I don’t pretend to know everything. So for where my expertise/experience is lacking, I’ll be bringing in friends and family who know a bit more about certain topics than I do! – Allison

Guest Contributor: Jenn M.

– Financial Management Executive and Budget Travel Enthusiast

Allison questions me all the time, “why do you choose the budget travel route? I know you can afford not to”. Its pretty simple, I like new experiences and the thrill of the deal! I’d rather my dollar go further, and I don’t feel inconvenienced by the process of searching for a deal. I’m the kind of person that prefers taking the round-trip Frontier flight for $79 with just a carry-on, instead of adding on a checked bag can bring it up to $100-150. I’d rather fly twice than pay for luggage, more legroom, or the amenities you get with other airlines. Below I’ve put together a list of my budget travel tips, based on how I’ve traveled over the years.

Jenn’s Budget Travel Tips

Packing

• First is the obvious – stick to just a carry-on bag. For most airlines carry-ons are free, so save the checked bag fees to spend somewhere else later. You can travel a surprising amount of time out of a carry-on if you pack correctly. I can’t believe I lived out of my backpack for a week straight with only 1 set of pjs, 3-5 tops and 2 pants (plus lots of undies and socks).
• Pack clothes that are multi-purpose basic pieces, plus accessories to pair with them. A few nice accessories can definitely zhuzh-up an outfit, but not take up bulk in your bag.
• Take pictures for memories instead of buying & carrying more things. With a carry-on only you likely won’t have room for a ton of souvenirs anyway.
• Oddball Idea: For those airlines that only give you a personal item, buy a travel vest! I’ve used mine with Avelo, Frontier and Spirit.

Flights/Transportation

• I always fly on low budget airlines like Spirit or Frontier. Southwest is acceptable too, in a pinch.
• Book flights on Tuesday or Wednesday, as that seems to be the lull for bookings and getting cheap flights.
• If you’re really looking to save, take either mid-week or very early/red eye flights. They’re in less demand so they tend to be cheaper.
• Use credit card points when you can! I’ve booked a roundtrip flight for $12 and some change (taxes) before with points.
• Stick to public transportation – trains especially. It may be more convenient time-wise to drive or take an Uber, but they’re so much more expensive.

Food & Drinks

• Take a super late lunch instead of dinner. You won’t have to deal with the dinner crowds, and lunch offerings are similar to dinner but way less expensive. Its a win-win!
• Check out roadside and local hotspots/dives for authentic food – tends to be cheaper than the big name touristy places.
• Drinking on a budget? You’ve got options:
  • Instead of separate drinks, opt for a bottle/pitcher.
  • Take advantage of Happy Hour.
  • Sometimes you can even find a free tasting! Like the time we went to Papa’s Pilar Rum Distillery in the Historic District of Key West, Florida.

Hotels

• Travel with a group to spread out room costs.
• Don’t get the most expensive room – go mid-tier/Airbnb instead. You’re really only there to sleep!
• Book a hotel with free breakfast and make sure to eat until you’re full. Maybe even grab a banana or something for a mid-afternoon snack, and then spend your money indulging on dinner. You’re probably going to be too busy and on the go to have a proper lunch anyway.

Do you have any oddball/out of the box budget travel tips? Let us know in the comments!