Use Credit Card Points

If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, use your points to book flights, cruises and hotels. This can save a large amount of money.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Bermuda)

Plan in Advance

This gives you time to research and find the best deals.

I personally plan every trip 9-12 months in advance.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Sitges, Spain)

Travel During Off Peak Seasons

Traveling during peak seasons can be expensive. Prices for flights, hotels, and activities tend to be higher.

Opt to travel during off-peak seasons, when prices are lower and crowds are smaller.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Segovia, Spain)

Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates

Being flexible with your travel dates can save you a substantial amount of money.

Look for flights and hotels on different days of the week and compare prices to find the best deal.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Niagara Falls, Canada)

Use Budget Airlines

Budget Airlines offer cheaper flights, but some have strict baggage policies and added fees.

Be sure to read the fine print before booking.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (San Diego, CA)

Stay in Airbnb

Instead of staying in expensive hotels, consider staying in an Airbnb.

They are often cheaper and can provide a more authentic travel experience.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Versailles - France)

Cook Your Own Meals

Eating out can add up quickly, especially in popular tourist destinations.

Save money by cooking your own meals or buying groceries instead of eating out for every meal.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Siesta Key, FL)

Enjoy Free Activities

There are plenty of free activities to do at every destination.

Do some research and find free walking tours, museums, and events to save money while still experiencing the local culture.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (San Franscisco, CA)

Use Public Transportation

Instead of taking rideshare or renting a car, use public transportation to get around.

This can save a lot of money, especially in larger cities with efficient bus or train systems.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Travel to Less Popular Destinations

Popular tourist destinations tend to be more expensive.

Consider getting off the beaten path for less popular destinations to save money and experience more of the culture.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Disneyland, CA)

Research Your Destination

Research your destination and create a list of things you want to do ahead of time so you won’t waste any time when you get there.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Paris, France)

Use a Luggage Scale

Use a luggage scale and don't pack too much. Most airlines charge extra for luggage over 50 lbs. Wear your shoes that would take up the most space and try to bring along clothes that can do double duty. Travel-size items can help you save room in your luggage too.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Aruba)

Create a Packing List

Create a packing list. Start a week or two before departure, adding items as you think of them. Then simply check them off the list as you pack. Go old school with pen and paper or as a ‘Note’ on your phone.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Funchal Madeira, Portugal)

Book a Hotel with Free Breakfast

Book a hotel with a free breakfast and take advantage of the perk by eating a big morning meal so you can spend less on lunch.

If there’s no free breakfast, eat outside the hotel.

Paying for breakfast at your hotel is rarely a good deal, so if it’s not already included in the room rate, join the locals at the corner cafe instead.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Philadelphia, PA)

Watch for Resort Fees

In some areas (Las Vegas, for example), it’s common for hotels to charge “resort fees” that cover things like parking and Wi-Fi—and whether you use them or not, you’ll be charged a nightly fee on top of the room rate. When comparing hotels, be sure to compare the total cost—including these fees.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Las Vegas, NV)

Avoid Restaurants Closest to Main Attractions

‍They cater to tourists who are too hungry to look elsewhere for a better, cheaper meal, which means they are often overpriced and not very good. Walk a few more blocks and you’ll likely find something better and cheaper. Your table won’t necessarily have a view of a major sight, but your money will go much further.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Mijas, Spain)

Alert Credit Cards of Your Travels

Alert your credit cards and financial institutions that you will be traveling and let them know your destination. This prevents any card cancellations by your bank after making an unexpected purchase far from home. Also, inquire about details on fees and charges made overseas if traveling abroad.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Cadiz, Spain)

Purchase Travel Insurance

Consider trip cancellation insurance to protect your trip investment. If your trip is canceled or disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances, you can get your money back.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Ft Lauderdale, FL)

Copy Important Documents

Photocopy your driver’s license, passport, visa, and other important documents and leave with your emergency contact at home in case they are lost. Have a picture of these items on your phone also.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (United Airlines Business Class)

Don’t Let Passport Expire

Check the expiration date on passports. Make a note in your calendar to renew at least 6 months before they expire.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins 

Check Weather

Check the average weather/temperature for the month you are traveling. Prepare accordingly.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Curacao)

Research Your Accommodation

Research your accommodation to make sure you’re staying in a safe part of town. Read reviews and seek advice from fellow travelers on booking websites.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Pittsburgh, PA)

Don’t be a Target for Pickpocketing

Don’t carry or wear any unnecessary valuables that might make you a target for pickpocketing. When you sit down, place your backpack or purse on your lap rather than at your side. Gals keep your cell phone in a cross-body purse in front of you and guys in your front pocket.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Stay Safe

Stay safe by letting someone back home know your itinerary, especially if you are traveling alone. Schedule daily check-ins and consider sharing your location with a couple of trusted friends or family members via your smartphone.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Folly Beach, SC)

Pack Portable Charger

Pack a portable charger. It’s not always easy to find an available outlet in a crowded airport, and some planes don’t have charging ports.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Boston, MA)

Book First Flight of the Day

Book the first flight of the day. These flights are less likely to be delayed as the plane is usually there from the night before and you get to your destination to start vacation sooner.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (St Martin)

Book Your Flights Early

Yes, every so often you can find super cheap last-minute flights, but usually the best bet to get a great deal on airfare is to book early.

For domestic flights, booking 1–3 months in advance is ideal, while international flights are best booked 4–8 months out.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins (Denver, CO)

Get a Photo of Your Luggage

Always snap a photo of your luggage before checking it at the airport. If it gets lost, you’ll have proof of what it looks like and an easier time getting it back.

Photo Credit: Tammi Collins