As reported on LifeHacker.
by Adam Dachis
It’s a new year for making new travel plans, but preferably without spending an arm and a leg. We’ve looked at numerous ways to save on travel costs. Set aside some time this weekend, review a few tips, and put together a great trip on the cheap.
Save on Airfare and Lodging
There are many ways to save on traveling,organizing a travel group to volunteering to sibuying your ticket on Tuesday afternoon. You can also work, couch surf, and house sit. If you watch for offers carefully, travel credit cards can get you free airfare just for signing up. When it comes to lodging, call hotels directly to negotiate rates. You’ll often get lower ones. If you’re not too picky about dates and plan about eight weeks in advance, you don’t have to break the bank to have a great vacation.
Cut Baggage Costs
Airfare and lodging make up the majority of your costs, but you can waste a lot of money on your baggage as well. When packing, travel-sized toiletries save space and don’t break TSA regulations, but they’re costly.Buying child-sized ormaking a refilled out of Sugru can save a few dollars ove the long run. Packing efficiently, so you don’t have to check a bag, will save even more. The nesting method, rolling your clothing (rather than folding it),taking a few tips from a flight attendant can help. No matter how small your bag, if it requires an overhead bin the airline can still require you to check it. They won’t charge you in this case, but it does waste your time. If you really don’t want to check your bag, there are a few ethically questionable methods (and some reasonable ones, too) that you can employ to avoid the inconvenience.
Get Discounts and Be Frugal
A watchful eye and a little frugality can save you some extra cash when you’re actually on your trip. If traveling abroad, there areseveral ways to save money on your phone bill (if you’re willing to make a few compromises. When shopping, you can get lower prices at many stores by asking for a tourist discount card. None of this matters if you fall victim to a scam while away from home. Make sure you protect yourself as a tourist so you don’t.
Plan a great trip and have an awesome weekend!