While the bulk of my rock bottom budget travel days are behind me, I can still remember being a broke college student trying to see the world, so I know (and still use) a few tricks to help me save money while traveling.
Headed somewhere soon and find yourself a little short on spending money? Don’t worry, I’m here to help! Here are 8 ways to save money and adhere to your daily budget allocation once you’ve arrived at your destination. Feel free to save this post and then tag your travel squad. (At least the ones that aren’t 100% flaky!)
1. Make use of your hotel’s free continental breakfast and then grab an apple or wrap a muffin or sandwich for lunch too.
2. Skip the international phone plan and use tools like WhatsApp or Facetime to communicate, once you tap into free Wifi.
3. Eat locally whenever possible and visit a grocery store to stock up on fruits and snacks for day trips. Or get a place with a kitchen and do all your own cooking.
4. Stay close to the central area you wish to see and walk and take local transportation over taxis whenever you can.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzu-tjHlEpu/
5. Ditch the hotel or vacation rental plans, swallow your pride or bench the ‘I value my independence’ streak for a few days, and ask to stay with friends or family who live in the area. By doing so, you’ll save a ton of money.
6. Try to avoid using airport ATMs. Their fees are usually on the upper end of the local range.
7. Look for Free Things to Do lists on community calendars in local newspapers or check your destination’s main website. Sometimes you can get lucky and find free public performances or ‘pay what you like’ contribution-based walking tours or museums to enjoy.
8. Volunteer while you travel. Very often those types of trips are very rewarding, and they include room and board.
You can see other practical cost saving tips here on ways to save money while traveling.
When I relocated to the United States a few years ago and started my stress-inducing job search (another day, another story), one of my biggest culture shocks was finding out that most persons start new jobs with only 10 days paid time off (PTO). Having just left a management position in the Caribbean where one of the benefits was five glorious weeks of down time, I had to figure out how to fix my new and alarming conundrum – quickly!
I’m an unapologetic travel addict with incurable wanderlust,
so I’m not going to pretend coping with limited time off is easy. But I’ve
found that while there is a will, you can find a way. It just takes healthy doses
of strategy and ingenuity. With a little help, you can do it too! Below are all
my tips on how to use your vacation days wisely.
Request days off around public holidays
At the beginning of each year, I check which days public holidays will fall on and try to plan my trips around the ones that will help me maximize my time most. The best possible scenario happens when a holiday falls next to a Friday or Monday and I can combine the weekend with the holiday, then add two, three or four days off. That way, two days stretch to five, three convert to six, and four days + the holiday+ two weekends magically becomes nine.
However, be sure to note federal and regional holidays only, okay? As fun and indulgent days like National Bubble Bath Day (Jan 8) and National Chocolate Ice-cream Day (June 7) are, I suspect PTO requests for them are not going to cut it in your human resources department. [Oh, the shade! I can see the eye-rolls even now. lol]
Use time zone differences to your advantage
Source: Bing.com
If you’ve never heard of the International Date Line, look it up because it was designed to minimize time zone confusion for travelers. What it basically says is that when you travel west, you subtract one hour whenever you enter a new time zone. On the other hand, every time you go east and cross another time zone boundary, you add one hour. So, the key to maximizing your vacation days is figuring out the time difference between the city you’re in and the city you want to visit. In general terms, you gain more sightseeing time (on your day of arrival specifically) when you travel west of where you currently are.
For example, if you live in New Orleans and want to plan a quick four-day weekend away, you get more time on the ground if you fly out west to San Francisco as opposed to say Montreal or Washington D.C. that are both in the Eastern time zone.
Learn to love red-eye flights
If sleeping on planes is not a challenge for you, always try to reserve flights that depart late at night and arrive early in the morning. As inconvenient as they sometimes are, they definitely help you use your vacation days wisely! Not only do you save money on the ticket (which is usually cheaper as demand isn’t very high for that odd hour), but you also save on the accommodation cost for the night you spend in the air. Plus, you get to experience the destination from the moment the country or city starts coming to life in the morning.
Stay in a central location
If you’ve done your research and know exactly what you’d like to see and do on vacay, you’ll get the most mileage out of your vacation time by staying in a location that’s centrally located to your must-see attractions. Bus or car rides for day excursions, while exciting, can eat up several hours in a day, especially if you only have a short window of opportunity to sightsee. That’s why booking an Airbnb or hotel room in walkable cities and places with well-regulated and readily available public transportation networks is never a bad idea.
Book a short cruise
Even though I personally am not a fan of cruises, I must admit they’re a great way to travel with limited vacation time because you get to see more than one destination while away. With its bundled pricing, you avoid having to stress over sticking to a daily stipend as your room, meals, entertainment, and transportation from one port to another are all included. What’s more, you get to unpack only once and from that moment on, you can dress from a closet rather than a suitcase.
Piggyback off your business trip
Adding a few days before or after your business trip is another brilliant way to use your vacation days wisely. By extending your stay when you travel for work, you get the added benefit of a greatly reduced holiday since your flights and partial hotel stay are already covered. The tricks of the trade include scheduling your meetings for a Monday or Friday, asking your lodging and car rental firm to extend their company rate to you for the personal segment of your trip (while keeping the bills separate of course), and being efficient with your time.
Become very familiar with your company’s vacation
policies
Even though vacation days are usually set, the more familiar you are with the policies, the easier it will be to find loopholes that can possibly gain you extra time here or there. For example, you can volunteer to work on weekends or late nights in exchange for comp time, use any job-based leave days you’re allotted first before you delve into personal PTO, or ask about the possibility of working remotely. Yes, it’s never too late to resuscitate your my dream of that 15-day trip through Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam by negotiating for additional time instead of a pay raise if bonuses are non-existent or flat-lining.
And those are my expert tips! Whichever methods you choose to employ, the bottom line is, don’t be a part of the statistic (a depressing one, in my mind) that says more than half of Americans leave their vacation days on the table.
That was one of the questions I received when I polled my Instagram audience to find out what travel-related topics they wanted me to write about. I’ll be honest, shopping comes so naturally to me I forgot that even the thought of it causes some people major discomfort. On any given day, hunting for a good deal is fun and relaxing for most of us, but crowds and long lines, indecisiveness about what to get, pushy or patronizing sales people, and the possibility of getting lost while on the hunt for goodies are just some of the turnoffs for others.
After I imagined how bad the distress could get when panicky, sweaty-palmed shoppers are away from home, in very unfamiliar environments, I realized souvenir shopping is not something to be taken for granted. It’s really an art that needs to be learned and fine-tuned.
If you’re heading on vacation soon and are already starting to worry about what you’ll be able to buy as a keepsake for yourself or aa a gift for someone else, keep calm and keep reading. I’m sharing some ideas to make your next souvenir haul easy.
Avoid the tacky, tired stuff
Every destination has its tourist trap markets and shops where you’re guaranteed to get the same Made in China t-shirts, tote bags, fridge magnets, mugs, and key rings that you’ll see in the next place you visit – just with a different city or country name. So, check all product labels before being sweet-talked into purchasing anything. Please, when the doubts creep in, do yourself a huge favor and walk away politely AND quickly. Don’t fall for the innovative pitches!
Go in search of authentic local art and craft
The increasing global demand for ‘cheap and fast’ has led to a thriving market for fake and subpar goods which negatively impacts the revenues of home-grown artisans who work very hard to produce hand-crafted items. I believe it’s important to support local workmanship whenever possible because local artists pass along irreplaceable craft-making traditions and customs from one generation to the next, and they use the income they get from their daily sales to support their families. If you’re not sure where to look, ask your taxi driver, bellman or waiter for non-tourist spot suggestions. Try to have them steer you in the direction of places where you can see painters at work, seamstresses at their machines, wood workers carving figurines in real-time, or jewelers making custom pieces.
Tap into the music scene
Even though we live in a world of digital downloads and streaming, there are still some people who value owning CDs and even vinyl records, which are mostly collectors’ items these days. For example, the Dutch are known for electronic dance music, Trinidad is home to calypso and pan, and you can’t leave Brazil without hearing samba. So, picking up an original record or a compilation CD of some of the top artists from each country’s genre is a no-brainer if you know someone who is into music.
Consider buying fabric
Trips to places in Africa, Peru, India and others create wonderful opportunities to bring back colorful fabrics and textiles that can be converted into beautiful pieces of clothing and/or unique accessories that will be long-term reminders of the destination. As examples, think of Kente cloth in Ghana, woven Tartan fabrics that can be traced to family clans in Scotland, Indian khadi, bayeta wool in Peru and the bright, hand-painted textiles that are used in Japan to make glamourous-looking kimonos.
Start a collection
When in doubt, it’s usually a sure bet to purchase items
that will enable the receiver of your gift to start a collection. Things that
are small and easy to transport such as currency notes or coins, miniature
flags, shot glasses and locally produced, travel-sized liquor are great places
to start.
Opt for practical items
If all else fails, you can always fall back on practical items that aren’t likely to go unused. Some ideas include locally made soap, massage oils, spoon rests, salt and pepper shakers, and Christmas ornaments.
A few other notes:
Please conduct thorough research ahead of your trip or ask pointed questions when you’re in destination to ensure you know the import/export rules, allowances and fines. Also, try not to purchase anything that even hints at unethical production or looks like it is being sold illegally. Trust me, from the streets of New York to Paris, it happens, so if something looks or feels shady, trust your gut.
Also, try to avoid taking ‘mementos’ from treasured monuments or ancient ruins and anything like seashells with live creatures inside. In addition, it’s always a good idea to shy away from buying animal products as you never know if you could be contributing to the endangerment of rare species or putting your hard-earned money into the hands of poachers.
Did you know that U.S. airlines made almost $5 billion in baggage fees in 2018? Yes, you read that right! The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics data shows that airlines have been out there raking in major $$$ from chronic (or unsuspecting) over packers for years. With extra pieces costing at least US$50 a pop on most carriers, that means travelers have been throwing away money that could have been easily redirected into more positive memory-making transactions. Seriously, that’s cash that could have been spent on things like new travel gear, unique dining experiences, additional room nights and extra days spent exploring somewhere cool.
Makes you wonder what the figure for the global airline haul was, huh? Well, I don’t know about you, but it doesn’t really matter to me. Because I’m not about that life.
I work too hard to collect my bi-weekly coins to be throwing them away paying for heavy or extra luggage that I’m going to end up schlepping around miserably anyway. Real talk: If you have to move from city to city, use public transportation, or climb stairs a few times during your trip, all that extra load can be cumbersome!
That, coupled with not liking to wait around for bags on the carousel, is why I’ve learned to pack my life in a carry-on, folks! By utilizing some of these tips, I’m rooting for you to do the same.
Take a good, hard look at your travel bag
Your road to baggage fees freedom often starts with investing
in sturdy, lightweight luggage. Sometimes the extra weight is caused by the
bags, not you! The older the suitcase, the greater the likelihood that the
frame is heavier than the current norm. So, even though you may love the vintage
suitcase Dulcimina you have, I encourage you to do some research on the multiple
lightweight options that are now available.
Wear or carry your heaviest items
Bulky items like winter coats, jackets, sneakers and boots
take up much needed space and weigh a lot. So, since I’m always cold anyway, I
always wear my heaviest shoes and sweaters in airports and carry my winter jacket
over my arm until I need to put it on.
Plan an interchangeable wardrobe
Have a loose idea of the things you want to see and do while away and plan your outfits accordingly. Never pack everything you take out of your closet on the first go-round. Also, color coordinate pieces so you can mix and match a bunch of blouses or shirts with a few bottoms, which are usually the weightier items. Lastly, it never hurts to throw in one or two pieces that transition well from day to night, when nicely accessorized.
Roll, rather than fold
There are differing opinions on this technique due to potential wrinkling, but in my experience, clothes that are rolled take up less space and they fit better into all the nooks and crannies of your bag. You know, like those rounded corners or awkward spaces between the support bars down at the bottom? The key to overcoming rumpling is sticking to fabrics like polyester, knits, rayon, fleece, spandex and other microfiber material that don’t wrinkle easily. Or, if you’re into cotton and linens like me, just mentally commit to a one-time mass use of your hotel iron when you get to your destination.
Don’t be too random
Order matters! Always put the heaviest items like shoes and full-length jeans at the bottom, and closest to the area where the wheels will be when the bag is standing upright. You can also maximize space by filling shoes and hollow items like water bottles with smaller items like socks, jewelry, travel-sized toiletries, and clean underwear.
I know a lot of travel bloggers swear by packing cubes and
they look cool, but I’ve never used them. I get that they help you compress
items so you can fit more into your bag, but I often wonder if that doesn’t
lead to excess weight – the very issue I’m trying to avoid to begin with. If
you’ve used packing cubes and they’ve helped you, please tell me all about it in
the comments below.
BONUS TIPS
And as a bonus for reading this far, if you feel you aren’t
ready to embrace the carry-on life just yet, you can still save on baggage fees
by:
Paying for additional bags online
It’s cheaper than doing it at the airport ticket counter.
Joining frequent flyer programs that include complimentary bags based on elite status
Depending on your loyalty level and your destination, you
can sometimes get bags checked for free. With American Airlines’ AAdvantage,
for example, if you have Executive Platinum, oneworld® Emerald or are active U.S.
military with ID on personal travel, you can get up to three bags checked at no
additional cost. Delta SkyMiles Medallion members are also eligible for
complimentary checked bags when traveling within the United States and Canada.
Using branded airline credit cards
Now, I’m always gonna be a strong advocate for reducing the number of credit cards in your wallet, but if you don’t have one already, consider looking into a card being offered by your favorite airline. Many of them – crazy annual fee notwithstanding – include perks that allow for complimentary checked bags. The JetBlue Plus Card, Gold Delta SkyMiles® Card from American Express, Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card, and the United Explorer Card are just a few examples.
Over the years, I’ve talked to a bunch of friends, family members and colleagues about my solo jaunts, and those conversations have made me realize safety is THE biggest concern for women considering taking a trip on their own. Now, while rational fear of the unknown is understandable, I think the debilitating dread that keeps some people in a perennial state of inertia can be avoided. In my experience, reaching for your dreams involves pushing through your fear, not caving into it.
So, if you’re reading this and anxiety is holding you back from taking that dream trip alone, don’t let it! The best moments and memories happen when opportunity meets preparation. If you’re feeling scared or uncertain about making that reservation, don’t worry, I ‘ve got you. Below are 9 simple safety tips to help you prepare for your first solo getaway.
1. Do your homework ahead of the trip.
Spend time researching destinations by surfing the internet to find news and travel articles about the safest neighborhoods and modes of transportation in each. Being aware of things like local dress codes and customs in advance of arrival helps you to be better equipped as well.
2. Try to arrive in your destination during daylight hours.
Plan to do this if you’re visiting someplace new, and especially if you don’t speak the local language. Things like signage visibility, distance and depth perception change after dark, all of which can impact your ability to follow directions and your ease of mobility. Also, sometimes service counters at airport or city information desks go on skeletal shifts or are not manned after regular business hours, which means it’s harder to ask questions of designated officials.
3. Do not be penny wise and pound foolish.
That’s a very British Commonwealth way of saying ‘stop yourself from penny pinching’ for the rock-bottom, cheapest accommodation if the location or building gives you the creeps when viewing it online (or when you get there). To help with place selection, avoid looking at hotel videos or images only. Use traveler-sourced photos and reviews on sites like TripAdvisor and YouTube too, and check others like HotelTonight if you need to make an on-the-spot booking change.
4. Pack a doorstop alarm or door wedge to secure your room.
Since reading about one woman’s horrific attack in her locked hotel room, this precaution will be a 2019 addition for me, for sure. Whether you’re staying at an Embassy Suites, a 5-star property, or an Airbnb, you never really know how many people have access to your room key or how foolproof the deadbolt is. If you can take anything that prevents the door from opening inwards or gives you fair warning that someone is trying to enter, it’s worth the extra investment in my book.
If you’re not sure where to start looking for one, don’t worry. I wasn’t either. Thankfully, two gadgets came highly recommended from a FaceBook group of frequent travelers I’m a part of. The first is a called a Door Jammer, and the other one is a Wedge Door Stop. You can click on the images below to find them on Amazon, and the great thing is, neither of them is priced to break the bank!
5. Always be observant of your surroundings.
Even though you’re checking things out on the sly, walk around confidently, not tentatively, and with a sense of purpose. Most crooks are looking for easy targets and can sense fear.
6. Try to blend in.
Dress modestly so as not to attract undue attention. If your GPS or directional apps don’t work without WIFI or data, try not to pull out maps that mark you as a tourist in public locations. Write out directions before you leave your hotel instead. Also, join day tours when you can to sightsee within the safety net of a small group.
7. Know when to stop sipping those margaritas and martinis dah-lings.
Not going overboard with your alcohol intake is a good guideline for life in general, but it is even more important for a woman on vacation alone. A good night out is a good night out. However, it’s no secret that excessive drinking clouds our judgment and weakens our reflexes, which makes us vulnerable.
8. Avoid posting to social media in real-time.
In this world of prolific social sharing, I know this might be the hardest bit of advice to swallow, but it just might be one of the most crucial ones to know. To a certain extent, Facebook check-ins and live Instagram Stories are like flashing neon lights. Think about it. If you’re by yourself and are tagging your exact location in real-time, anybody with a phone or device attached to the internet can find you and show up where you are. Wait a day or two to post that picture at your favorite attraction or restaurant find, and if you absolutely must show your friends how much fun you’re having, tag the country only, not the exact city or hotel you’re in.
9. Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone trustworthy.
And check in regularly with a family member of friend at home. I always give my family a list of my flights and the hotels I’m staying when I take off alone. Also, I don’t have an international phone plan, but I only stay at hotels with free WIFI so I can hop on WhatsApp to call or text home FREELY and REGULARLY.
______
I hope these tips help alleviate some of your fears. But if they didn’t, you can read this related article for more inspiration: The benefits of traveling solo.
Disclaimer: The Amazon product links included in this post are affiliated, which means I have the potential to earn a tiny commission from qualifying purchases.
Vacationing in the Caribbean or Florida during peak hurricane season – August through October – can be a hit or miss situation in terms of the weather. On the plus side, accommodation and airline deals are easier to come by, but the downside involves the risk of having your trip affected by a catastrophic storm. Most of the time things turn out just fine, but occasionally, they don’t. What can travelers do in those rare circumstances? It’s important to have a good hurricane season travel guide for tips and useful resources with you if the worst happens, but it is also necessary to try to stay calm and think rationally.
Knowing handy travel hacks helps, too. Below, I’ve shared my comprehensive hurricane season travel guide on things to consider when planning a holiday. It includes tips on what to do before, during, and after a storm hits.
Before you go:
Be savvy about your travel dates.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through to November 30th, with late August to October being the peak time for tropical system activity. Picking dates in June, July, early August, and November increases your chances of not having your trip disrupted by a storm.
Select your destination carefully.
If your vacation time is non-negotiable, you might want to consider going south of the active hurricane belt by jetting off to Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, or the ABC Islands of Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire. Southwest and Central Florida are also less prone to direct hits than the northeast corridor of the US mainland, as are southern countries in Central America like Costa Rica and Panama.
Research hotels’ hurricane policies.
Many properties in hurricane-prone destinations have special ‘act of God’ policies in place, so be sure to ask about their procedures before you reserve a room. Some resorts/hotels/villas may offer full refunds, while others will allow you to rebook at a later date. Remember, it’s very important to confirm those details via email (and not just ask over the phone) in order to have written proof.
Buy travel insurance with a ‘hurricane’ or ‘severe weather’ plan.
Not all insurance policies are created equal, so take the time to carefully read the fine print to see what your coverage actually includes. Items to look for include trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delays and missed connections. If you want the added security of getting a full refund in the least intrusive circumstances, opt for the extra ‘cancel for any reason’ provision.
Image source: www.thinglink.com
Before it hits:
Pay attention to the weather forecasts for information on the approaching tropical system.
Nothing is worse than being unaware or misinformed in a high-pressure situation.
Know what the different classifications mean.
A tropical stormwatch is issued when tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) pose a possible threat within 48 hours, and a storm warning goes out when tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours or less. Storm watches and warnings are meant to put you on guard. A hurricane watchis issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles or higher) are expected within 48 hours. Advisories change to a hurricane warning when those wind speeds (or higher) are expected at 36 hours or less. If a hurricane warning is issued, things are about to get real! Start making preparations for potential landfall, and stay tuned to the radio and/or TV for official weather and evacuation updates.
Heed the hurricane warnings and evacuate as early as you can.
If you decide to fly out, immediately contact your airline to book a seat on their next available flight. If no seats are available, try buying a one-way ticket on another airline. If that’s not an option, you can drive to another location. Rent a car, fill up the gas tank, and research evacuation routes that will take you away from the coastline or further upstate to safety. If you do not have access to a rental vehicle, check with your hotel front desk about their guest transportation arrangements, and ask where they’ll house you if the storm is headed your way.
Prepare a hurricane kit.
If you end up having to ride out the storm in the destination, go to a local store to buy supplies and then pack a bag that is easy to carry. Suggested items include:
Prescription medication, special needs equipment, and infant care items (where applicable).
Important documents such as your passport ID page, driver’s license, and credit cards. Put them in a Ziploc bag (or plastic container) and email copies to family members or close friends in another location in case the originals get lost.
A battery-operated radio and flashlight, with extra batteries.
Toiletries, rainwear, and a change of clothing.
Drinking water, canned goods/non-perishable foods and disposable utensils.
A first aid kit.
Sleeping beds or blankets, sheets and pillows.
Portable power chargers or power packs for your cellphones that are already pre-charged and won’t need a plug to work.
Cash(ATMs and banks may run out of money before the storm and power outages may cause closures or affect machine operations after it hits).
Image source: TCPalm.com
During the storm
• Remain indoors. • Stay away from windows. • Find the safest room in your location and hunker down there. • Don’t use candles for lighting. • Avoid using electrical appliances. • Occupy yourself with books, magazines, cards, toys and games that help pass the time and keep you calm.
After the storm
• Listen to local radio stations for official information and instructions. • Be careful of weakened structures and downed electrical lines. • Don’t drink the tap water, and only eat foods you are sure are safe. • Contact your airline to get on the next available flight. • Call your insurance company to file your claims.
Have you ever experienced a storm while on vacation? Feel free to share your own tips in the comments section below so I can incorporate them and make this an even more comprehensive hurricane season travel guide.
___________________________________
September 1, 2019 update:
This article was originally published in September 2017. Stay safe, everyone!
___________________________________
Jan 3, 2018 UPDATE:
A few weeks after posting this guide, I was contacted by the leader of a peer group on community safety at the Springfield Library. The participants included a couple of retirees who, though previously unsure around computers, had gotten comfortable enough to conduct some online research to find additional resources that could help families in their area in the event of a natural disaster. The leader asked if I could share some of the links they found with my readers.
Since my parents are also senior citizens, and I know how tentative they too are around computers and technology, this story warmed my heart. Plus, the information is useful, even though not specifically hurricane related. These are a few of the links they shared:
