Tip #1: Choose a destination that flies under the radar. <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen planning your getaway, consider smaller cities that fly under the\u00a0 radar<\/a>. There is much to love about less flashy destinations. Many have delicious, affordable eateries, as well as unique attractions that won\u2019t break the bank. When you travel to a smaller, lesser-known destination, everything will be cheaper, from rental cars and gas to dining out and lodging. You\u2019ll generally enjoy lower admission prices for museums and theme parks, too.<\/p>\nTip #2: Live like a local.<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ECOMUS2018_CheapDestination_1000x667px_cooking.jpg\")
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As tempting as it is to splurge on fancy restaurants every night of your trip, the cost of these meals can add up\u2014especially when you\u2019re adding drinks, tax, and tip to the tab. Commit to spending much of your trip eating like a local. This can mean grabbing takeout from a casual mom and pop restaurant, or it can involve cooking your own meals\u2014ones created with locally sourced items from the corner grocery store\u2014in your hotel room\u2019s kitchenette<\/a>.<\/p>\nNot only will you save money, you\u2019ll get to experience the city as though you actually live there. You can still splurge on a few nice meals\u2014they\u2019ll be that much more memorable and special. If your whole reason for traveling is eating fine foods, consider finding early-bird specials or opting for lunch instead of dinner\u2014lunch menu prices tend to be a bit lower.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nTip #3: Explore the city by foot or by bicycle.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you\u2019re in good shape (or want to be), a great way to see a city is on foot or by bicycle. You\u2019ll save on gas and car rental fees, and you\u2019ll get that locals-only experience. Certain cities, like Chicago and NYC, are known for being great for exploring on foot, but there are also plenty of smaller cities and towns that are also easily traveled without cars.<\/a><\/p>\nThe simplest way to make this approach work for you is to choose a hotel near a walkable part of town. Or, if you pick an affordable hotel just outside of town, as noted above, be sure there\u2019s a public transportation stop nearby, so you can easily get to where the action is without needing a car.<\/p>\n
Tip #4: Travel in packs. <\/strong><\/h2>\nTraveling alone can be liberating, but it\u2019s not always ideal for saving money (unless you stay in hostels). Traveling with companions is a great way to indulge in upscale digs without breaking the bank. Split the cost of that swanky hotel room four ways, and it suddenly becomes affordable. If you want some privacy, but don\u2019t mind sharing a bathroom with your travel mates, you can always book a suite<\/a>.<\/p>\nThis tip applies to car rentals, too. Four people flying to a destination for hundreds of dollars each adds up! If you\u2019re able to take the time and drive, a small group splitting a rental car saves a bundle. That said, whether you drive or fly depends on your time constraints.<\/p>\n
Tip #5: Choose your hotel carefully.<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ECOMUS2018_CheapDestination_1000x667px_hotel.jpg\")
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We recently polled readers about their travel habits<\/a>, and learned that 76 percent consider hotel price an overwhelming consideration when traveling. And, while choosing a budget hotel<\/a> is a simple way to slash travel costs, most readers reported their hotel budget is in the $$ – $$$ range. The good news is that there are plenty of apartment-style hotels, or rooms with kitchenettes, within that moderate price range, not to mention lesser-known boutique hotels right in the heart of the action<\/a>.<\/p>\nAnother option is to book a hotel just outside of town. You\u2019ll save money each night, which you can reallocate to meals out, transportation, or admission to area attractions.<\/p>\n
Tip #6: Book your trip at the ideal time.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Tip #2: Live like a local.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
As tempting as it is to splurge on fancy restaurants every night of your trip, the cost of these meals can add up\u2014especially when you\u2019re adding drinks, tax, and tip to the tab. Commit to spending much of your trip eating like a local. This can mean grabbing takeout from a casual mom and pop restaurant, or it can involve cooking your own meals\u2014ones created with locally sourced items from the corner grocery store\u2014in your hotel room\u2019s kitchenette<\/a>.<\/p>\nNot only will you save money, you\u2019ll get to experience the city as though you actually live there. You can still splurge on a few nice meals\u2014they\u2019ll be that much more memorable and special. If your whole reason for traveling is eating fine foods, consider finding early-bird specials or opting for lunch instead of dinner\u2014lunch menu prices tend to be a bit lower.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nTip #3: Explore the city by foot or by bicycle.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\nIf you\u2019re in good shape (or want to be), a great way to see a city is on foot or by bicycle. You\u2019ll save on gas and car rental fees, and you\u2019ll get that locals-only experience. Certain cities, like Chicago and NYC, are known for being great for exploring on foot, but there are also plenty of smaller cities and towns that are also easily traveled without cars.<\/a><\/p>\nThe simplest way to make this approach work for you is to choose a hotel near a walkable part of town. Or, if you pick an affordable hotel just outside of town, as noted above, be sure there\u2019s a public transportation stop nearby, so you can easily get to where the action is without needing a car.<\/p>\n
Tip #4: Travel in packs. <\/strong><\/h2>\nTraveling alone can be liberating, but it\u2019s not always ideal for saving money (unless you stay in hostels). Traveling with companions is a great way to indulge in upscale digs without breaking the bank. Split the cost of that swanky hotel room four ways, and it suddenly becomes affordable. If you want some privacy, but don\u2019t mind sharing a bathroom with your travel mates, you can always book a suite<\/a>.<\/p>\nThis tip applies to car rentals, too. Four people flying to a destination for hundreds of dollars each adds up! If you\u2019re able to take the time and drive, a small group splitting a rental car saves a bundle. That said, whether you drive or fly depends on your time constraints.<\/p>\n
Tip #5: Choose your hotel carefully.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
We recently polled readers about their travel habits<\/a>, and learned that 76 percent consider hotel price an overwhelming consideration when traveling. And, while choosing a budget hotel<\/a> is a simple way to slash travel costs, most readers reported their hotel budget is in the $$ – $$$ range. The good news is that there are plenty of apartment-style hotels, or rooms with kitchenettes, within that moderate price range, not to mention lesser-known boutique hotels right in the heart of the action<\/a>.<\/p>\nAnother option is to book a hotel just outside of town. You\u2019ll save money each night, which you can reallocate to meals out, transportation, or admission to area attractions.<\/p>\n
Tip #6: Book your trip at the ideal time.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nNot only will you save money, you\u2019ll get to experience the city as though you actually live there. You can still splurge on a few nice meals\u2014they\u2019ll be that much more memorable and special. If your whole reason for traveling is eating fine foods, consider finding early-bird specials or opting for lunch instead of dinner\u2014lunch menu prices tend to be a bit lower.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re in good shape (or want to be), a great way to see a city is on foot or by bicycle. You\u2019ll save on gas and car rental fees, and you\u2019ll get that locals-only experience. Certain cities, like Chicago and NYC, are known for being great for exploring on foot, but there are also plenty of smaller cities and towns that are also easily traveled without cars.<\/a><\/p>\n The simplest way to make this approach work for you is to choose a hotel near a walkable part of town. Or, if you pick an affordable hotel just outside of town, as noted above, be sure there\u2019s a public transportation stop nearby, so you can easily get to where the action is without needing a car.<\/p>\n Traveling alone can be liberating, but it\u2019s not always ideal for saving money (unless you stay in hostels). Traveling with companions is a great way to indulge in upscale digs without breaking the bank. Split the cost of that swanky hotel room four ways, and it suddenly becomes affordable. If you want some privacy, but don\u2019t mind sharing a bathroom with your travel mates, you can always book a suite<\/a>.<\/p>\n This tip applies to car rentals, too. Four people flying to a destination for hundreds of dollars each adds up! If you\u2019re able to take the time and drive, a small group splitting a rental car saves a bundle. That said, whether you drive or fly depends on your time constraints.<\/p>\n We recently polled readers about their travel habits<\/a>, and learned that 76 percent consider hotel price an overwhelming consideration when traveling. And, while choosing a budget hotel<\/a> is a simple way to slash travel costs, most readers reported their hotel budget is in the $$ – $$$ range. The good news is that there are plenty of apartment-style hotels, or rooms with kitchenettes, within that moderate price range, not to mention lesser-known boutique hotels right in the heart of the action<\/a>.<\/p>\n Another option is to book a hotel just outside of town. You\u2019ll save money each night, which you can reallocate to meals out, transportation, or admission to area attractions.<\/p>\nTip #3: Explore the city by foot or by bicycle.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Tip #4: Travel in packs. <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Tip #5: Choose your hotel carefully.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nTip #6: Book your trip at the ideal time.<\/strong><\/h2>\n