Travel can be really pricey, but you don't have to make big sacrifices in order to stay on budget.
These budget travel tips, including planning your vacation earlier and flying on certain days, could make your trip more affordable.
We all feel it—it's time for a vacation. It's too bad that traveling is expensive and inflation has hit wallets hard.
Smart changes in how you book and travel can make getting away more affordable. Read on for 9 tips on how to travel for less.
1. Book flights a month or more in advance
Plane tickets are usually more expensive if you book at the last minute. Start looking at fares months before your trip, and then book when you spot a comparatively low rate. On average, the best time to book a flight is about 1 month before flying for domestic travel and 2-4 months for international travel.1 Checking out third-party vendor sites can help you figure out which airline offers the lowest prices.
Feed your brain. Fund your future.
Subscribe now
2. Time your travel right
Flights, train tickets, and rental car prices tend to be higher on the busiest days of the week, which are typically Fridays and Sundays. If you can, travel on Wednesdays or Saturdays when there's usually less demand and lower prices, on average.2
It's not always possible, but if you have some flexibility, try to avoid peak times, such as holidays and school breaks. Traveling during "shoulder season"—the period between high season and off-seasons—may increase your chances of finding a deal. For example, September and November in Hawaii or April and May in Florida.
3. Compare flying and driving costs
In the past, it's typically been cheaper to drive your own car than fly. But today's higher gas prices may change the equation. You can calculate your estimated gas expenses by multiplying your car's average miles per gallon by the total length of the trip, and then multiply that by the cost of gas. Keep in mind, too, that gas in certain states may be more expensive than others.
There are a lot of ways to get from A to B, and a rental car may be one of the most expensive. If you normally rent a car once you arrive at your destination, consider alternatives. While you'll save the most by using public transportation and biking, relying on rideshares is another option. Use an online rideshare fare calculator to help you estimate your bill. Then compare that estimate to the cost of renting a car, including the cost of gas.
5. Lower gas costs
If you need to drive during an upcoming getaway, try a few tricks to improve fuel efficiency and find cheaper pump prices, like ditching excess cargo and avoiding gas stations near major intersections. Read more on how to save money on gas.
6. Use points
If the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed your traveling, you may have some travel rewards points gathering dust. Using them is one way to discount or fully pay for your trip. Many credit card reward systems give you the best value per point when they're put toward travel. And because you can't invest points the way you can with money, it's wise to use as many points as possible before tapping your cash.
7. BYO food
We've all been there—hungry at the airport or on a road trip, forced to buy overpriced snacks. Packing food from home can help you avoid the markup. Don't forget to bring an empty, reusable water bottle, especially if you're flying.Once you get through security, fill up at a water fountain before boarding your flight.
8. Try unconventional ways to pay less for a hotel
Hotel prices can be flexible. You may be able to negotiate the online price by calling a hotel directly, or asking if they have any discounts for students, government employees, or members of certain groups, such as AAA. You can also consider hotels that usually have cheaper rates, such as those that are close to airports, although you may pay a little extra on transportation for getting around town during your stay. Some hotels that are under construction may rent rooms at a discount, which is a great option if you can deal with the noise. Or get a deal at a micro hotel, where rooms are normally less than 200 square feet.
9. Rent out your place while you're gone
You could actually make money while on vacation by renting out your house or apartment—or even your parking spot—during your getaway. There are multiple companies that make it easy to list your property and find temporary renters. If you're a renter yourself, get your landlord's approval in writing before you list your place. Check out an online vacation rental calculator, which can estimate how much you could make renting.
Saved some money? Now put it to work.
Find ways to spend, save, and help grow your money for today and tomorrow.
Get started
More to explore
Try the 52-week challengeLog In Required
Start with $1 and we'll automatically increase your contribution by $1 each week.
What the news means for your money, plus tips to help you spend, save, and invest.
Looking for more ideas and insights?
We'll deliver them right to your inbox.
Manage subscriptions
Thanks for subscribing!
Check out your Favorites page, where you can:
Tell us the topics you want to learn more about
View content you've saved for later
Subscribe to our newsletters
Go to Favorites
We're on our way, but not quite there yet
Good news, you're on the early-access list. But we're not available in your state just yet. As soon as we are, we'll let you know. In the meantime, boost your crypto brainpower in our Learning Center.
Manage subscriptions
Oh, hello again!
Good news, you’re already on the early-access list. Keep an eye on your email for your invitation to Fidelity Crypto.
Manage subscriptions
All fields are required.First name
Enter your first name.Enter your first name.First name must be no more than 30 characters.First name must be at least 2 characters.Sorry, we can't update your subscriptions right now. Please try again later.
Last name
Please enter a valid last name. e.g. Doe.Enter your last name.Last name must be no more than 30 characters.Last name must be at least 2 characters.Sorry, we can't update your subscriptions right now. Please try again later.
Email address
Enter a valid email address. e.g. [email protected].Enter your email address.Enter a valid email address (like [email protected]).Email address can not exceed 100 characters.Please enter a valid email address. e.g. [email protected].
Subscribe Subscribe
Thank you for subscribing.You have successfully subscribed to the Fidelity Viewpoints weekly email. You should begin receiving the email in 7–10 business days.We were unable to process your request.Please Click Here to go to Viewpoints signup page.
All fields are required.First name
Enter your first name.Enter your first name.First name must be no more than 30 characters.First name must be at least 2 characters.Sorry, we can't update your subscriptions right now. Please try again later.
Last name
Please enter a valid last name. e.g. Doe.Enter your last name.Last name must be no more than 30 characters.Last name must be at least 2 characters.Sorry, we can't update your subscriptions right now. Please try again later.
Email address
Enter a valid email address. e.g. [email protected].Enter your email address.Enter a valid email address (like [email protected]).Email address can not exceed 100 characters.Please enter a valid email address. e.g. [email protected].
Subscribe Subscribe
Thank you for subscribingNice work! Need to edit for crypto.We'll be in touch soon. In the meantime, visit Need to edit for crypto to stay up to date.We're unable to complete your request at this time due to a system error. Please try again after a few minutes.
All fields are required.First name
Enter your first name.Enter your first name.First name must be no more than 30 characters.First name must be at least 2 characters.Sorry, we can't update your subscriptions right now. Please try again later.
Last name
Please enter a valid last name. e.g. Doe.Enter your last name.Last name must be no more than 30 characters.Last name must be at least 2 characters.Sorry, we can't update your subscriptions right now. Please try again later.
Email address
Enter a valid email address. e.g. [email protected].Enter your email address.Enter a valid email address (like [email protected]).Email address can not exceed 100 characters.Please enter a valid email address. e.g. [email protected].
Subscribe Subscribe
Thank you for subscribing.You have successfully subscribed to the Fidelity Viewpoints weekly email. You should begin receiving the email in 7–10 business days.We were unable to process your request.Please Click Here to go to Viewpoints signup page.
All fields are required.First name
Enter your first name.Enter your first name.First name must be no more than 30 characters.First name must be at least 2 characters.Sorry, we can't update your subscriptions right now. Please try again later.
Last name
Please enter a valid last name. e.g. Doe.Enter your last name.Last name must be no more than 30 characters.Last name must be at least 2 characters.Sorry, we can't update your subscriptions right now. Please try again later.
Email address
Enter a valid email address. e.g. [email protected].Enter your email address.Enter a valid email address (like [email protected]).Email address can not exceed 100 characters.Please enter a valid email address. e.g. [email protected].
Subscribe Subscribe
Thank you for subscribing.You will begin receiving the Fidelity Viewpoints Active Investor newsletter.We were unable to process your request.Please visit www.fidelity.com/viewpoints.
All fields are required.First name
Enter your first name.Enter your first name.First name must be no more than 30 characters.First name must be at least 2 characters.Sorry, we can't update your subscriptions right now. Please try again later.
Last name
Please enter a valid last name. e.g. Doe.Enter your last name.Last name must be no more than 30 characters.Last name must be at least 2 characters.Sorry, we can't update your subscriptions right now. Please try again later.
Email address
Enter a valid email address. e.g. [email protected].Enter your email address.Enter a valid email address (like [email protected]).Email address can not exceed 100 characters.Please enter a valid email address. e.g. [email protected].
Subscribe Subscribe
Thank you for subscribing.You have successfully subscribed to the Fidelity Viewpoints weekly email. You should begin receiving the email in 7–10 business days.We were unable to process your request.Please Click Here to go to Viewpoints signup page.
All fields are required.First name
Enter your first name.Enter your first name.First name must be no more than 30 characters.First name must be at least 2 characters.Sorry, we can't update your subscriptions right now. Please try again later.
Last name
Please enter a valid last name. e.g. Doe.Enter your last name.Last name must be no more than 30 characters.Last name must be at least 2 characters.Sorry, we can't update your subscriptions right now. Please try again later.
Email address
Enter a valid email address. e.g. [email protected].Enter your email address.Enter a valid email address (like [email protected]).Email address can not exceed 100 characters.Please enter a valid email address. e.g. [email protected].
Subscribe Subscribe
Thank you for subscribingNice work! Get ready to unleash your inner investor.We'll be in touch soon. In the meantime, visit Women Talk Money to stay up to date.We're unable to complete your request at this time due to a system error. Please try again after a few minutes.
All fields are required.First name
Enter your first name.Enter your first name.First name must be no more than 30 characters.First name must be at least 2 characters.Sorry, we can't update your subscriptions right now. Please try again later.
Last name
Please enter a valid last name. e.g. Doe.Enter your last name.Last name must be no more than 30 characters.Last name must be at least 2 characters.Sorry, we can't update your subscriptions right now. Please try again later.
Email address
Enter a valid email address. e.g. [email protected].Enter your email address.Enter a valid email address (like [email protected]).Email address can not exceed 100 characters.Please enter a valid email address. e.g. [email protected].
Subscribe Subscribe
Thank you for subscribingNice work! Get ready to unleash your inner investor.We'll be in touch soon. In the meantime, visit Women Talk Money to stay up to date.We're unable to complete your request at this time due to a system error. Please try again after a few minutes.
Thanks for subscribing to
Looking for more ideas and insights? You might like these too:
Looking for more ideas and insights? You might like these too:
Fidelity Viewpoints®
Timely news and insights from our pros on markets, investing, and personal finance.
Decode Crypto
Clarity on crypto every month. Build your knowledge with education for all levels.
Fidelity Smart Money℠
What the news means for your money, plus tips to help you spend, save, and invest.
Active Investor
Our most advanced investment insights, strategies, and tools.
Insights from Fidelity Wealth Management℠
Timely news, events, and wealth strategies from top Fidelity thought leaders.
Women Talk Money
Real talk and helpful tips about money, investing, and careers.
Educational Webinars and Events
Free financial education from Fidelity and other leading industry professionals.
Fidelity Viewpoints®Timely news and insights from our pros on markets, investing, and personal finance. Decode Crypto Clarity on crypto every month. Build your knowledge with education for all levels.Fidelity Smart Money℠What the news means for your money, plus tips to help you spend, save, and invest. Active Investor Our most advanced investment insights, strategies, and tools.Insights from Fidelity Wealth Management℠Timely news, events, and wealth strategies from top Fidelity thought leaders. Women Talk Money Real talk and helpful tips about money, investing, and careers. Educational Webinars and Events Free financial education from Fidelity and other leading industry professionals.
2) The average domestic trip costs about $144 per day while international trips come to about $271 per day. The major expense associated with travel and vacations is transportation. About 44% of travel funds are spent on getting to, from, and around your vacation destination.
For example, if your annual post-tax salary is $50,000, you could aim to spend around $2,500-5,000 on trips this year. This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to evaluate your ability to pay for upcoming travel plans.
The month of the year, week of the month, and day of the week can make flight and hotel prices jump or drop. Learn how to travel for cheap in your destination before you book, and avoid peak periods if possible.
In general, you should expect it to cost between $25,000 to $35,000 per person to travel around the world for a year. This rough estimate comes from reading travel budgets of other bloggers, various travel planning resources, and our own experience. This is just the midrange.
As an approximate guide, I generally allow about $2,000 (£1,000 / €1,500) a month when backpacking around the world. Cities tend to be the most expensive places to stay so allow more if you are spending more than a few days in major cities.
Address: Suite 751 871 Lissette Throughway, West Kittie, NH 41603
Phone: +2366831109631
Job: Sales Producer
Hobby: Creative writing, Motor sports, Do it yourself, Skateboarding, Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Stand-up comedy
Introduction: My name is Laurine Ryan, I am a adorable, fair, graceful, spotless, gorgeous, homely, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
