Travel is on the rise, with 91% of survey respondents planning to travel domestically in 2024 and 50% planning to travel internationally, according to a recent study from National Travel Insurance. . 40% of those surveyed said they plan to travel more this year than in 2023.
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However, with inflation rates still high and fears of a recession on people's minds, you may want to save money while planning your dream vacation. Luckily, the Reddit forum r/Frugal is full of tips for traveling on a budget.
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Please bring snacks and drinks
If you're driving to your vacation destination, pack snacks and drinks so you don't want to splurge on expensive hotel water and snacks. If you're flying, stop at a local grocery store before checking into your hotel or Airbnb.
Redditor JStyles said, “If I'm staying somewhere for a few days, I often buy a case of water at the supermarket or drugstore when I arrive.”
But think strategically. Prices will increase in some tourist destinations. If you're driving, you have more flexibility to buy snacks and drinks at cheaper locations, either at home or on your way to your destination.
“I've found two places in the US where it's much better to pack food from home or from out of town if you're driving,” wrote Redditor Nopumpkin_here. “That's Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Yosemite, California. I'm sure there are many other places like that that require you to shop several cities and towns away.”
make a meal
Almost every frugal traveler on Reddit recommends cooking or preparing meals in your room instead of eating at a restaurant every day. If your hotel has a kitchenette, or if you are renting an AirBNB or VRBO for your trip, you can eat just like you would at home.
But if you prefer something simpler, that's okay too. Sandwiches and microwaveable soups make it easy to eat on the go.
buy groceries locally
Don't you just love cooking, especially during the holidays? Redditor “PurpleHippoB*tches” bought local produce like meat, cheese, and baked goods at a local grocery store in Paris to enjoy her daily picnic. he said. “I always tried to save money on food by eating out once a day,” they wrote. “A lot of people tell me to make my own meals, but personally I don't want to cook on vacation, and I especially don't want to eat like I would at home. I want to try local food instead. So this is my compromise as I don't cook.”
Redditor KnuteViking also said he was a fan of European local cuisine and advised: [to] Look for local shops rather than touristy shops. ”
Choose restaurant meals carefully
“If you're going to buy your breakfast and lunch at the grocery store,[ies] But if you want to eat out for dinner, you might as well eat out for lunch and have a sandwich for dinner,” writes Redditor Interesting_Gene_780. “The lunch menu is cheaper than dinner.”
Redditor LauraSaurus5 advised frugal Redditors to try a Southern breakfast if they get a chance in the US.
Don't forget to try the hotel's complimentary continental breakfast. Many of his frugal Redditors try to buy muffins, fruit, and hard-boiled eggs in bulk for a light lunch.
Pack a thermos or water bottle (or both)
According to Redditor Hjlelpdinven, he always takes a thermos flask with him when he travels. You can also fill up your water after passing through airport security, make tea with free hot water and tea bags at home, or fill up your thermos with complimentary coffee from your continental breakfast.
Visit free attractions
Saving money on vacation isn't just about cutting back on food, but eating less at restaurants can make a big difference in costs without affecting your enjoyment.
You can also save money by visiting local attractions with 'pay-as-you-go' or free admission. Famous examples include free admission to the Bronx Zoo every Wednesday and free admission to government landmarks such as the White House. According to the Smithsonian Institution's website, all Smithsonian museums, art galleries, and zoos (except Cooper Hewitt in New York City) offer free admission.
Book a cheaper hotel room
If you're torn between booking a luxury suite or a smaller hotel room, Maximum-Excitement58 advises fellow Redditors: I'm staying in ”
However, if you plan to eat in your room, call ahead and ask if your room has a small refrigerator and microwave.
Use public transportation
Whether it's to and from the airport or downtown, figure out the cost of a bus or shuttle instead of an Uber or taxi service. Once you know the public transportation system in the city you're visiting, you can save money, experience local life, and avoid traffic jams.
Redditor Such-Shape-7111 said he and his wife rent electric scooters in cities across the U.S. for short trips. However, Such-Shape-7111 will keep you safe on the road. “We bring our bike helmets in our backpacks,” he said.
Pack what you need in your carry-on baggage
If you're flying, be sure to pack extra clothing, underwear, and travel-sized toiletries (less than 3.4 ounces each, packed in a 1-quart clear plastic bag) in case the airline loses your baggage. please. “It might save you money if you need to replace something,” says Redditor Roweira.
Cutting corners on some parts of your trip can give you more room to splurge on things that really matter, or even give you the luxury of a dream vacation.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 9 Frugal Habits to Apply Every Time You Travel
