Do you want to travel the world, but are low on funds? Ever been on social media and wonder how people are traveling to all these amazing places? Well here are a few tips, that will enable you to travel, just as much as that famous travel blogger you follow on your social media!
Know before you go!
Are you wanting to go somewhere fun and exciting, but not too sure on where to go? Planning a trip to a particular place, but want to know the best places to eat and explore while there? We highly recommend Trip Advisor!
Trip Advisor provides you reviews from recent travelers, ratings, and more to help ensure your trip is nothing short of amazing! So make sure you know before you go!
Put your 9-5 to use!
One way to travel on a budget is to plan your trips around your pay dates! This method is great, as you are able to “count” your coins! If you’re planning well in advance, planning around your pay dates allow you to purchase things one at a time – all while still buying what you need.
Need a payment plan? You can utilize the following sites to plan and pay for your trip on a payment plan:
Do you have a side hustle?
Looking for a payday TODAY?! Sign up for ride-share platforms such as Uber and Lyft! Did you know that as a new driver, you are able earn bonuses – which puts more money in your pocket. (Ching! Ching!)
Also, both platforms allow you to cash out your earnings for the day! So if you drive for 3 hours and earn $80…you can select instant pay and have your funds put on your debit card INSTANTLY! Bomb right??
*** Please be advised: There maybe restrictions and requirements for accessing instant pay, as a new driver. ***
Emails
Do you check your emails daily or on your cellphone? Well make sure you sign up for email notifications from sites like Hotwire, Travelocity, and Orbitz – as they tend to send you really good discounts on flights, hotels, and more!! Not seeing their emails in your inbox? Make sure you’re checking your spam/junk folder, so that you don’t miss out.
Credit Cards
Did you know that most credit cards offer points, on everyday purchases? Use those points to earn bomb deals!!! You can also score cashback – depending on your credit card provider! COLLECT YOUR COINS & POINTS!
Do you prefer to fly on one airline over the others? You may want to consider getting yourself a credit card with that particular airline, that you enjoy flying on the most! You can earn miles that can be used to book flights! Also, some of those airline credit cards give you miles for using your card with their partnered hotels, restaurants, and car rentals.
Members Only
Do you LOVE a certain hotel so much, that you stay at their hotel any chance you get? Well you may want to check and see if you can earn points for you stay! The more your stay, the more points you earn – which can lead to a free night stay(s)!
Travel Alternatives
Don’t have the funds to purchase a round trip ticket? Why not purchase your travel one way at a time? This will allow you to get what you need – without going broke. Sometimes this also allows you to snag that special that Southwest Airlines is offering, at the same time of snagging an unbeatable deal that Frontier Airlines may be offering too!
Another way you can cut costs is by flying to an airport near your destination, and then driving the remaining distance. (i.e. Going to Miami? try flying to Fort Lauderdale, FL and then driving to Miami, FL.) Sometimes this method is cheaper.
Not in a hurry? Sometimes taking a flight that has multi-stops or has a layover can be cheaper! This is a great method for those looking for a deal and are not in a hurry to get to their destination.
Don’t forget about the RED EYE flights! RED EYE flights usually depart AFTER 9:00pm and arrive at the destination by 5:00am or 6:00am. These flights usually travel west to east and can be found on sites like Cheap Flights. If you don’t mind flying overnight to your destination, GO FOR IT!
Aviation Rocks!
Know someone that works for an airline? Did you know that most airlines give their employees discount flights or guest passes, to give to friends and family? – which is at an extremely low rate!
Want to skip the middleman??? BECOME an airline employee – as most airline companies give their employees FREE TRAVEL BENEFITS!! Though each airline have different policies for employee travel – it beats paying full price for your travel!
No Stress Lodging
Did you know that most sites like Orbitz and Priceline have the options of “Pay When You stay.” – for booking hotels? This is perfect if you want to book your hotel and simply pay when you arrive, especially if you don’t have the money upfront! We all know that sometimes plans change, so booking a pay when you stay is perfect – especially because this options tends to carry a very lax cancellation policy!
Ever heard of Airbnb? Airbnb is an awesome website to get a place to stay, for a very affordable rate! Depending on the type of traveler you are, you may just appreciate Airbnb more than a hotel. Some Airbnb places offer great perks such as FREE parking, use of an entire apartment/home, being in a centralized location, and MORE! So when you’re looking for a place to stay for your trip, DON’T FORGET ABOUT AIRBNB!
Getting Around
Need a car for your trip? Some car rental companies have special deals on their partner websites, that offers you very low daily pricing – if you pay for the entire rental upfront. Also, this tends to be offered if you allow the website to pick the car rental company for you. (usually Priceline & Hotwire)
Did you know that if you use a major credit card, most companies don’t hold a deposit? We suggest making sure you have a capital one credit card, as they offer car rental protection with your purchase AND allow debit card payments that instantly make the funds available for use! (1 payment per 24 hrs)
Beware though, as some car rental companies charge you more money if you use a Visa instead of a Mastercard, and vice versa. We’ve seen dollar car rental charge a $300 deposit for using a Visa card, instead of a Mastercard. YIKES!!
More than just Roadside Assistance!
Are you a member of AAA ? If not, then make sure you become one! AAA offers its members amazing deals and discounts on restaurants, hotels, car rentals, and more! AAA offers way more than just roadside assistance, so become a member and take advantage of its benefits!
Don’t Kill The Fun!
So now that you’ve booked your trip, what are you going to do on the trip itself??! Make sure you are doing fun things to create amazing memories on your trip! You can utilize the following websites for budget friendly food & fun activities to do on your trip:
So there you have it! Use our tips to plan your next trip…or 2! Where ever you decide to go, enjoy and have safe travels!