
You don’t have to stop traveling just because you’re on a budget. Experiencing new cultures and destinations is one of the many thrilling adventures in life. But that doesn’t have to stop while you save money. In fact, with these budget travel tips, you can not only see the world but still stay on track to your savings goals.
From picking the right destination and when, to planning your fun activities ahead of time, you can continue your travel plans without breaking the bank. For the best budget travel tips, keep reading.
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6. Redeem Your Rewards

There are so many credit cards nowadays that have perks where you earn points or miles every time you use the card. These cards include Chase Sapphire Preferred which awards users 2 points per dollar on travel and 3 points per dollar on dining.
Other cards also ensure that you have a plan if things go awry, like the Platinum Card from American Express which offers $3,000 for baggage delay or damage. Stock up on your points throughout the year to plan a trip without spending a fortune.
5. Plan Free Activities

When at a new destination, there will be hundreds of fun activities that you can join. From tours to group activities, it can be overwhelming to pick. But instead of paying, why not find free activities instead?
This can include creating your own walking tour where you can see popular landscapes and destinations on your own, or even planning your own tour of popular local restaurants or bars. Other free activities can be museums that offer free admission, hiking, and more. There are guidebooks and adventure blogs on popular destinations to research ahead of time.
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4. Try Alternative Accommodations

A hotel is nice and all, but it’s also pricey. Instead of overpaying for a room you only need for the evening to sleep, try alternative accommodations.
One of the best budget travel tips is to stay at hostels, Bed and Breakfasts, and Air B&B. You can find more affordable rooms this way, plus you’re likely to find space closer to the city so you don’t have to walk so far to your morning destination. Plus, these are a great option to save money on food and get the scoop on the best local finds.
3. Eat with the Locals

Speaking of food, when traveling to popular spots around the world, you’ll likely come across tourist traps. Some of the popular restaurants around hotels are meant to overprice their meals. If you’re looking for the best food and the most affordable, then eat where the locals are eating.
This can be done by chatting with the locals while you’re touring the city, or popping into a restaurant real fast and seeing if it’s mainly tourists or not. This will lead you to more authentic flavors and avoid overspending on a meal.
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2. Travel Off-Season

The next two budget travel tips are the most important. Traveling during the off-season will likely bump down the cost of travel exponentially.
There are key destinations that are more sought after than others in specific seasons, for instance, where there is a beach, you’ll likely have a better chance at discounted rates during the winter. Shoulder seasons are another way to not spend so much either as it’s the time between the low season and high season. In Europe, the shoulder season is usually May and October, while the Maldives is usually April to May.
1. Pick an Affordable Destination

The last, but most crucial of the budget travel tips on the list, is picking the right destination. There are certain spots that will always be more expensive to travel to, no matter the season, than others. These areas include the Maldives, New York City, Paris, and Hong Kong. You can still have an amazing trip full of adventure, learning, and activities by picking other areas such as Thailand, Crete, Chicago, and Mexico.
While some of us are set with where we want to explore, try finding alternate destinations if possible. If you want a beach vacation but can’t afford the San Diego or Miami prices, try a less crowded option like Myrtle Beach or St. Petersburg.
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