Make no mistake, travel can be expensive. But there are ways to help keep costs down. The frugal folks at NerdWallet came up with a list of money-saving tips that are guaranteed to help you save money on your next trip. They recommend:
Pack light – This may seem obvious because you will save money if you do not need to pay to check luggage. Packing light can also save on transportation. If you just have a backpack or small carry-on bag, you will easily be able to take public transit, such as buses and subways, rather than needing a taxi or ride-share service.
Stop and shop – Visiting local grocery stores can save you money and provide a unique glimpse into the culture of the city you are visiting. Purchasing protein rich snacks will help keep you fueled during your adventures.
Use your points – Cash in travel points to help save money on hotel stays and flights. It’s always a good idea to see what the “actual money” cost would be and then weigh if it is worth using your precious points; often times it is, especially when booking far in advance. Another benefit of using hotel points for stays is that you can avoid paying resort fees, the extra charges hotels bill you for amenities such as fitness centers, pools, etc.
Take advantage of free things to do – You can save big bucks by prioritizing free attractions over those that have admission costs. However, there are times when you will want to do certain things, such as visiting the Statue of Liberty when in New York City. In such cases, be sure to look for discounts that may be available through your hotel concierge, AAA, AARP, etc.
Watch the time – Especially on travel days make sure you leave plenty of time to get where you are going. Not only will this help alleviate stress, but you can save money by not incurring surge pricing.
What are your tricks to save money when traveling? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and let us what you suggest for anyone looking to keep vacation costs down.
