Guest post by Kurt Williams
So many people get hung up on travel plans because of budget concerns - but why wait to go somewhere if you may not have to? You don't necessarily have to spend a lot to see new places, mainly if you can plan and, as part of your strategy, avoid some of the spending traps so many tourists fall prey to. That's not to say you shouldn't set aside what money you can to enjoy yourself while you're abroad. But where some of the following areas are concerned, you might be able to save a significant chunk of cash.
Transportation
Put it bluntly, don't pay for a taxi when you can use another form of transportation, provided your alternative is safe. While you may be hesitant to try a bus or subway if you've never learned how to use one to get around, it's usually easy to understand, and most locals will help you figure out the system. Remember, you can always ask someone if you need help, and even if you're lost, getting directions can be easier than it's ever been, so long as you have a smartphone.
Another option, at least at many destinations worldwide (and more with each month), is to use a ride-sharing program like Uber or Lyft rather than a full-price taxi service. If you haven't used these apps in a while, you may have a coupon waiting for you - and if you've never used them, you may get a free ride upon download! Whatever the case, a ride on one of these platforms will typically cost you less than a taxi trip.
And then, of course, there's also the option of using your physical means to get around, so long as it's an option wherever you happen to be traveling. If you're an avid runner, walker, or hiker, you might be most comfortable getting around on foot (and saving while you do it). In some cities, you might be able to rent a bicycle as well, even if only for an hour or two at a time.
Whatever your solution, remember that alternative public transportation is usually more affordable than a taxi. And throughout a vacation, these savings can add up in a hurry.
Lodging
Lodging is a broad category but one of the easiest for people to overspend. Even if you're looking for a budget option, like a hostel or a bed-and-breakfast, you may ultimately find that things are more expensive than you expect - or that the most affordable option is inconvenient or even a dodgy location. As an alternative, you might want to try a more modern service like Airbnb, where you can see reviews written by previous guests and choose the accommodations and amenities that best suit your needs.
Another website for more rural communities is Hipcamp, where you can rent a campsite in someone's backyard. It lists amenities as Airbnb, so you can choose how rustic you want to be about things. This site doesn't approve backyards that don't have some rural atmosphere, so it's beneficial when you're not near a city - and can save you a great deal of money compared to, say, a hotel out in the middle of nowhere.
If all else fails and you must book a hotel room, make sure you're booking with an account like Expedia or another platform that shows you the best deals and helps you to accrue points. This won't necessarily save you money in real time, but points add up and can mean free stays down the road. You can also use a credit card that gives extra points for travel expenses, like lodging, transportation, and airfare. Then you can use the cash-back bonuses to book more trips.
Entertainment
This is perhaps the most critical area to be careful of because, naturally, some numerous entertainment-related events and attractions can lure travelers and ultimately get them to spend too much money. And in some cases, pay up! A unique entertainment option at a foreign destination shouldn't be skipped or overlooked if you can swing it.
But some forms of entertainment often aren't worth the cost. The classic example, at least nowadays, might be gambling activity, whether in casino or sports betting form. Once upon a time, these sorts of activities were novel for many travelers (mainly from the U.S.) once upon a time. But with worldwide online casino platforms, bookie sites moving into American markets, and even apps facilitating these activities, you can usually find a more convenient and affordable option on your phone than you will in person in a foreign city. Given this, it's probably wise not to spend too much on those attractive, real-life gambling options.
Another example of a form of entertainment on which travelers can often find savings is local theater and performances. As a visitor to a city, you might hear about a historic theater or a popular show in town and jump at the first opportunity to guarantee yourself a ticket. However, in doing so, you may wind up paying more than you necessarily must. Many, if not most, cities with respectable theater districts tend to have discount offerings of one sort or another. And for that matter, today's online ticket resale platforms can also land you a deal. You don't want to pay the total price unless you're deeply concerned about guaranteeing yourself a spot at a particular show.
The list could go on, but hopefully, these ideas have given you a few ideas for saving money while on the ground in a new place. Once you factor in these savings, you may find that you're better able to afford the trip in general!
