12 Ways to Save Money for Travel

Contrary to popular belief, traveling is not as expensive as people think it is. In today's world, it is actually really easy to travel frequently without breaking the bank. With a little bit of prioritizing and budget management, you can be traveling the world in no time!

Confused on where to start? Here are 12 ways to help you save money for travel so you can start your adventures today.

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

1. Cook at Home

When you're budgeting for travel, consider saving money on food and start cooking at home more often. Buy fresh groceries and save instead of spending your cash at the restaurants. It's healthy and cost effective! WIN-WIN!

2. DIY Beauty Regimens

I love a great spa session just as much as the next girl; but when it's time to cut down on added expenses, I'm not afraid to just do everything myself. Paint your own nails, do a facial/mask at home, or color your own hair.

3. Opt for Public Transit

Anyone who lives in a city knows how quickly taxis or Ubers can drain our bank accounts. Try giving yourself a little more time (and money) and start taking public transit more often.

4. Pack Your Lunch

Instead of spending $10+ every day on lunch, consider making your own lunch at home and bringing it into work. If you are already buying fresh groceries, it will be a healthier option anyways.

5. Use Only Cash

Have you ever had that sad feeling in the pit of your stomach when you pay with cash and you see it leaving your hands? There is something that triggers your mind when you actually visually SEE the cash leaving your wallet. When you pay with credit cards, the cash isn't in front of you, so it isn't as painful. Try to take out cash from the ATM and only use that so you can be visually conscious of what you're spending.

DURING TRAVEL

6. Ask to Stay With a Friend

Utilize those networking skills and ask friends if you can stay with them when traveling! Staying with friends or family is a great way to save money on booking accommodations. Plus, you'll probably get some great local recommendations.

7. Utilize Airbnb, Couchsurfing, or Hostels

To save on accommodations, consider ditching the hotel and go for a more budget-friendly option. Airbnb, Couchsurfing, and hostels are all great alternatives. My personal favorite is Airbnb because you can rent our entire homes for less than the cost of a hotel room! PS-Click HERE for $20 off your first Airbnb stay.

8. Travel Like a Local

Taking public transit is the key to saving on transportation while you are traveling. Taxis add up fast, so head to the metro, hop on the bus, or walk around instead!

9. Buy Groceries

Save money on food costs by shopping at local markets to buy fresh groceries and snacks. You can buy fresh fruit for breakfast, peanuts or veggies for snacks-on-the-go, or even meals to cook for dinner.

10. Use the 6-Block Rule

Try to avoid any restaurant that is within 6 blocks of a tourist site. The food is usually twice as expensive and half as good. Get local recommendations on places to go, or use Yelp or TripAdvisor to find great spots.

11. Take Advantage of Museum Discounts

Many museums offer discounts--and even free admission--on certain days of the week. Check out the museum's website to verify if they offer these special prices. Most museums even offer daily discounts to students, so bring your ID card if you can!

12. Check Living Social or Groupon

If you really want to try some tourist activities, check out the deals on Living Social or Groupon first. These are great websites to find discounted prices on entertainment around the city.