8 Travel Hacks to Save on Your Next Vacation.

Photo by Joe Loper.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that now is not really the best time to go traveling. However, as unfortunate as the situation is, this is actually a perfect opportunity to start planning and saving for your next vacation.

The best part? Traveling doesn’t need to be expensive. 

So, today I’ll be sharing a few handy travel hacks to help you save on your next vacation!

1. Off-Season is the Best SeasoN.

Have you been piling on those vacation days? Well, make sure to use them wisely. One of the best ways to save a few bucks on your next holiday is to travel during the off-season. Not only can you get incredible deals on transportation and accommodation, but most destinations won’t be swarming with over-excited tourists and influencers. I call that a win-win situation.

2. Hit the Street.

I only have two words to say about this - street food. Trying new, exotic, local dishes is the best part of traveling to different places. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the local culture, try something different and of course - pinch your pennies. Don’t be afraid to go to the local supermarket and whip up a meal yourself. I also love asking the locals where they go to eat - it’s a great way to experience dishes you normally wouldn’t while traveling.

3. Go Off the Beaten Path.

You’ve probably been eyeing a specific holiday destination for a while now (South Africa and Greece are calling my name!). However, if you’re running a tight ship, you just might want to consider a less popular location. For instance, save Rome for next time and opt for Naples instead. Better yet, why not spend a whole month in Bali instead of one week in Paris? It’s all about finding the right balance.

4. Travel for a Cause.

Did you know that a lot of places around the world offer free accommodation and food in exchange for specific services? Find a cause you're passionate about, be it education, agriculture or simple handiwork and spend a couple of weeks volunteering someplace new. Do your research and you’ll definitely find a cause worth traveling for.

5. Opt for Low-Cost Airlines.

Air fare makes up a huge part of our vacation budget. To try and get around this, consider opting for a low-cost carrier to keep within your means. Alternatively, you can browse some of the more popular apps and websites for booking flights to try and find a cheap deal on your next flight.

6. Do Things on Your Own Terms.

It may be tempting to book an all-inclusive tour or join a group activity that’ll allow you to explore famous landmarks. Nevertheless, try to cut back on costs by doing things on your own. Buy a map, do your research, visit the tourist office and try to score some nice deals - it’ll be worth it!

7. Earn Points by Traveling.

If you're a frequent traveler, you've probably already collected a fair share of miles from your previous trips. Use them to your advantage! For best results, make sure to inform yourself about the differences between frequent flyer miles and credit card miles. 

8. Start Saving on Time.

Finally, design a saving plan that will allow you to be more economical about your next vacation. Budget traveling starts with knowing how to handle your budget, so be sure to create an elaborate savings strategy for your travel plans!

Where are you planning on going first? What destinations are calling your name first?