Hi, it’s Alan again with another post about travel.

Most people feel traveling is a luxury reserved for only the rich and famous, but I beg to differ with “most people.”  Anyone can travel.  You may have to do a little more planning or maybe not go first class, but it is still very possible to see the world on a budget.  I do it all the time.

There are several factors a person has to consider when planning a vacation on a budget.  Here are several topics that you need to consider.  While not necessarily in any particular order, all are important.  There is really only one secret to traveling on a budget and it is to Plan Ahead.

I know I said there is no particular order, but planning ahead is probably the most important step in the entire process.  You will be planning everything from your mode of transportation, accommodations, what and where you are going to eat, what activities or sites you want to see and all of the costs associated with these.  You will also need to plan on unexpected costs or at least plan to have a little flexibility in your travel budget.  This would be for things such as tips, souvenirs, snacks, taxis, etc.

Let’s look at some of this planning process. (By no means is this an all-inclusive list.  Each travel destination is unique and must be planned accordingly.)

No matter how you intend to travel on your trip, it is important to plan.  When I drive from Central Washington State to southern California, I plan my stops.  I don’t usually worry too much about planning for each individual gas stop, because I am not too worried about spending $3.00 more to fill my tank at one location over another.  What I plan is the route and the stops for food or rest areas.  I almost always, pack my own cooler when I drive by myself.  One reason for doing this is I am very picky about what I eat and another is it saves me a lot of money over a 2 day trip.  A third reason is I do not like taking the time to stop and eat in a restaurant.

When I travel by airplane, it is a little different.  I plan by comparing airline prices, schedules, routes and layovers, baggage fees as well as their seating selections.  In the past, I never worried about where I would sit on a plane, but as I get older, I absolutely refuse to sit in a middle seat.  My preference is the aisle seats, but sometimes, I have to take a window seat.  And to tell the truth, I’m also a little superstitious and prefer to sit on the left side of the airplane.  I’m not sure how I came to this superstition, but it is what it is for me.

Comparing flights can save a lot of money if you are willing to have a longer layover in an airport, fly off-hours, fly with two or more different airlines.  If you are by yourself, this might be okay, but if traveling with young children, you may just want to get to your destination as quick as possible.  Another factor to consider is airport parking.   My oldest daughter is getting ready to fly out of Seattle’s SeaTac International Airport and taking her 3 month old twins with her.  A huge factor for her is where to park her car.  The parking garage at SeaTac is $38 per day.  If you want reserved parking, they stick a knife in your back and demand $47 per day.  It is literally “airway robbery.” I could write all day about my thoughts as to why they charge so much, but that’s a different post.  If you are traveling on a budget, you may want to consider one of the many off-site parking locations who charge anywhere from $10 to $20 per day.  I typically prefer to drive to Spokane or even Pasco where parking my car does not cost as much as the plane ticket.  When choosing a flight or any other mode of public travel always shop around with any of the low-fare travel apps and websites.  You will be amazed at how much money you can save.  Make sure your mode of travel fits within your budget.

Let’s examine accommodations.  Again, you have to compare.  When I travel within the United States, I always compare between at least three different hotel chains and usually pick the one that is not only the most reasonable with the best amenities, but also the closest to where I need to be.  As an example, if I am going to Disneyland, I probably would not look at any of the resort hotels, which are very expensive, but I will look at those that are right across the street. (They can also be very expensive)  I generally choose a name brand hotel that includes a breakfast or other snacks and depending on when I go, I’ll choose it based on the availability of the specific type of room I want.  But again, I try to stay flexible. 

One very popular mode of travel is by cruise ship.  These are probably my favorite because they are so relaxing, and the food is always good.  They also take me to places I may not have been to before or places I have not seen in many years.  Again, planning is the key.  I always compare cruise ships, cruise lines, itineraries, and I look at the reviews.  A good place to look is using websites like Cruise Direct.

Other accommodation websites and apps can come in very handy when planning.  Use these to compare prices.  I know for my family, it is sometimes actually cheaper for us to find a vacation rental for a few days rather than booking hotel rooms.  Think outside the box when considering your accommodations.  The only other piece of advice I will offer on this topic is opt for a name brand or chain location.  They are usually held to a higher standard compare to the “fly-by-night” or “mom and pops” hotels where bed bugs might congregate. (Not all are this way, but consider your options carefully and make sure you read the reviews)

Other factors to consider include traveling during non-peak seasons.  An example of this is avoiding flights during the spring break time.  I made the mistake once of booking a cruise out of Miami because it was inexpensive, not realizing the airfare to Miami was at least twice the normal price because of spring break.  Always pay attention to when and where you are planning to travel.  From June through December is considered the non-peak travel time for the Caribbean because it is “hurricane season,” just like the middle of winter or middle of summer are the non-peak seasons for traveling to Switzerland or other central European countries.  In fact, some travel companies close up shop during certain times of the year.  You need to plan the “when” almost as much as the “where” of your trip.

So let’s try to sum this up.  There are many ways to save on travel, but having a budget is probably the most important factor in deciding when, where, how to travel and what to see.

Here are the considerations:

• Plan and Budget (In a future post, I will offer suggestion on how to save for a vacation or special trip)Consider using airline points and miles if you have them.  (I’ll talk about credit card points and miles in another post)Don’t forget about “wallet friendly” airline and travel companies. I’m not going to mention any particular airline, but there are a number of them out there and it also depends on where you are traveling. (Europe vs. United States)Research and compare everything from mode of travel, food, accommodations, and attractions, tours, and sight-seeing.Always look for discounts and passes wherever you travel.  Many hotels offer discounts on attractions or meals.  Take advantage of these.Consider hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, or even couch-surfingRental car or not (See my post about Costco and the money you can save)Also, don’t forget about using public transportation.  Just make sure you know what you are doing and where you are.  Some popular vacation destinations have dangerous public transportation systems.  Crime is rampant in many large cities around the world and other countries may not hold their public transportation industry to the same standards you might be used to.
• Consider the season
  • Remember to also consider traveling off-season
• Be flexible in all areas of your travel plans
  • Staying an extra day or flying home a different day could save you hundreds on your airline tickets.
• Plan for extras
  • Souvenirs
  • Snacks
  • Etc.
• Meal planning (not just at your destination, but also while you travel.  Know what you can and cannot carry on an airplane in today’s world)
  • Research and compare
  • Fancy meals or store-bought products to prepare in your hotel room
  • Pre-packing food
  • Pay attention to restaurant deals or happy-hours
  • Pay attention to the meals served by your hotel or bed and breakfast

Remember, traveling on a budget does not mean you have to sacrifice.  Being careful in your planning will not only save you money in the end, but it can also help you to have a more enjoyable experience.  Always prioritize what you want to see or do and remember, what you don’t see on this trip, will only give you an excuse to come back.

Be sure to download your FREE travel checklist on this website’s homepage and as always, be safe in your travels and have fun.  Make memories while you can!