10 Tips For Budget-Friendly Travel

A lot of people want to know how to travel on a budget and how I can do so many trips.

I would love to share some tips and tricks with you here, but I am fortunate to be a hospital-based nurse with lots of flexibility in scheduling, so that helps.

However, there are ways to do trips over long weekends and budget friendly if you are willing to make some simple sacrifices in luxury.

Tip #1: DRIVE!  

  • I have driven 10 hours each way on a short 3-day trip, the only cost accruing here is gas, which I know can be a lot, but it's still cheaper then an alternative.

  • Driving allows you to pack your own food, and possibly car camp depending on weather and location.

Tip #2: Pack and plan your meals

Whether I am driving my own car, or renting a car and flying in, I meal plan and make budget friendly choices for the trip.

Some examples are:

  • Breakfast: toast and eggs, (if car camping try cereal or fruit).

  • Lunch: hummus wraps, peanut butter sandwiches, turkey, cheese, and crackers.

  • Snacks: fruit, veggies, chips, nuts.

  • Dinner: (this is where I splurge to experience the culture), However, I have also been known to eat tuna and crackers, or soup in a hotel room to save $$!

Tip #3: Credit Cards Perks! 

Airlines: I have airline credit cards for everyday use. I use Southwest, United, and plan to apply for an Alaskan card to fly to Alaska for free.

  • I use my Southwest credit card for meals, gas, groceries, and everyday purchases. I often can fly at least one way for free using points this way. I just flew to Florida for free to see Dry Tortugas, and last year-round trip to California to see Redwoods and more! 

  • Wait until they offer at least 60,000 points, and sometimes, they even offer 80,000! https://creditcards.chase.com/southwest/home

  • I use my United card for incidentals, miscellaneous, utilities, and other.  https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/products/chase.html

I don't fly United as often, but they go to more locations, for example, Missoula, Montana, I flew here for free to visit Glacier my savings up rewards points.

      If you prefer more flexibility in your credit card.

Hotels:

  • Hotels.com is usually cheaper than other sites and if you book 9 hotel rooms, you get 1 night free.  https://www.hotels.com/

  • Marriott credit card offers great perks if you like staying in hotels as opposed to camping or motels.

  • I also look up southwest.com, hotels options because sometimes they offer 10-15,000 points to book a specific hotel in the area, that will pay for a flight for next time! (and you would have had to book the hotel anyways)

  • Don't be afraid to try a hostel, just be sure to look up reviews to make sure it's clean.

Tip #4: Go with groups! Don't be afraid to invite someone, people are often so excited to go, but just don't have the planning skills or ideas of where to go!

  • Going with a group of friends means you can split the cost. It is a win/win for everyone, as they will be able to split costs as well.

  • I realize this doesn't work with families, however I am doing a family reunion in Sleeping Bear Dunes area, and everyone in the family gets to stay at a big lake house since we're all sharing costs!

  • Examples: rental car in California for 7 days was $800, if you split between 2 people , it's still $400 each, but if you can find more friends and go with 4, now it's only $200 per person!

  • When you go with friends, you can often splurge a little more on a cool place because the costs are being shared, also it's more fun!!

Tip #5: Bring your own drinks

  • Refillable water bottles are a must, and if you must have filtered water, buy a big jug at the store!

  • Pack a collapsible cooler and buy local beers or beverages to enjoy as a picnic, or at your hotel/air bnb in the evening. If you are camping, it's a must!

  • Electrolyte packets are a great alternative to Gatorade or Powerade and are more eco-friendly! I mix mine with ice in my water bottle to get the day going.

Tipe #6: Buy a National Park pass

  • One-time fee will save you money in the long run, and sometimes get you a refund. For example, I booked a Dry Tortugas boat tour and got a $30 refund per person for having a pass.

Tip #7: Camp!

I didn't grow up camping, I never thought I could do it, yet here I am, camping with girlfriend on the road.

You will still need to make reservations many places, which is better to secure your spot in busy areas. Some are still first come, first serve, get there early if this is the case.

Go simple, all you need is a Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooler with food and drinks, water, firewood (local only), and warm clothes!

What's in my "camp bin"?? A small plastic tote or bag with essentials for any camp adventure. Leave it ready like a go bag.

  • toilet paper

  • lighter

  • wine opener

  • can opener

  • coffee mugs and plastic cups

  • 2 dish towels

  • fire starter cubes

  • hot hands warmers, or toe warmers

  • wireless charger for phones, etc

  • ear plugs

  • salt and pepper

  • tissues

  • cards

  • flashlight

  • headlamp

  • extra batteries

  • paper plates and bowls or better yet, reusable dishware

  • reusable utensils from a camp store, spoon, forks, knife

  • small cutting board and pocketknife

  • extra socks and gloves (it gets cold out west!! even in summer)

  • paper towel roll

Tip #8: Pair park trips with other necessary travel. You can't wait for "next time" because life is short!

  • Going on a work trip to Boston? Let work pay for part of it, then extend 2 more days, rent a car, and go see Acadia! ** bonus, can some of it be a tax write off?

  • Have to go see family in San Antonio? See if they are down for an adventure weekend in Big Bend instead of seeing the same city again. You may be surprised how into this family and friends are.

  • Going to a wedding in Portland? Stay an extra day or 2 and go see Crater Lake!

  • Family and Friends are more open than many realize! I have way more exciting memories when we do something together outdoor.

Tip #9: Travel in the off-season for your park.

  • Grand Teton in winter, Big Bend in summer, Badlands in March, and more!

  • You will save on hotels big time by going in the off season, and bonus is that there will be significantly less visitors.

  • Plan accordingly for weather. I live in Colorado, so I'm not afraid of the cold, wear thermal leggings under your pants, a good down coat is a must!

Tip #10: Rental Car Tips:

  • Always book a car that is eco-friendly to save on gas.

  • I have been trying Turo.com, which is like an air bnb service for cars. People use their own personal cars to make money on the side, and often is cheaper then rental car websites. https://turo.com/

  • Book early, don't wait to book your rental car, as prices go up as time goes on.

  • Invite more friends along to share on costs.

Elaina Busold