They say money can’t buy happiness. But, it sure can buy a much-needed vacation. For many people, it’s money that keeps them from taking a trip. And even if you do have extra money to spend on your getaway, there’s no reason to waste it on superfluous expenses. That’s why we’re here to provide you with budget-friendly ways to travel so you can explore the world without financial stress.

Travel outside of peak season

If you have a big bucket list of destinations and need to explore them affordably, then one of the most budget-friendly ways to travel is to do it outside of peak season. Timing is everything when it comes to travel. Not only is airfare more expensive during peak season, but so are accommodations and tickets for attractions. In addition to saving money, you’ll also avoid the large travel crowds during peak season, too.

Book your flights well in advance

If you’re an avid traveler, you probably know you can snag some good deals on flights by booking at the last minute. But, that’s a stressful way to travel! You can save just as much money by booking your flights months in advance.

Airlines typically allow you to book close to one year ahead of time. Continuing to check back with those flights and keep an eye out for price drops could potentially save you hundreds of dollars.

Ship your luggage ahead

Airlines are always finding ways to make travel more expensive. And rising baggage costs are one of the biggest ways they’re taking more of your money. But, why pay so much money and do all the work? Have you ever thought about shipping your luggage instead?

ShipGo is the world’s leading specialty delivery service for luggage and sporting equipment. They allow you to ship your baggage ahead and travel with comfort knowing your baggage is already at your destination. With domestic rates starting at $34.99, shipping luggage ahead is often equal to or cheaper than airline baggage fees!

List your home with a rental company

What if you could travel while making money at the same time? If you’re comfortable with listing your home with a rental company, you could do just that. Companies like Airbnb or misterb&b make it easy to open your home to other travelers while you’re away.

Using a rental service for your own accommodations while traveling could also be beneficial. Depending on your intended destination, rental properties may be less expensive than staying in a hotel.

Staying in a Motel

Staying in a motel is another way to potentially save money on your trip. Motels usually have lower rates than hotels which allows you to stretch your budget further. Motelmatcher.com is a website and search tool which will help you find the best rates at motels in a specific area. The online tool searches through a variety of websites to find the best prices and deals on motels in a specific location. Like other hotel meta search sites, you can filter results by amenities, price and rating. The website also has a user-friendly interface and provides detailed information about each motel, including photos, location and customer reviews.

Cook at home

We know that cooking while you’re on vacation is probably the last thing you want to do. But opting to cook at least some meals as opposed to eating out is one of the most budget-friendly things you can do while traveling. Keep this in mind while you’re looking for accommodations as you may need to select a room with a kitchen or kitchenette.

Bring a buddy

There’s nothing quite like traveling solo. But when you travel with your spouse, your best friend, or simply someone important to you, you can actually save money. Traveling with a group of any size is a super budget-friendly way to travel since you can split accommodations, rental cars, and any other costs that require payment from all travelers.

Research airports

If you’re flying in or out of major cities, be sure to research airfare at all of the airports in your area. For example, if you live in the New York City area, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark International Airport (EWR) are all relatively close in proximity but vary drastically in ticket prices.

The bottom line for budget-friendly travel is that not all elements of your vacation will have money-saving opportunities. It’s all about saving money in little ways. Remember, do your research, keep an eye out for good deals, and ship your luggage ahead with ShipGo!