How to travel on a budget: 10 tips for saving big on your next vacation
The biggest perk of learning how to travel for less? You can afford even more adventures on your wish list. Check out these tips on how to save on your next getaway, from choosing a budget-friendly stay like WoodSpring Suites® hotels to creating a vacation fund to cover your hotel, meals, and well-deserved treats.
Start a travel savings account
You don’t need to know where you’re headed to set up a savings account that can fund your next adventure.
Rather than dipping into your checking account or putting your vacation expenses on a credit card, set up a savings account dedicated to funding your next trip. Decide on a small amount of money to deposit from each paycheck, along with any extra money you might have at the end of the month, and watch your travel savings quickly add up. You’ll be glad you did—especially if you need to leave home for something unexpected, like an impromptu business trip.
Set a daily budget
Keeping track of exactly how much money you have for dining out, entertainment, and on-the-go necessities can help you avoid racking up eye-popping credit card bills on the road. Consider using a budgeting app that makes it easy to pinpoint that magic number you should stick to each day.
Consider a credit card with travel-savvy rewards
Lots of credit cards offer points and perks for travelers. Think about how you typically travel to pinpoint the types of rewards that can benefit your budget the most.
For example, if you’re a fan of road trips for business or enjoyment, a credit card that doles out discounts on gas could be a great fit. If you tend to fly often, choose one with points that can add up to free flights. No matter which card you pick, be sure to pay your monthly bill in full so you don’t end up with interest charges—that’s another upside to budgeting apps.
Score better rates on longer stays
If you’re planning a getaway that lasts more than a few days, consider an extended stay hotel. Unlike traditional hotels and resorts, most extended stay hotels will give you a lower rate for weekly or monthly stays—that means no sky-high rate hikes over prime weekend days.
Plan tasty meals to make at your stay
Dining out for every meal can put a serious dent in your budget. But with a little preparation, you can enjoy some meals in and save your cash for other vacation expenses. Consider booking a stay that lends to home cooking—extended stay hotels typically include a full kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, microwave, and plenty of cabinets and counter space.
Next, draft a meal plan for each day you’re away. You can include your favorite comfort recipes, healthy eats, and heat-and-eat dinners that come together in minutes. With all the money you’ll save on the nights you dine at your stay, you can reserve nights for meals out without breaking the bank.
Research locally loved eats before you hit the road
While meals out cost more than eating at your stay, they don’t have to be expensive. In fact, the most raved-about eateries in any destination are usually hidden gems serving up delightfully affordable dishes.
Discover your destination’s best by checking out the town or city you’re staying in on Tripadvisor. You’ll find an entire section for casual eats, along with those unexpected spots that travelers can’t get enough of.
Choose a stay with an onsite fitness studio
Instead of whittling down your vacation budget on drop-in workout classes or short-term gym passes, find a stay that features a gym so you can keep up your fitness routine for free.
Avoid baggage fees with a stay that includes laundry
If you’re flight-bound for your next trip, check to see if your stay has a washer and dryer onsite. That way, you won’t need to pack clothing for each day you’re away. Plus, who doesn’t prefer to travel light?
Stop by the library before you leave
Flight delays and downtime between activities can leave you reaching for a good read. Instead of shelling out for books and magazines, pick some up at your local library to bring with you on your trip. Search titles you like on your library’s website to reserve a copy for pickup. And don’t worry about the return date if you’re still away. You can extend your allotted checkout time online from afar.
Book a stay with free WiFi
From taking care of business on the road to researching hotspots and streaming your can’t-miss shows, WiFi is a must for any getaway. Skip the hassle and expense of holing up in cafes and businesses that offer internet access. Instead, make sure your stay is equipped with WiFi that’s included with your rate.
Discover lots of ways to save at WoodSpring Suites Extended Stay Hotels
It’s easy to stay on budget at WoodSpring Suites Extended Stay Hotels. From lower rates the longer you stay to full in-suite kitchens, a free fitness studio, and onsite laundry, you’ll find the travel conveniences you need for less. See how much you could save on your next vacation.
