If you’ve got a travel bucket list you’re keen to work through, there’s every chance that your budget may throw a spanner in the works. It costs money to explore the world and indulge in wanderlust, but that doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your dreams if funds are low. There are myriad ways to save money on travel. If you’re looking to see more for less, here are some savvy tips for your travel bucket list to take on board.

Saving on flights

Flights often account for a significant proportion of your total spend when you book a vacation. While some destinations are more expensive than others, there are almost always ways to save on airfares.

Dates and flexibility

One of the most significant factors is your date of travel. If you absolutely have to travel on a set day, search for fares on the specified date, but if you’re not overly fussed about time and date, it’s worth looking at weekly and monthly fare calendars. If you can be flexible, you could save a fortune by adjusting your preferred date by 24 or 48 hours. Take your time to search the Internet for the best prices. Typically, public and school holidays and weekends tend to be most expensive, but there are sometimes flash sales and offers that are available within peak periods. Sign up for discount websites, and use comparison sites to look at different airlines and flexible dates.

Last-minute flights

Many of us love the idea of turning up at the airport and booking the next available flight on a whim, but this simply isn’t practical for most scenarios. We tend to favor booking in advance, which is often a cheaper option. However, if you can hold your nerve, and you’re a spontaneous person, it is worth checking flights at the last minute. You run the risk of missing out and finding that the plane is full, but if there are seats, they may be available at a reduced rate.

Stopovers

Sometimes, if you’re taking a long-haul flight, there’s an option to fly direct or to stop en route. Direct flights are quicker and shorter, but they’re also more expensive. If you don’t mind taking your time to get to your destination, consider stopping along the way. You might find that this is a cheaper option, and you could even explore the possibility of arranging an overnight stay in a location you’d like to visit. If you’re flying to New York, for example, why not stop off in Reykjavik en route?

Sales and offers

Competition in the travel industry is fierce, and airlines are desperate to entice customers. With this in mind, keep your eyes peeled for flash sales and discounts if you’re looking to book a flight. Subscribe to mailing lists, look for special offers and promotions on websites and social media platforms, and check your inbox. You might find that there’s a 20% off European flights or that an airline is hosting an Easter or a Christmas extravaganza, for example.

Cut out the middle-man

Sometimes, you can save money by booking a package holiday or flights and a hotel together, but it’s worth searching around to see if you can get a lower price direct from the airline, rather than booking through a travel agency or tour operator.

Luggage

If you’re a frequent traveler, you’re probably familiar with the cost of packing too much. Before you travel, whether you’re going away for a romantic weekend, or you’re taking an extended break to travel around the world with a backpack, check the luggage restrictions. Measure your cabin bag to ensure that it meets the criteria, and weigh your case if you’re taking hold luggage. If you do want to take a bag with you, and you’ve only got hand luggage, it’s best to book in advance online. This will be cheaper than doing it at the airport. If you’ve paid for luggage, but you’re over the weight limit, take full advantage of your hand luggage allowance and take anything out that you won’t need. Excess baggage charges tend to be extortionate, so it’s best to leave non-essentials at home.

Parking and getting to and from the airport

There’s nothing more frustrating than getting to the airport and finding that the parking is more expensive than your flight. If you want to park your car at the airport, there are multiple ways to save. Use sites like Airport Parking Helper to source deals and offers, and book your parking in advance. Reserving a spot online is usually significantly cheaper than turning up and finding a bay on the day. If you’re staying over before you fly, it’s worth seeing if the hotel offers discounted parking for guests, and it’s also a good idea to check if there are private parking lots close to the airport. Sometimes, you can find secure car parks within walking distance of the airport that charge less than those located on-site. Another option to consider if you don’t want to fork out for parking is booking a transfer or using public transport. If you live in the city, you may find that you can catch a train or a shuttle bus. If you’re traveling with friends or relatives, you could also get quotes for a taxi and split the bill.

Accommodation

You’ve booked flights, you know where and when you’re going, and now you need to find somewhere to sleep. There’s a vast array of accommodation options available to travelers today, and you’ll probably find that you have a choice no matter where you go.

Comparing prices

If you have a specific hotel in mind, use the Internet to compare prices. You might find that booking directly with the hotel saves you money, or it may be cheaper to reserve a room online through an accommodation provider or a comparison site. Some websites allow you to book rooms and then pay for your hotel when you get there. This can help you lock in low prices and it gives you more time to save the money you need before you go. When you’re booking hotels, always read the small print, and make sure you know exactly what is included in the room rate. Sometimes, there will be resort or city taxes to pay. Some sites include these in the total, while others will just give you the room fee. It’s also worth researching whether breakfast is included and whether you have to pay extra for services like air conditioning or a safe.

Choosing a location

Location can play a crucial role when it comes to the cost of accommodation. If you’ve booked a city break in Rome, Paris, London, or Barcelona, for example, you’ll find that city center hotels and accommodation near tourist hot spots are more expensive than those situated in the suburbs. Consider the location carefully before you book, and think about practicalities, as well as price. If you save money on a hotel that is out of the city, you may end up paying the same price overall once you’ve factored in public transport and getting around. Weigh up the pros and cons, and make a decision based on your preferences. Often, with city breaks, it’s best to stay central so that you can walk to the main tourist attractions and save time on getting from A to B. In some cities, however, for example, London, the public transport network makes it easy to travel around quickly and you can save huge sums by avoiding the most popular tourist areas.

Exploring different options

Many of us automatically start searching for hotels when we have a vacation destination in mind, but there’s a diverse range of options on offer in this day and age. For travelers on a budget, it’s worth exploring options like hostels, camping and glamping and home stays. Sites like Airbnb have revolutionized the way we travel, and if you’re willing to rent a room in somebody’s home or hire out their apartment or villa for the week, you may find that this is a much cheaper option than booking a hotel room. Renting flats, country houses and villas is also a great idea for groups, as you can split the cost between the party. This is usually much less expensive than reserving multiple hotel rooms, and you can spend quality time together as a family or a group of friends.

Trips and excursions

If you’ve got a bucket list to work through it pays to do some research and see if there are any special offers or deals you can take advantage of while you’re away. If you have a list of museums, historic sites, theme parks or national treasures you have to see on your vacation, look for online booking discounts, sightseeing bundles that cover multiple attractions, and offers like buy 1 get one free or free child places.

Many of us would travel more if we had the financial means. If you are a globetrotter with a bucket list to complete, don’t let a lack of funds hold you back. Take these tips on board to enable you to see more of the world for less.

Don’t forget to Pin these Savvy Travel Tips to your favorite Bucket List Board!