08 Jul Travel on a Dime: How to Save On Your Next Weekend Getaway
While a week long vacation sounds great, sometimes you can only get away for a few days. At times that’s all you really need to relax and decompress.
From your departure/arrival date to the best week or month to visit a city, check out these budget travel tips that will make your next weekend jaunt less of a burden on your wallet.
Arrive in the Middle of the Week
Though weekend trips are more accommodating for most people’s schedule, if you can swing it, take your short trip during the week. This is when you’ll find more deals at hotels and restaurants have early or mid-week dinner deals. Basically, the closer you are to the weekend, the more you’re going to pay.
Though weekend trips are more accommodating for most people’s schedule, if you can swing it, take your short trip during the week. This is when you’ll find more deals at hotels and restaurants have early or mid-week dinner deals. Basically, the closer you are to the weekend, the more you’re going to pay.
Save with Airbnb
Some people swear by Airbnb, the site where locals rent out their living space, as it’s cheaper than a hotel. However, some are a bit weirded out by sleeping in a total strangers home. If you’re on the fence, give it a try for a short weekend. Your host should be able to share free or affordable options in the city and you’ll save on dining out by preparing meals in the provided kitchen.
Some people swear by Airbnb, the site where locals rent out their living space, as it’s cheaper than a hotel. However, some are a bit weirded out by sleeping in a total strangers home. If you’re on the fence, give it a try for a short weekend. Your host should be able to share free or affordable options in the city and you’ll save on dining out by preparing meals in the provided kitchen.
Book a Hotel After a Major Event
But if you’re still not feeling Airbnb…Essence Festival just went down in New Orleans, so hotels in NOLA were ridiculously expensive during this time. But the week before and after Essence Fest, nightly rates are sure to drop as demand isn’t so high and the city isn’t super crowded. Before booking a hotel in any city, search if there are any major events happening. And then book your stay for the weeks before or after that when hotels are trying to fill rooms.
But if you’re still not feeling Airbnb…Essence Festival just went down in New Orleans, so hotels in NOLA were ridiculously expensive during this time. But the week before and after Essence Fest, nightly rates are sure to drop as demand isn’t so high and the city isn’t super crowded. Before booking a hotel in any city, search if there are any major events happening. And then book your stay for the weeks before or after that when hotels are trying to fill rooms.
Venture Off the Beaten Path
We’ve all heard that you should travel off the beaten path to really discover a city’s gems, but this is really true for saving some coins. Every major area has a main strip, the streets that are tourist heavy, where you can find restaurants, hotels and more. Well, sometimes venturing just a block or two beyond these places can do wonders for your wallet. Restaurants want to lure you in with drink specials and cheaper meals and shops aren’t as expensive. They need to overcompensate for not being in the “main” area, so they offer savings! It goes without saying, just be careful wherever you go, especially if traveling alone.
We’ve all heard that you should travel off the beaten path to really discover a city’s gems, but this is really true for saving some coins. Every major area has a main strip, the streets that are tourist heavy, where you can find restaurants, hotels and more. Well, sometimes venturing just a block or two beyond these places can do wonders for your wallet. Restaurants want to lure you in with drink specials and cheaper meals and shops aren’t as expensive. They need to overcompensate for not being in the “main” area, so they offer savings! It goes without saying, just be careful wherever you go, especially if traveling alone.
Take Advantage of Free Events
One way to save serious cash when you travel? Attend every free outing you can. While I was in Belize in April, I stumbled upon a taco bar that was having a movie night, so I was able to enjoy a flick under the stars. And there was a yoga studio that offered sunrise classes for free {though a small donation was suggested}. I always Google “free events + name of the city” when I’m going somewhere new. Also, pick up any weekly papers that might have listings for outdoor festivals, walking tours, concerts or days when museums waive the normal fee. Besides being wallet-friendly, these activities will help you learn more about the culture of the city and even meet a few new people.
One way to save serious cash when you travel? Attend every free outing you can. While I was in Belize in April, I stumbled upon a taco bar that was having a movie night, so I was able to enjoy a flick under the stars. And there was a yoga studio that offered sunrise classes for free {though a small donation was suggested}. I always Google “free events + name of the city” when I’m going somewhere new. Also, pick up any weekly papers that might have listings for outdoor festivals, walking tours, concerts or days when museums waive the normal fee. Besides being wallet-friendly, these activities will help you learn more about the culture of the city and even meet a few new people.
To save on transportation to your destination, look into Bolt Bus or Mega Bus. Yeah, I know the bus can suck, but it’s much cheaper than a flight if you’re only traveling a few hours. If flying is a must, see what last minute deals you can get with the airline of your choice. Also, if you have a specific destination in mind, set up a fare alert with Airfarewatchdog. They’ll email you when flights to that city are on sale.
What ways do you save on travel? Have you ever used Airbnb? How do you find out about cheap or free events while traveling?
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