Lyft lists six tips for traveling on a budget.
It's the season for new cities, beach vacations, camping adventures and more. And while travel is an expense, it doesn't have to be expensive.
Richard Kerr knows this: He's a frequent traveler, both for leisure and as a former U.S. Navy officer. “I've flown almost every other week for the last 12 years,” he says. Currently vice president of travel at Bilt Rewardshe knows a thing or two about finding cost-saving measures.
Here, Lyft lists six of his best tips for traveling on a budget, so you can get out and explore the world without worrying about your wallet.
1. Take out annual travel insurance
“The annual policy will always be more affordable than buying travel insurance for individual trips,” Kerr says. And it will protect you if an emergency causes your expenses to skyrocket.
2. Adopt a packing list
Take some time before you leave to think about what you need to pack. This will save you from having to buy an expensive phone charger at the airport. “I’ve been traveling for 20 years and I always have a packing list,” says Kerr. And, in case your bag gets lost, consider packing a change of clothes in your carry-on.
3. Use your points
Kerr, whose company also offers a points system, recommends using rewards points, if you have them, to book things like theme parks, food tours, boat rides, and more. Airlines and hotels have amazing points systems. Make sure you're signed up for all loyalty programs before you book.
4. Look for “Stop Over” offers
Stopover offers allow you to take a multi-day stopover in another city for free before reaching your final destination. “Airlines are trying to incentivize passengers to stay in their hubs instead of going through. It’s like a bonus trip, and it’s no more expensive than buying a direct ticket,” Kerr says.
5. Locate local grocery stores
“If you can afford to eat one meal a day instead of three, you’ll save a lot on food costs,” Kerr says. He also recommends making sure your home has a microwave in advance.
6. Decide what you are doing want to please yourself
“Don’t skimp on the things that are supposed to make this destination remarkable,” Kerr advises. Maybe there’s a particular dish that’s famous in the place you’re visiting or a once-in-a-lifetime excursion. If you’re intentional about choosing your luxuries, you’ll be able to enjoy them more.
This story was produced by Lyft and revised and distributed by Stacker Media.
