-lasting. Visiting small guesthouses and trying street food are great ways to acquaint yourself with the local culture; using public transport gives you a deeper insight into your destination of choice.