I’m heading off via airplane to the big SXSW conference in Austin today. Lately I have turned into a traveling fool! In the last 6 months I have has more flights than I have been on in the last 6 YEARS.
Being a frugal gal, as you all know I am, I try my best to keep my costs down while traveling. Here are the top 3 ways I like to save money while traveling:
1-Don’t check a bag
If there is any way that you can manage to pack everything you need in a rolling carry on-do! Many airlines are charging $15 for the first bag and $25 for the second bag for each passenger. If you bring a roll on bag you are not charged-even if they wind up checking it at the gate. That is at least a $30 savings per trip
2-Bring a water bottle
Drinks are not only expensive in the terminal, but many airlines are now charging for drinks on the plane as well! And we all know that you are not allowede to bring bottles containing over 3oz of liquids onto the plane. There is no problem bringing an EMPTY bottle through security. I go through security then stop at the first waterfountain I see to fill up the bottle. Don’t like the taste of fountain water? Buy a package of those drink mix “sticks” and flavor it up. This also keeps me from buying drinks at my destination! Savings-about $3 per fill up.
3-Bring your own food
As long as it isn’t liquid, you are free to bring food through the security checkpoint. If you bring along some granola bars, homemade snacks, even a sandwich, you can save major denero over buying food in the terminal. I’ve seen plain old tuna sandwiches that cost over $7. . . Again, many airlines are charging for meals on the plane (or skipping them all together) so bring along enough for the flight as well for snacks at your eventual destination.
So what tips do you have for saving money when you travel?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi, I hope your trip goes WONDERFULLY
My biggest tip is to fly Southwest whenever possible. On top of their great prices and great sales, they let you bring two bags for FREE and have no other hidden fees either. Plus they have a wonderful rewards program for frequent flyers. I just wish they flew even MORE places than they do
I like to bring a good book – nothing too difficult to read, just good and easy. This stops me from going to the bookstores in the airport – and I love bookstores – and buying up the books and magazines there.
I haven’t flown in 3 years, so my experience is sadly outdated!
I like to bring puzzle books that I’ve bought (at desirable prices) elsewhere. Purchasing such things in the airport can be too pricey!
I like to read when I’m traveling, so bringing books that you borrow from the library or other free source is a money-saver, too. Some years ago I was on a work trip to a country where I really needed to stay in my hotel after a certain hour of the day–I read 3 or 4 books that trip.
Obviously finding a hotel that offers breakfast included is a big money-saver; when that’s not possible, one that provides an in-room coffeepot and fridge (better yet–a mini-kitchen) is a plus.
I’ve often brought tea bags with me on trips. Some hotels offer only coffee and icky tea brands, and it makes it easy to brew a cuppa in the morning.
Going to a grocery store to pick up easy breakfast or late-night snack items to keep in the room is helpful. I had a suite in Geneva one time that was fantastic, since I often got home from work later than most restaurants were open.
And speaking of restaurants, get some intelligence on reasonable places to eat in the city where you’re headed. Hotel food is overpriced and not always representative of the city you’re visiting.
2-Bring a water bottle
Drinks are not only expensive in the terminal, but many airlines are now charging for drinks on the plane as well! And we all know that you are not allowede to bring bottles containing over 3oz of liquids onto the plane. There is no problem bringing an EMPTY bottle through security. I go through security then stop at the first waterfountain I see to fill up the bottle. Don’t like the taste of fountain water? Buy a package of those drink mix “sticks” and flavor it up. This also keeps me from buying drinks at my destination! Savings-about $3 per fill up.
This is great advice
They ripped me off on the flight to NY.
Then took away my drinks away at checkpoint when returning!