The secret to more frequent travel? It’s simple: Spend less money on each trip, and you can stretch your annual vacation budget into more frequent trips. Learn how to plan ahead, research your options, lean into deals, and time it right, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can get out of your vacation budget. Whether you’re planning to hit the open road or the friendly skies, check out these easy ways to be a frugal traveler and get out of town more often. For instance, Florida’s off-season is July to August (which may seem strange since it’s known as the Sunshine State, but there is such a thing as too much sun). The main Florida tourist season runs from December to the end of April, so vacationing during the extra-hot summer will save you a ton if you can take the heat and humidity. Flip this script if you want to visit, say, Myrtle Beach; This South Carolina beach town’s peak season is summer, so rates plummet during winter. Pinpoint off-season times that are cheaper but still safe: That is, you don’t want to head to a destination when it’s prone to hurricanes or sandstorms just because it’s cheaper. This requires a little research, but is definitely worth the effort. While it takes a little planning, off-season travel saves you money and, as an added benefit, you avoid crowds, too. Plus, if you sign up for these websites’ rewards programs, you can save even more and earn perks. It takes only a few minutes, and the member-only savings are solid. You can even win free upgrades and free nights at hotels. The best part? Even if you stay in different hotels, the points count each time you book. These sites are excellent for pet owners, too, because you can filter results for hotels that are pet-friendly. More than likely, you have family or friends in many different locations who would be happy to host you, so why not book a fun get-away and see your favorite aunt while you’re at it? Just make sure you consult with them well in advance about the length and timing of stay they’re comfortable with. Pro Tip: Don’t invite yourself to stay with friends or family who have kids, unless they’ve specifically said that you’re welcome. The study also found that it didn’t really matter what day you book your flight, but rather what days you travel. For example, Tuesday was the cheapest day of the week to fly, averaging $85 in savings, followed by Sundays and Wednesdays. To travel frugally by flying when it’s cheapest, skip flights on Fridays and Saturdays. It doesn’t have to be fancy; grocery shop for a continental breakfast or a big scramble. Even packing sandwiches for midday rather than hitting a lunch spot can save you $20 a meal. Also, research your destination in advance to time your trip to coincide with free events or festivals. For example, many beach destinations schedule music festivals and other events during summer. Do you always head to Daytona Beach? Try New Smyrna Beach for a less crowded and less expensive option. Do you think Nashville is the only place for live music? Travel to Memphis and halve your hotel costs. Do you love to sail? Instead of paying Miami’s sky-high boat rental prices, visit Annapolis, Maryland. The list goes on… Get a credit card that offers rewards and travel miles, so you can earn free stuff for your travel adventures. While you’re at it, find a card with no annual fees and lower interest rates too.
