How to Solo Travel on a Budget

Most people love to travel or at least desire to get away sometimes. The problem is affording the trips you want to take. Don’t just live vicariously through travel photos on the Internet. You can travel too. Below are a few ways to save for travel and travel on a budget.

Put Aside a Portion of your Check

Since I was 15 years old, I put away at least a small portion of my check each pay period. It started with $20, then went to $25, then $100. It doesn’t sound like a lot but it adds up. Saving whatever amount you can afford to save and not touching it will reap great rewards when it’s time to book your trip. I actually did an automatic transfer to my savings each pay period. Also, I named my savings account to remind me of why I was saving. It was first named “Chicago fund.” That’s when I wanted to take a trip to Chicago or possibly move there. Some people even use a different bank for this savings account and do not get an ATM card for it. Another option is to put cash in an envelope as often as you can spare it or drop change in a jar. Start putting travel in your budget.

Tax Returns

If you get a refund and if you can, save your entire tax return. This has been a routine of mine each year. I usually save the whole return and book a trip on a portion of it, all while still depositing something each pay period in savings. This is a boost to your savings funds especially if you’re already saving.

Get Airline Ticket Alerts

Sites such as Next Vacay, Skyscanner, Farebuzz, Google Flights, and some others will send you alerts when fares to your preferred travel destination have dropped. You can set up alerts on most airfare sites. Next Vacay is a company that scans Google flights and sends you emails when flights to an interesting destination are low. They tell you the dates when the fare is low and if baggage fees are included.

Book a Vacation Package

It makes a difference to book your flight, hotel, and car in one package. On average, I’ve saved about $100 booking it all in one package. Ask about vacation packages when you’re booking with an agent or choose that option on travel sites. Then, compare the prices to booking them separately.

Stay in a Hostel

If you don’t always have to travel in luxury, a hostel may be a good choice for you. It provides a bed and a roof for a low price. I’ve seen hostels as low as $17 a night. You typically stay in a dorm with others. There’s options of an all-female dorm, mixed dorm, or private room. It’s a good way to meet new people and stay on a budget. Some even provide breakfast. It’s a good choice when you’re only passing through a location and don’t mind sharing; or if you have to stay several days and a hotel would be too expensive.

Travel Credit Cards and Rewards

Earning points on travel credit cards such as Capital One’s Venture card or Chase’s Sapphire card can be very rewarding. The trick is to use the card on your regular purchases and travel purchases, pay off the balance each month, and use your rewards points. I have erased several purchases using my points which is an option I would have never had otherwise.

Additionally, you can join travel company rewards programs. Most airlines and hotels offer a rewards program where you can earn points as you fly or stay with them. These points may get you discounts on future flights and stays.

Make Payments

Most travel sites and travel agents (including myself) offer payment plans if the trip is booked far enough ahead of time. So you can make an initial deposit, usually about $200, and then pay monthly. I usually pay a deposit and then save to pay the remainder off by the due date. I’ve even seen some sites such as CheapoAir offer a layaway option. Beware of extra fees that may be included in payment plans though.

Cut Out Unnecessary Expenses

There comes a time when you have to choose what’s most important to you and prioritize your spending. Cutting excessive or unnecessary expenses give you extra money to put aside for travel. Some things are easier than others to cut. You can reduce the amount of times you eat out or get your hair done. You can cut cable or cut down on buying clothes. What you can’t cut out is travel.

Utilizing even one of these tips can help save you some money on travel. Comment below if you have tips you want to share about how you save for travel and travel on a budget.