4 Costly Mistakes Frugal Travelers Never Make
Written by
Justice Petersen
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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Whether it’s for a summer vacation or a weekend getaway, travel can be a relaxing and fun event for anybody looking to invest in extensive leisure time with friends or family. However, as entertaining as travel can be, it can also be expensive.
According to 2024 data from real estate company Pacaso, the average vacation cost for one person in the United States is around $1,986 per week. For two people, it’s about $3,971 per week. Several aspects go into a travel budget that results in this price, including food, transportation costs and lodging. Depending on where you travel and how long you stay, these costs can be higher.
However, there are several tips and tricks that frugal travelers always keep in mind. Here are the costly mistakes that financially savvy travelers avoid to save the most money while traveling.
Booking Costly Accommodations
While hotels or resorts can offer great comfort and customer service, their expensive costs can put a strain on your travel budget. Fortunately, there are more affordable accommodations that frugal travelers can partake in, if they want to spend their money on something both cheap and comfortable.
“Pick low-cost accommodations instead, like hostels, guesthouses or vacation rentals,” said Amanda Wilson, travel expert at WGN News USA. “This not only saves you money but also allows a more authentic experience of familiarizing yourself with the place.”
Booking early and comparing prices across different websites can also help you save money. Frugal travelers won’t book accommodations without checking different pricing options first. You can’t assume that a third-party platform will always have the best deal.
“When it comes to accommodations, I highly recommend checking out the hotel’s or vacation rental’s direct website,” said Marina Guastavino, co-founder of Directo, a free Chrome extension for finding travel deals. “Many tend to offer better deals when you book with them directly.”
Choosing Expensive Dining for Every Meal
One of the biggest costs of traveling is going out to eat for every meal. A budget-conscious tourist can avoid this by strategically planning meals, finding inexpensive places to eat and bringing their own food for road trips.
“Go for local markets, street food stalls and grocery stores where fresh foods are sold at pocket-friendly prices,” Wilson said. “This will not only save your wallet but allow you to explore indigenous cuisine and culture genuinely. Choose lodging that has kitchenettes or bring along some portable cookers. That way, you can make your food and enjoy huge savings on food expenses.”
Picking Overpriced Tours and Activities
Many tourist activities, such as local attractions, tours, theme parks and museums, are heavily overpriced, so frugal travelers usually avoid them. Thrifty vacationers may want to consider more affordable alternatives, like hiking trails or community events, if they want to respect their budget while still enjoying what a city has to offer. They also look for discounts at attractions that typically charge high prices.
“In many cities, there are days when museums have no charges at all or have reduced entry fees during certain hours,” Wilson said. “Social media platforms, as well as community events, can provide forums through which you interact with locals who could show you places off the tourist trap that are not only affordable but sometimes even costless.”
Guastavino agrees on the importance of following advice from locals who know about events in the area.
“There are almost always free walking tours led by knowledgeable locals you can sign up for,” Guastavino said. “These tours offer insights into the city’s history and culture, uncover hidden gems and provide insider tips — all for the price of what you choose to tip.”
Taking Costly Transportation
Financially savvy travelers usually don’t rely solely on taxis or rental cars. Choosing cheaper transportation options can help decrease your travel spending significantly.
“Buses, trains and subways are often far less expensive than taxis or ride-sharing services, and they offer a more in-depth view of the city,” Wilson said. “These alternatives are not only free or low cost, but they also offer a chance to explore at leisure and see more of the destination.”
While traveling far usually requires a plane or car, smart budgeting involves utilizing multiple transportation options. “For shorter journeys, consider buses or trains instead of flights, or even embrace ride-sharing services between cities,” Guastavino said. “I saved nearly 50% by using a car-sharing app to travel between Barcelona and Valencia this past summer.”
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