2022 is the year of revenge travel. If you’re one of the millions of people planning a summer vacation, I’ve got the scoop on how you can make the most of your travels without breaking the bank.
SKYSCANNER ROULETTE
Not sure where you want to go, but know you need to get out of town? I’ve lived abroad for over five years, and Skyscanner roulette is one of my favorite games to play. Head to Skyscanner.com and type in your home airport and travel dates. Instead of choosing a destination, type “everywhere” into the destination box.
Skyscanner searches flights around the world and filters them by cheapest destination. I can get to Morocco, Spain, France, and Luxembourg from my home in Portugal for less than $100!
FLY ON CHEAPER DAYS
While we’re talking about cheap flights, did you know it’s cheaper to fly on certain days? If your vacation time is flexible, move the departure and return dates to see if you can save a few bucks. As a rule, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually cheaper for departures, and Mondays and Tuesdays are generally more affordable for returns.
MEETUP
Want to have some unique experiences and save a few bucks? Check out the Meetup app for social activities and tours. You’ll likely meet locals who can give you great tips you won’t find in the guidebook. Meetup has enabled me to have dinner in a stranger’s home, go on a street art scavenger hunt, and play trivia with people from around the world.
HAVE A FANCY LUNCH
Did you know that you can have Michelin-starred lunches for a fraction of the price of their dinner? If you want a fancy experience without the three-digit price tag, check the restaurant’s website to see if they offer lunch options.
COLLECT POINTS
Make your money work for you! Swap out your credit card for a points credit card, and earn money for your travels as you shop.
Note: Don’t spend money just to get the points, and always pay off your credit card. Debt is a major bummer for travel!
TAKE A FREE WALKING TOUR
Okay, so a free walking tour isn’t *really* free since you should tip your guide (and tip generously). But even after giving a great tip, it’s usually cheaper than paid tours. Do your research to find a free tour with excellent reviews.
TAKE A VOLUNTEER VACAY
Taking time away from work to work seems like a ridiculous proposition, but hear me out. While in Italy, I volunteered for a grape harvest and an olive harvest. Instead of spending my way through Tuscany, I had free places to stay and free meals. The work was challenging, but tasting spicy, green, first-press olive oil and drinking wine made from the previous year’s grape harvest made the tough work worth it! Plus, I got to live with local families who took me to festivals I would never have known about as a tourist!
DECIDE WHERE TO SPLURGE AND WHERE TO SAVE
As you plan your trip, decide what’s most important to you. Are you a major foodie? Incorporate some expensive meals into your itinerary and stay in a hostel or cheaper hotel. Do you need a giant dose of relaxation? Splurge on a trip to a spa or a nice hotel and eat at more affordable restaurants. Just because you’re traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you need to stay in a 12-person dorm at a hostel and eat ramen noodles every day.
It’s time to get your revenge on the past two years of “unprecedented times.” So book the flight, pack your suitcase, and get out there and see the world!
About The Writer
Brittany Kulick
Brittany Kulick is a freelance copywriter and the founder of The Sweet Wanderlust, a travel blog for people with a sweet tooth and a taste for adventure.
