In my 20 years of being alive on this Earth, I have traveled a lot. I have been to many places around the U.S. and throughout Europe, and people always ask me for tips on how I get to travel so much and do so many things! I understand traveling is expensive, so these tips are to help you save as much money as possible and get the most out of wherever you are going!
1. Book six weeks in advance.
From extensive research of booking flights, hotels, etc. My mom and I have found that booking things six weeks in advance is when things are the cheapest. This includes flights, hotels, rental cars, etc.
2. Look for flights every day because the prices change every day.
Around the six week period, start looking for flights every single day. I recommend Southwest as the cheapest option if you are going somewhere within the US, as their airline is usually the cheapest and I have never had any problems with them. Flight prices change almost every hour, so if you think something is too expensive, keep checking back until you find the right price.
3. Find thing you want to do beforehand and map them out.
Look up things to do in the city you're going to, find the things you want to do and map them out. This helps you plan your days so you can do a lot of things that are in the same general area as each other. For example, if you want to do three things that are in the south part of the city, then map those things out, and do them all in the same day to save time traveling.
4. Don’t spend a lot of money on a hotel because all you’re doing is sleeping there.
This depends on what type of person you are honestly, but in my opinion, I do not like spending a lot of money on hotels because you aren't going to a place like New York City to sit in your hotel room. Why spend $300 a night on a hotel room when you can spend $100 for the hotel next door. There is the issue of being in a safe location and not a ratchet hotel, but you get the point. Don't put yourself in danger, but you don't have to stay like a celebrity.
5. Pack light.
This is probably my most important tip. I was always taught to pack light and pack what you are realistically going to wear. Checking a bag is a pain and can delay your travel time.
6. Wash your clothes at your destination.
This goes with packing light. You can pack five outfits, and if you are staying for longer than five days, then wash your clothes at your hotel if they have that option.
7. Study their public transportation system.
I never like to rent a car if I don't have to. It adds on more expenses to my trip. If you are going to a city with a reliable transportation system then study their public transportation system and use it to your advantage. Cities like Chicago, New York, Boston and Philly, all have good subway systems that are extremely cheap and get you to everywhere you want to go.
8. Check to see if certain cities have a CityPass for the things you want to do.
Most major cities have a thing called a CityPass which has a set price and allows you into most of the major attractions the city has such as museums. It is a good deal if the CityPass lets you into all the things you want to do and you are going to use all of them. It usually saves you a lot of money rather than buying tickets individually to every attraction.
9. Take an adventure when you see one.
Once you are at your destination, if an opportunity arises that you weren't planning on doing, take it. You don't know when are you going to back in that city so I would do absolutely everything possible in that city that you can.
