If you’re not careful, travel costs can add up quickly. Today’s gas prices are the highest they’ve ever been, but that shouldn’t stop you from traveling altogether. To enjoy trips to different cities without breaking the bank, you need to cut costs like transportation. To help give you the best vacation at a bargain, you need to know the cheapest way to travel.
Cheapest Way To Travel Long Distance
There isn’t a clear-cut cheapest way to travel. There are a variety of factors that can affect how expensive transportation is. Things like gas prices and discounted tickets can all play a part. Here’s a general overview of your options for traveling long distances:
Train
Trains were the only commercial way of traveling long distances before planes were invented. Generally, taking a train is cheaper than flying and has more benefits. You’ll get extra leg room and be able to bring more luggage with you. You also won’t be burdened with the hassles of driving and paying for gas.
Plane
Taking a flight is the fastest and safest way to travel. It can also be the most expensive. However, there are some benefits to getting from one city to another in just a couple of hours or less. You get more time to explore the city and may not be as exhausted from traveling. If you value the quality of your experience over getting the cheapest way to travel, you may want to take a flight instead.
Renting a car
On paper, renting a car is much cheaper than flying. You’ll only have to pay the rental fees, tolls, and gas. This does come at a cost, though: driving for long hours can be a pain. However, if you want to bring a car on your vacation, it can be a cost-efficient way to travel. This is especially true if you know the…
Cheapest Way to Travel with a Car
There are several ways you can cut costs on traveling if you’re set on bringing a car. Here are a few things you can do to lower your transportation budget:
GasBuddy App
Gas will be your main expense when traveling with a car, especially now. The GasBuddy app can help you locate the cheapest gas station near you.
Speaking of useful apps, I have a list of the best budgeting apps you can use. Check it out here!
Carpooling
Planning a trip with friends isn’t usually just more fun but is also more efficient. If you can carpool with people going to the same destination, you can split the gas and toll fees.
Stow the car
Want to bring a car without having to drive the whole way? Many carriers offer a stowing service so you can take a flight or train and bring the car with you. It will cost extra, but it can save you from driving for hours.
Cheapest Way to Travel In a New City
Traveling to another city is one thing, but traveling around that city is another. With how expensive gas prices are these days, you might want an alternate way of getting around. Here are the three cheapest ways to travel around in a new city:
Biking
Biking is the most cost-efficient way of traveling around a single city, especially if you live in a cyclist-friendly city. Besides buying the bike and protective gear, biking costs almost nothing besides energy. You won’t have to worry about gas, either. It’s also a great way to get a good workout! Many cities offer a bike rental service, so it’s best to do your research.
Walking
Walking is the cheapest way to get around a city, but it has a long list of cons. You’ll get sweaty and tired, and it definitely isn’t all that fast. That being said, there’s something nice about taking a slow, relaxing walk in a new city.
Commuting
If you want to experience what a city has to offer, commuting is the best way to do it. While it can be pricier than biking or walking, it lets you see what it’s like to actually live in that city.
If you think you can live in a different city, why not give it a try? Check out my guide to moving out with no money for some tips.
Other Ways to Cut Your Travel Costs
Every penny saved adds up when you’re trying to travel on a budget. Here are a few more things you can do to cut your travel costs:
Skip the snacks
Airplane food is notoriously overpriced. If your flight isn’t more than a few hours, you should skip the snacks altogether.
Keep yourself occupied
You’ll be more tempted when the snack cart rolls by if you’re not occupied with something. Bring a book to keep yourself from spending money on overpriced snacks.
Not reading anything right now? Let’s change that! Check out these 15 must-read personal finance books.
Get travel rewards
If you travel frequently, you may have a credit card with a travel rewards program. Be sure to utilize it for some sweet discounts and other benefits, like earning points.
Find discount sites
Discount sites, like the ones found in my article, are free resources you can use to save a quick buck. You can use them every day, too, not just for traveling!
Get an Airbnb with a kitchen
When going on vacation, you may book an Airbnb over a hotel. When you do, be sure to get one with a kitchen! That way, you can cook your own food instead of eating out every meal.
Set aside your budget
Don’t keep your travel budget in the same account as your savings! By doing this, you’ll prevent yourself from overspending. You’ll be less tempted to go over your travel budget when you’re using a separate fund or bank account.
Those aren’t the only tips I can share for saving money while traveling. That’s why you should join the money squad! As a member, you’ll receive personal finance tips and insider information from me. Did I mention that signing up takes no time and is completely free? What’re you waiting for? Join today!
