Pack Lightly
There are a few other reasons to pack lightly in addition to saving money on checked luggage fees. The first benefit of packing less is that getting around will be much simpler. You can manage public transport more easily if you have a light suitcase or backpack than if you feel the need to pay for a taxi since you are more agile.
Additionally, by only taking a little amount of luggage or a rucksack, you will avoid the temptation to buy souvenirs.
Get yourself into the airport lounge.
An airport lounge is one of the best places to eat when traveling. Lounge access is a bonus offered by a lot of high-end travel credit cards, typically through the Priority Pass lounge membership program. Though the quality of the food varies in every lounge, you can typically count on getting light snacks like fruit, chips, cookies, and coffee. Sometimes full buffet dinners are offered in the fanciest lounges.
In addition to meals, lounges can offer Wi-Fi at rates that are often faster than those at the airport. Some lounges also include massages, workout facilities, and showers. To make the most of the amenities, arrive at the airport early.
Set up a direct debit to your savings account.
Establishing a direct debit to your savings account is a terrific additional way to save money for travel. Get in touch with your bank right away if you haven't already.
You are not permitted to spend this money until you leave on your trip! You'll soon see your savings increase if you set money aside each month, no matter how much or how little.
Take advantage of credit card free night certificates:
Even credit cards for hotels with annual rates around $100 occasionally give away free hotel nights. It might be a wise decision to get one of these cards to save some money with a free night stay, assuming the worth of your hotel room exceeds the credit card's annual cost (which it very easily can be).
Additionally, these cards frequently include added benefits like elite status, which enhances the quality of your stay, and bonus points, which can result in free or significantly discounted future visits.
Book Hotel Room on Points
Speaking of bonuses, it's usually always a smart idea to use rather than preserve your hotel points. Booking accommodations with points rather than cash is undoubtedly a wise choice if you want to avoid using up your travel fund, but there are a few more advantages as well:
You could save on resort costs: Resort fees, which are those additional fees that hotels demand to cover the use of extra amenities like pools and Wi-Fi, are annoying and can occasionally exceed $50 per night. Thankfully, certain hotel loyalty programs don't charge them for reservations made using points, such as Hilton Honours, and World of Hyatt.
Travel During Offseason
You'll typically be able to get a better rate if you can travel off-peak, which will also help you avoid crowds and the inconveniences they cause. The average price of airfare was higher for holiday travel than for any other booking window, according to a NerdWallet review of over 1,110 airfares done in spring 2021.
Explore tourist attractions that don't cost you any money.
Even visits to infamously pricey locations like San Francisco, New York City, or Walt Disney World don't have to be prohibitively expensive.
For instance, Disney World offers a tonne of free activities. The beach at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is a great place to watch fireworks or ride around the monorail. Additionally, free walking tours are available in most big cities (though tour guides often count on tips, so give what you can).
Give the free tourist attractions precedence over the ones that charge admission. For instance, admission to the de Young Museum in San Francisco costs approximately $15, yet one of its nicest spaces, the Hamon Observation Tower, offers free 360-degree views of the city.
Get a Baseline Understanding of Typical Costs
Having a general understanding of prices can assist you avoid being hit with an alleged, unofficial "tourist tax."
For instance, research the usual cab fares before your trip so you are aware of the price ranges to anticipate. To confidently bargain, think about investigating average prices for the goods at the market. By being aware of how to obtain legitimate tickets in advance, you can avoid overpaying for bus fares.
