This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Green Dot. All opinions are 100% mine.
I am a get-up and go kind of girl! You can find me dashing off to the airport for an adventure more often than not, and with all of that traveling, I have learned a few lessons about saving money on any trip!
Every trip has expenses. They begin when you park your car at the airport, and they don’t stop adding up until you park your car in your driveway at the end of the adventure! From the coffee at the airport to the drinks with friends, souvenirs purchased, transportation and tips, it all adds up. Having a few money-saving hacks at your disposal can help you cut expenses and fund the next trip.
1) Travel midweek
It is tempting to kick off any adventure on the weekend, but it is a well-known fact that things are busier on the weekend, and airfare is always higher on weekends! Taking off on a Tuesday or Wednesday can save you a bundle on getting there!
2) Consider booking two one way flights
Booking your flight seems like a pretty basic way to get where you are going, but before you simply click and purchase your tickets, look at the price of a one-way ticket there, and a one-way ticket home. Sometimes this can save you hundreds of dollars!
3) Prepare your own airline snacks
It takes a few moments of time to make sure your snacks aren’t going to get smashed, but it is so worth the savings. Power bars, granola, pretzels, and nuts are great fuss-free options that will save you a bundle on airport snacks!
4) Prioritize
When I first started to travel, I wanted to see and do everything! I crammed a lot of stops into every trip. It took a lot of pleasure from the adventure because it was stressful! Now, I prioritize. This saves me a ton on transportation and admission, and it gives me more pleasure in the things I can see and do.
5) Look for free days at museums and attractions or special sales
There are so many ways to experience a new city without spending a dime. Zoos and museums often have a community initiative which offers visitors a chance to visit for free or at a deeply discounted price.
6) Make good use of your credit card
Most credit cards offer rewards programs which can help you earn free miles, cash back and other perks. Instead of paying high fees to get cash on your trip, opt to pay with your card and rack up those rewards! Some credit cards will even get you airport lounge access for a well earned and free chance to relax, en route.
7) Bank Smart
The Green Dot 5% cash back debit card is a great way to earn rewards without any fuss. I earn up to $100 a year just for using it. I also love that I can get my direct deposits up to 2 days sooner* with this card! Find Green Dot Cards at a retailer (there are over 80,000 places to get one!) or online for a great way to save on the road! Bank Smart. Get Rewarded. Get a Green Dot card today!
8) Use Public Transportation
It is nice to have a car, but sometimes it costs a bundle for very little use. Sometimes I skip the rental and buy a day pass for the bus or train. Uber is another favorite way to get around without spending a fortune on transportation.
9) Skip room service
After a long trip, it is so easy to order room service and chill for a while. Instead of ordering in, take a short stroll to a convenience or grocery store and grab some easy to prepare foods in a microwave. You can save so much money this way and stick to your normal diet too.
10) Skip the souvenirs
I used to buy a lot of little things on the road to share when I got home. These days I save a lot of money by sticking to postcards and snapping meaningful photos to share with my friends and family. They love that I thought of them and avoided adding knick knacks to their shelves, and I love the simplicity of preserving memories in a simple way.
I want to hear from you! Tell me what is your best money saving travel hack?
*Subject to your employer’s payroll process and timing. Limits apply.”
Hi Chrissy,
I commented on your FB post, but I thought I would leave it here for you too.
We usually drive to Central Florida from SE Texas during the summer every year. We like to drive because we stop at the springs to swim in North FL on the way there and and back (Ginnie Springs is beautiful).
One thing we do is buy a bag of laundry soap packs to keep with us to make it cheaper and easier if we need to use a hotel laundry facility. A very handy thing to have. We get the dry powder ones because the liquid packs might melt in the heat of the trunk.
I hope you have a happy summer!
~Gina