Traveling on a Budget

With the arrival of November, the holiday season is about kick into overdrive. Since most people manage to get a couple of days off, it’s a great time to consider flying somewhere and experiencing something new. If you’re seeking to travel somewhere on a budget, you may be interested in reading further.

A popular travel website recently used its extensive database of hotels and flights to determine the most budget friendly travel destinations right here in the United States as well as around the country. The data used also included popular beach destinations and even New Year’s Eve travel destinations.

The capital of Costa Rica better known as San Jose made it to number one on the list, boasting prices that were over thirty percent lower than the overall median price for international flights. During the holiday season, a roundtrip flight to San Jose tends to average somewhere between $480 to $654.

In terms of U.S. cities for cheap holiday travel, you may be surprised to learn that none other than Las Vegas came out on top. The median airfare to visit “Sin City” is about $221 in January, and even in December, you can potentially book a flight for around $247 in December.

Bogota, Colombia, Reykjavik, Iceland, and Dublin, Ireland are some of the other international destinations that made the list. Remember that the time of the booking also factors heavily into the price, so the median ranges mentioned above may vary.

This update is provided by travel insurance provider Trawick International. Some of our travel insurance plans include international and domestic inbound and outbound travel insurance, missionary travel insurance, trip protection and cancellation, visitor insurance, and Schengen Visa. Call 877-233-4591 for more information.

Overall Tips for Traveling on a Budget

To travel smart and save money, it's important to prepare in advance. Use credit cards that earn travel rewards like points or miles, and pack light to avoid baggage fees by sticking to carry-on luggage. Reduce ATM fees by using no-fee debit cards or making fewer, larger withdrawals. Learning a few local phrases can help you avoid scams and negotiate better prices. These strategies can significantly cut costs on accommodations, food, and transportation, making your trip more affordable and enjoyable.

Pre-Travel Preparations: Ways to Save on Travel Expenses

Before you go on a trip, consider several smart strategies to save money and enhance your experience. Be flexible with your travel dates and aim for the shoulder or off-season, when flights and lodging are cheaper. Use fare comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to track and find the best deals. Choose budget-friendly destinations where your money goes further, such as Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Central America, or the Balkans. Set a daily budget by breaking down expenses into categories like lodging, food, transport, and activities.

Package Deals provide substantial savings by combining flights and accommodations. Also, Travel Aggregators compare deals across various providers, so travelers could quickly see how to save most on overall travel related expenses. Lastly, take advantage of free or donation-based walking tours, which offer both affordable and insightful ways to explore new cities.

Your accommodation is usually a large percentage of your overall travel expenses. To save money on accommodations while traveling, budget conscious travelers have ways to stretch their savings when it comes to their lodging plans. Seasonality plays a part in the rates at hotels and resorts. Some hotels offer a free breakfast daily. If your timing is flexible, book during the low season, when rates are at their lowest. Some hotels and resorts offer discounts for multi-day stays, plus offer the a special rate for memberships and credit cards to apply to the booking too. Alternatively, consider staying in hostels or guesthouses, which can be found on sites like Hostelworld or Booking.com—private rooms in hostels are often cheaper than hotels. Alternative options such as Couchsurfing, TrustedHousesitters, or Workaway allow travelers to stay for free in exchange for services like pet sitting or light work. Additionally, booking longer stays through Airbnb or select hostels can lead to substantial weekly or monthly discounts.

Simple Strategies Lower Your Food and Transportation Costs

To save money while traveling, consider shopping at local markets and cooking your own meals when possible. Eating where locals eat, such as street food stalls or family-run restaurants. These dining choices provide authentic, delicious meals at lower prices compared to touristy restaurants. Additionally, carrying a reusable water bottle helps reduce costs and waste, especially if you bring a purifier for areas where tap water isn't safe to drink.

To cut transportation costs, use public transport like trains, buses, and metro systems instead of taxis or rentals. Walking or renting a bike is another budget-friendly option that also lets you explore more. For longer trips, consider overnight buses or trains to save on both travel and a night’s accommodation.