There is a web-exclusive resource at National Geographic
Traveler online that is worth a bookmark: This
list of 51 ways to cut
vacation costs includes some excellent tips, although I am unsure the reasoning behind offering the odd number of
51?! Anyways, there are a bunch of helpful goodies, so I’ve pulled out my top five favorites to share:
1) Delete your browser cookies so the online travel goblins don’t record your spending history. Once
you book a flight or vacation with these websites, they jack up prices when they know your travel habits.
Meanies.
2) Travel off-season. This is one I don’t particularly love to follow, but I surely see the benefits
of doing so. And I’ll be doing it myself when I head to Europe in February, where there will be less crowds and lower
prices. I sooooo wanted to go to OZ for New Years…but my budget wouldn’t have it. If you want to travel a lot, you have
to make compromises. This is a smart one.
3) Pack an extra empty duffle bag when you fly, in case you have to repack your heavy, overloaded
luggage at the airport. I had to do this once when traveling alone at LAX — it was so not fun. Dangerous actually, to
have to pull out all my personal belongings right there in the crowded terminal by myself and figure out how to lug
more stuff with me in a carry-on bag — a real nightmare that can be avoided!
4) Don’t overplan ahead of time. Wait until you arrive at your destination to book a scuba
lesson or walking tour of the city. Local guides on the ground are better and often cheaper that booking in advance
through a big tour operator. Plus, what if you change your mind and want to do something different once you arrive?
5) Eat tapas instead of three-course meals. I think this is a great idea, whether you are eating on
your own or with a large group. It’s more affordable and makes it easier to split the bill. Plus, there is less chance
of over-doing it on your order. I hate having leftovers with no place to store them in my hotel room.
What are your best cost-saving travel tips? If you have others that you don’t see on this list, please add them in
the comments below. How do you get the most bang for your buck when traveling?