Tips for Budget-Conscious Traveling
One of the greatest benefits of being a retired senior is that you have plenty of free time to travel and see parts of the country or world you have always wanted to visit. Thanks to the internet, it’s possible for you to travel wherever you’re dying to go, even if you’re on a budget. Here are a few ways you can start traveling without spending too much money so that you can continue taking journeys for years to come.
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
Choose Your Hotel Carefully
Whether you are the type of person who likes to spend a full month in a new area or who prefers to bounce to a new city after a day or two, chances are you’ll need accommodations. If you pay the full price for a hotel each day, the total cost can become exorbitant — and that’s without factoring in all of your other expenses, such as travel and food.
Instead of going for the most highly-rated hotel or a cheap place that you assume is in your budget, do your research first. Many hotels charge less for rooms with less ideal views. For instance, if your hotel is on the beach, a room facing the ocean will probably cost much more than a room with a view of the town’s interior or the parking lot. The same is often true of rooms on higher floors versus the ground floor. If you don’t plan to spend much time in your hotel, the view doesn’t really matter, so why spend the extra money?
Similarly, you can probably get by in a modest hotel rather than one with endless amenities. If you are not planning on using your hotel’s swimming pool, gym, or conference room, you shouldn’t pay for those features. Instead, find a hotel with basic accommodations to save money. In addition, always look around online for promo codes and coupons for sites such as Hotels.com to make sure you are saving as much money as possible.
Alternatives to Hotels
Of course, there are other options besides standard hotels that may allow you to save even more money. Depending on your location, you may be able to find private inns and suites owned by locals who have adapted their homes into accommodation spots. Always check for special deals, packages and discounts on sites like Priceline.
If you are open to the idea of even more modest accommodations, you may be able to save even more. Hostels and other student-level lodgings are usually available for a low price, because they offer little more than a bed and shower. You can also use sites and apps like Airbnb to find locals who are willing to let people stay in their spare bedroom. Of course, the least expensive way to travel is to find a friend with a spare bed or couch who lives in the area — that will help you save money, and may even provide you a tour guide during your visit!
Find the Cheapest Form of Transport
Finally, be mindful of the travel itself. Flying is the fastest, but you can also travel by train, bus or your own vehicle. Many times, it’s cheapest to simply rent a car — look for a car online to find good deals and savings through a site like Enterprise.
Before you leave, make sure you are doing everything you can to save money at home. Unplug appliances, turn down thermostats, and try not to visit the grocery store before you leave to keep your home safe, secure, and low-cost. By following these simple steps, you will be able to plan out all of your trips from start to finish without spending too much money in the process.
Want to submit a guest blog? Contact us at staff@voyedgerx.com
MORE TRAVEL TIPS
