How to Save Money When Visiting Popular Tourist Destinations
Traveling isn’t cheap, and it’s important to know how to save money when visiting tourist destinations. By using credit card bonuses, smart everyday spending, and online surveys, you can earn miles and points that will help your money go further.
It’s also important to research the destination before you travel. This way, you’ll know what to expect and avoid.
1. Stay away from the tourist traps
Tourist traps are places that are geared towards separating tourists from their money and don’t reflect the local culture or atmosphere. They’re typically overpriced and crowded with people. They might have menus in multiple languages or offer gimmicky food. They might also have hawkers trying to entice you in with offers of “special deals.”
When it comes to avoiding tourist traps, one way is to stick with places that locals love. Another is to go during off-peak season, when many of these traps won’t be in full swing. This can give you a better look into how locals live and will help you avoid the crowds.
It’s not always easy to know if a place is a tourist trap, so it’s best to do some research ahead of time. A good place to start is by looking at reviews online. However, it’s important to remember that many of these reviews are written by other tourists and may be biased.
Another way to stay away from tourist traps is to ask for recommendations from locals. They’ll be able to give you some great tips on where to eat and where to visit. Plus, they’ll be able to point you in the direction of some off-the-beaten-path spots.
Of course, it’s also okay to visit some tourist attractions if you want to. But it’s important to keep in mind that there are ways to save money while visiting them. By staying away from tourist traps, you can save money while still enjoying a fun and memorable trip! So the next time you’re planning a vacation, be sure to take some of these tips into account. You might just find that your experience is even better than expected!
2. Stay at a hotel that’s a little further away from the main attractions
Traveling is expensive, but you can make your dollar stretch much further if you’re willing to do a little research. Often times, hotels located close to tourist attractions are more expensive than those located further away. This is because people are willing to pay more for convenience, but if you’re willing to make the drive a little bit farther, you can save some money on lodging costs.
Another way to save on lodging is by staying at extended stay hotels. While they may have a bad reputation, these hotels are typically cheaper than other types of hotels and many offer kitchens that can help you save on meals. They also tend to have lower rates on weekends, when business travelers aren’t in town.
If you’re looking to save even more, consider camping or staying at a hostel. Both of these options can be great for saving money on your trip, and they also allow you to connect with locals who might be able to recommend some of the best places to visit.
When it comes to booking your accommodations, be sure to check out several different websites and call the hotel directly. Sometimes, hotels will offer deals on rooms if you book directly through them, or they may be able to save you online booking fees.
Lastly, don’t forget to take advantage of all the travel rewards programs you have at your disposal. By accumulating points and miles through credit card bonuses, smart everyday spending, online surveys, and more, you can save a ton of money on airfare and hotel stays. The key is to start collecting these points and miles as soon as you can, so you can use them when you’re planning your next vacation.
3. Look for deals on hotels
It’s no secret that travel is expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of airfare and hotels. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to cut costs when you’re visiting a popular tourist destination, and one of the best is to look for deals on hotels.
One of the most obvious strategies is to book in advance, as prices tend to be higher during peak season. However, it’s also worth looking at options like priceline and Hotwire, which often offer discounted rates that are nonrefundable. In most cases, you won’t know which hotel you’ll get until you check in, but you can save up to 50 percent or more by booking through these sites.
Another way to save money on hotels is by looking at all-inclusive packages. These packages usually include everything from breakfast to resort activities and equipment use, and they can be a great way to save on the overall cost of your trip. Just be sure to read the fine print, as there may be some restrictions or extra fees that you need to be aware of.
Lastly, don’t forget to look for discounts on chain hotels by using their loyalty portals. Many of these sites have special discounts for their loyal customers, and they’re typically the lowest available rates. Plus, many of these sites offer free cancellation, so you can book a room and then change your plans later on if necessary.
Finally, don’t forget to check out deal sites like Groupon and LivingSocial. These sites often have a wide range of deals on hotels and other vacation services, so it’s definitely worth taking the time to explore them. You might be surprised at what you find!
4. Look for deals on restaurants
The best way to get a real taste of your destination is through the food. But, dining out can be expensive and can quickly deplete your vacation budget. So, be sure to look for deals on meals while you’re traveling. You’ll find that many local restaurants offer lunch menus or all-you-can-eat buffets at a fraction of the evening price, and you can save even more by shopping for bargains at local markets or grocery stores.
Haggling is also expected in some places (particularly at markets and street vendors). You may be able to save money on items like souvenirs and even some restaurant meals by simply asking to pay less.
Another option is to ask locals – either on social media or in person – where they go for their favorite cheap eats. A quick Google search can reveal a treasure trove of recommendations, and some regional magazines or newspapers have yearly lists of top-rated local restaurants.
Consider signing up for discount alerts on your favorite travel sites and hotel chains. Some hotels, for example, offer five nights for the price of four, and other discounts like free stays or upgrades. As you’re booking other aspects of your trip, make a note of any discounts and assign each one a color code as you enter them into your online calendar to keep track of them all in one place.
Some tours and experiences will require advance reservations, so be sure to make those early. You’ll often find the prices are cheaper when you book them in advance, too. It pays to be a planner, especially when it comes to those non-negotiable dream experiences.
5. Look for deals on attractions
Purchasing tickets to tourist attractions can add up quickly. Luckily, there are ways to save money on attractions by searching for deals and discounts online. Often, websites like Groupon offer discounted entry to popular attractions at the last minute. Another option is to look for local discount cards. These are available at many cities and typically provide a significant savings. In New York, for example, the CityPASS ticket booklet allows travelers to save 42% off admission to the Empire State Building, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 9/11 Memorial and Museum and more. Other discount cards are available for other major destinations, including Houston and Seattle.
Traveling during a destination’s off season can also significantly lower the cost of a trip. While this strategy may not be possible for every destination (it’s hard to find great skiing in Colorado during August), avoiding popular tourist spots during their busiest times can reduce ticket prices and crowd sizes.
In addition to looking for discounts online, it’s a good idea to sign up for newsletters from the attractions you want to visit. These can include flash sales and last-minute discounts, as well as opportunities to purchase combo tickets. Another way to find discounts is to join social media groups or travel forums specific to the destination. These can often provide recommendations from fellow travelers on hidden gems with discounted tickets.
Of course, it’s essential to have the right travel gear. Investing in the right luggage and packing light can make all the difference when it comes to saving money on vacations. Additionally, taking advantage of travel rewards programs and credit card benefits can help offset flight costs. And, don’t forget to download apps that can help you earn cash back on your purchases (check out Receipt Hog). By following these tips, it’s possible to enjoy a dream vacation without breaking the bank.
Traveling isn’t cheap, and it’s important to know how to save money when visiting tourist destinations. By using credit card bonuses, smart everyday spending, and online surveys, you can earn miles and points that will help your money go further. It’s also important to research the destination before you travel. This way, you’ll know what…