Affordable Travel Hacks for Everyone

Guest Blog by Jesse Clark of Soulful Travel / www.soulful-travel.com

Traveling can be hectic and expensive to plan. You have to figure out where you want to go, how you want to get there and what you want to do. Plus, finding deals that match your transportation and accommodation needs can be tricky. Fortunately, there are hacks to saving money when you need to get away.

Avoid Airport Parking

Everyone knows the cost perils of airport parking. Plus, you often have a trek from your car to the actual airport entrance. There's no win-win situation with it. Instead of leaving your car at the airport, drop it off at a privately-owned hotel lot nearby and use their free shuttle service. They'll take you to your check-in destination as well as bring you back to your car when you return from your trip. These lot prices can be 70% cheaper depending on how long or short your trip is, as well as which company you use.

Baggage Fees Can Be Pesky

Airlines are notorious for charging an arm and a leg for checked baggage. So long as you stay under the weight limit, you'll be able to make your flight without spending more than you planned. The alternative is to go minimalist and opt for a carry-on. Think of how that $50-100 overcharge could be spent on a nice meal out or an extra adventure. Plus, nobody wants to drag a super heavy bag around when they're trying to enjoy a trip. Don't forget, the less you pack the easier it will be getting through each airport.

Rent Your Own Vehicle with Enterprise Coupons

Apps like Uber and Lyft can add up quickly. If you're traveling abroad or out of state, save yourself the stress of waiting for somebody to pick you up. Don't overspend on paying them to drive you around when you can rent a car for much cheaper. You'll save money by being able to drive yourself around, but you'll also save time. For example, if you rent through companies like Enterprise, you can easily find deals and coupons that match with your timeline. To get more bang for your buck, look into aggregate sites like this one to find additional promotions and discounts. 

Travel During Off Seasons

Some of the best deals are during the off season for tourists. You can save by traveling right after school starts or a week after any major holiday. Most destinations raise their prices during tourist seasons knowing people will pay for certain experiences. However, beating the crowd and saving money can be the best combo ever. You'll avoid waiting in major lines, have some extra money to spend, and you'll get to experience how a place feels without the hustle and bustle of tourists everywhere.

Use Your Dedicated Travel Savings

One of the most important tips for saving is setting aside dedicated travel savings. You want to have money to spend during that exciting trip, so make sure you put money aside weekly. Cut back on your daily latte, it could save you over $1,000 in the span of a year. The same goes for eating out. That $50 you spent eating out this week could go toward a nice dinner on vacation. 

When it comes to traveling, you want to be able to enjoy yourself and get where you going without spending a fortune. Whether you need a weekend in a big city or a holiday at the beach, it’s easy to track down deals if you remain flexible and know where to look.