4 Creative Ways That Savvy Travelers Can Cut Costs

Taking frequent trips can come with some serious health perks, but it can also come with some serious expenses. Of course, you can find ways to cut down those costs by shopping around for airline tickets and negotiating lower rates on hotel rooms. What you may not realize, however, is that there are even more ways to trim your vacation budget than booking the cheapest transportation and accommodations. Savvy travelers know that saving money without sacrificing fun can be simple as long as you think outside of the box with tips like these.

Save on Trip Essentials with Coupons

When you’re planning a vacation, it’s the little things that can start to add up — this includes purchasing travel essentials, such as toiletries, sunscreen, and snacks. So, how can you keep these smaller costs from eating away at your vacation budget? You can use online coupons! With Rakuten and other coupon sites, finding deals and promo codes for your favorite retailers is simple and you may even be able to score cash back on vacation supplies and other purchases. Prefer to shop in-store? You can still use Rakuten to look up promo codes to use on physical purchases, but be sure to look for double coupon opportunities to maximize savings. Most stores will allow you to stack offers, but certain restrictions may apply to purchases.

Pack Those Bags with Free Samples

Using online coupons is a great way to save on luggage and other things you need for a vacation. If you want to save some serious cash on toiletries and snacks, though, you should consider signing up for samples. If you’re an Amazon shopper, you just need to check your preferences for the chance to receive these trial products, which tend to be just the right size for your carry-on. Need to stock up on beauty supplies? Instead of paying for travel sizes of your favorite beauty products, visit one of these stores to score samples you can pack instead. High-end retailers like Sephora and Nordstrom will give out sample sizes of luxury beauty products (limits may apply), and this trick can really come in handy if you forget something.

Check for Savings on Checked Bags

Want to avoid paying those hefty baggage fees when you travel by air? You could try to pack a carry-on, but bringing such a small bag may not be practical for longer trips. Plus, you may just end up spending your savings on extra toiletries when you arrive at your destination since you can only bring travel-sized products in a checked bag. If you want to bring more wardrobe options or intend to bring a few things back, you can look for baggage fee savings before you head to the airport. Choosing the right airline can help since Southwest offers two free checked bags. However, if you prefer another airline, you can always opt into a frequent flier program or an airline credit card to avoid extra baggage fees or ship your bags.

Sign Up for a Travel Rewards Credit Card

If you travel frequently, then a travel rewards credit card could be a smart way to save money. Travel rewards are worthwhile when you don’t have any issues paying off monthly balances to avoid high interest rates, and having one of these cards can help you rack up miles and discounts that can save you big time on your next vacation. Want to save even more with your credit card? Look for a card that will grant you access to airport lounges. Chase, Citi, and American Express offer cards that will allow travelers to spend their layovers in these lounges, which typically offer perks like free food and drinks, to help you cut travel costs. Plus, you get an added bonus of secure internet access and comfortable seating on layovers.

Whether you are working with a tight budget or just looking to stretch your travel dollars further, finding simple ways to trim your costs is such a savvy move for your wallet. It can be a simple move too, so long as you know where to look for extra vacation savings.

Photo Credit: Rawpixel