5 Secrets to Traveling on a Budget

Worried about the cost of travel is the number one concern for most people. I get it; this used to be me, but traveling doesn't have to break the bank. I will share with you 5 tips for budget-friendly travel, so you can stop letting that worry get in your way of living your dream and exploring new places. Plus, 5 affordable destinations to help plan your next adventures.

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5 Secrets to Budget-Friendly Travel

Travel Off-Peak Season for Better Deals

I know this can be a challenge, especially if you have kids or, like I used to, work as a teacher with limited vacation windows. But the truth is, timing is key! Avoiding peak seasons can really help you save money on hotels, flights, and even activities during your stay.

Peak season is typically whenever the kids are out of school, so holidays, spring break and summer vacation. Planning a trip in the winter and early spring from January to early March can save you some money, and also September to early November. These months are considered the Shoulder season as they are before and after the peak season months.

Affordable Destination to check out:

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is a beautiful little historic area with lots of walkable streets. Savannah is considered an affordable city to visit due to many of the free and affordable activities you can find nearby, such as parks. If you like museums, Savannah offers multiple museums at low-cost rates.

However, just like I mentioned before it is recommended to visit Savannah in the off season in early spring for lower prices in accommodations.

• Free Activities: Walking around the park, such as Forsyth Park

• Accommodations: Average hotel stay is around $148 a night

• Meals: $10 - $70 depending on your budget

• Fun and cheap activities: Museums

Take Public Transportation

If you are flying in, try to skip renting a car and either walk to nearby attractions or you can opt for Uber, or public transportation to local areas.

This is something we always do, and it saves so much money. You don't have to worry about the gas, parking fees, and a lot of hotels will charge a parking fee as well. So, also consider that if you are driving in.

One of my favorite destinations that have some amazing public transportation, is Hawaii. However, there are ways you can make this an affordable trip, but the prices, mainly airfare can vary on this.

So, I suggest looking for some great locations that are very walkable. New Orleans is one, but another favorite affordable destination rather than spending money on Uber costs is Austin, TX.

Affordable Destination to check out:

Austin, Texas

Austin, TX is known for its live music. Yes, I mentioned New Orleans earlier, but Austin's 6th Street is also compared to New Orlean's Bourbon Street. In fact, Bourbon Street of Texas is one of Austin's 6th Street nicknames along with the Dirty 6th.

Austin is known for its live music, while all types of music can be found playing in Austin they are prominently known for their Blues music.

The best and affordable times to visit Austin is between March - May and September- October. Also, these months are when the weather is unbearably hot either.

• Free Activities: Explore Zilker Park or watch the Congress Avenue Bridge Bats

• Accommodations: Average hotel stay in Austins is around $147 a night

• Meals: $6 to $42 (you can find food trucks available for affordable lunches)

• Fun and Cheap Activities: Walking tours, Bat cruise

Stay Outside Major Tourist Areas

If you don't mind driving or getting an Uber, staying outside of popular tourist areas could save you more money in the long run, especially if you plan to travel during the peak season.

Hotel costs always vary and one of my tips for getting a cheaper rate on your hotel stay is to book it during the Wave season, which is January to March. If you plan to travel during peak season, you can definitely find some cheaper prices if you book early and during this off-season time.

Affordable Destination to Check Out:

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is popular for its beautiful red rock formations and hiking trails. If you love nature and beautiful desert landscapes, along with a little quieter vibe to your vacation, this could be the place for you to visit.

Sedona is really known for outdoor adventures, such as hiking and there are several free trails you can hike, but you can also find some amazing art galleries as well.

• Free Activities: hiking trails, walking the shops, and admiring the gorgeous night sky

• Accommodations: Average hotel stay in Sedona is around $230 a night

• Meals: $8 to $58 (if you are looking for fine dining you can pay close to $500 a person)

• Fun and Cheap Activities: Sightseeing tours, Spiritual tours, Wildlife Park

Dine Like a Local

I always look forward to local cuisine when visiting a new place. If you stay away from chain restaurants and even touristy restaurants and opt for more of the local dining experience, you can definitely save some money every time.

One of my favorite things to do to scout out local eateries before I travel is to find local Facebook groups within the city I am planning to visit. You can always ask where some great local places are to eat.

Affordable Destination to Check Out:

San Antonio, Texas

Back in Texas, which is such a great and affordable place to visit, San Antonio is known for the Alamo, the River Walk, Sea World and Fiesta, a festival celebrating Latino heritage. There are so many affordable things to do here, but the food is amazing. Just like in Austin, you will find some Texas Barbeque here, tacos, and yes even breakfast tacos. San Antonio's food also include Chicken-on-a-stick.

The street tacos, I would have to say, are my absolute favorite and you cannot visit San Antonio without trying their tacos.

• Free Activities: Visit the Alamo, the famous River Walk and even browsing vendors at El Mercado

• Accommodations: Average hotel stay in San Antonio is approximately $150 a night

• Meals: $13 to $55

• Fun and Cheap Activities: Hop-on-Hop-off Trolley tour, San Antonio Zoo

Use Rewards Points and Discount Programs

You can save money by using travel rewards credit cards, for example. When you sign up for certain credit cards you can not only earn cash back with some of your spending, but you can also earn point to use toward your flights, hotels and rental cars.

There are also some added benefits to this such as airport lounge access and travel insurance. Using our travel credit cards is actually how we flew to Hawaii for free. We racked up points for our flights on our everyday purchases, such as groceries.

Affordable Destination to Check Out:

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is known for, well their beaches, but also delicious food, golfing and lots of shopping. My last trip to Myrtle Beach, all the men went golfing while the woman laid on the beach and enjoyed some shopping afterwards, and then later that night we met up for a dinner & show at Pirates Voyage.

If dinner and show is something you enjoy you can find a lot of that here in Myrtle Beach. The best time to visit Myrtle Beach during the spring months to avoid the hotter temperatures and humidity.

• Free Activities: the beach, walk and explore Broadway at the Beach

• Accommodations: $180 a night

• Meals: $10 - 68 (fine dining options for up to $300 a person)

• Fun and Cheap Activities: Miniature golf, Ripley's Aquarium, Sky Wheel

Affordable travel is all about planning and being resourceful. Whether you are planning to enjoy the historic sights of Savannah or soaking up the sun in Myrtle Beach, planning the best time to travel and where to stay can help you to save a little extra money to enjoy fun activities on your next adventure. I always suggest, to do price comparisons to be sure you are getting the best prices.

What's your favorite tip for traveling on a budget?