I think we can all agree prices are truly skyrocketing lately. From gas to food to random goods, things are getting more and more expensive. Whether you are a saver or spender, it’s never a bad thing to learn some budgeting tips. With summer right around the corner, you still want to be able to live it up and not go in the hole. This is the year to not only enjoy, but to be smarter as well. Traveling may be expensive, but you can also make it work on a budget.
Nerd Wallet knows how expensive traveling can be, but they also know everyone loves doing it. So with the cost of things increasing, instead of stopping your travels why not be smarter about it. Take some easy tricks for saving money while you’re traveling and still enjoy a good time with those you love. Traveling does not have to be as costly as you may think. Here are 10 easy tricks for saving money while traveling. Enjoy your vacations, but stay smart with your money!
Pack Light
Packing light allows you multiple benefits including no checked bagged fees and the ability to get around easier. I know what it is like to overpack and have so many more things than you actually need, so if you pack specifically for your occasion you will save yourself the hassle.
Shop at Local Grocery Stores
Shopping at local markets can be adventure to allow you to experience a new area and find new grabs. But, it also helps you be able to save money on in between meal snacks and necessities and not expensive hotel treats.
Pack Snacks
While you’re at the store, be sure to grab snacks! This will save you money so you are not buying full meals or random food stops every few hours. If you can grab some snacks from home and pack them, then even better and you’re more prepared earlier.
Get Into the Airport Lounge
If you’re a premium member and can be inside the airport lounge, you’ll save money on having to buy such expensive airport food and drinks. Yes, it does cost to join but overtime it can end up saving you tons of money.
TSA PreCheck/Global Entry
Not only will you be allowed to get through airports faster and not stand in those long lines, but you may also get the application fee reimbursed with certain credit cards so that’s an even bigger bonus!
Take Advantage of Credit Card Free Night Certificates
Some hotel credit cards will offer free night certificates. If you have these, use them! Plan vacations around the free nights and not only be spontaneous but save yourself some money while earning those rewards.
Arrive Early
If you need to be at the airport, get there early! You may pay money for an overpriced ride when rushing, but also some rideshares have certain time frames more expensive heading to the airport. Do yourself a favor and just get there early to ave you the trouble.
Book Hotel Rooms on Points
Use your points! Why else do you have them? It is almost always a good idea to spend your hotel points rather than save them.
Travel During the Off Season
Not only is traveling during the off season a way to avoid crowds, but you’ll usually be able to get a better deal. From hotels to flights, prices tend to be significantly cheaper during the off seasons.
Tourist Attractions That Are Free
Everyone loves the fun excursions and fancy things to do, but why not be a tourist during your trip and visit the local favorites that don’t cost you any money. From walking around certain areas, shopping at local markets, and beaches you can enjoy so much in a new area for little to no cost.
14 Best North Carolina Beaches to Visit
14. Kure Beach
Kure Beach, NC | Events, Outdoor Adventures & Special Deals
Discover water activities, top attractions, small-town adventure and big-time family fun. Take a break from your deadlines to see why life's a little less hectic at Kure Beach. Located just 18 miles from Wilmington, here you'll find the kind of small-town beach you visited as a kid.
13. Kitty Hawk
Things to Do in Kitty Hawk, NC | Find Hotels & Restaurants
Of all the beach towns on the Northern Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk may have the most-lovely name but it's one whose roots are lost to time. Some say it's the Anglicization of the native word , for which we have no translation.
12. Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach, NC | Fun, Festivals, Fishing & The Beach
Hit the shore, enjoy live music, seaside fireworks on the Boardwalk & high-flying amusement rides. Trade your ordinary beach vacation for an extraordinary one! Find your laid-back beach vibe at Carolina Beach, one of the most down-to-earth, good-time beaches on the Atlantic Coast located just 15 miles from Wilmington.
11. Nags Head
Nags Head, NC - OuterBanks.com
Stop by Nags Head's Ben Franklin at Mile Post 10 on the Bypass where you will find everything you need for the beach! From Clothing, T-shirts and Swimwear to Boards, Chairs, Umbrellas and Tackle. You'll find it all...and of course, we have the best selection of Souvenirs anywhere on the Outer Banks.
10. Duck
Duck, NC | Restaurants, Hotels & Outdoor Recreation
Duck, the northernmost town on the Outer Banks, earned its name at the turn of the 20 th century thanks to the popularity of duck hunting in the Currituck and Albemarle Sounds.
8. Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach, NC | Events, Fishing & Activities
Enjoy an active island vacation with watersports, live music, scenic cruises & kids programs. From active lifestyles with plenty of watersports and outdoor healthy and wellness activities to friendly community gatherings, there's never a shortage of something happening year-round in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina's most accessible beach located just 8.5 miles from Wilmington.
7. Oak Island
Oak Island, NC | Home
Situated on the southern end of North Carolina's picturesque coastline, the Town of Oak Island encompasses nearly 20 square miles; offering 10 miles of pristine beachfront, along the 12 mile-long island from which the Town derives its name.
6. Topsail Island
History of Topsail Beach
Situated at the southern end of Topsail Island, off the coast of southeastern North Carolina, the Town of Topsail Beach is the smallest of the three communities located on the 26-mile long island. North Topsail Beach occupies the northernmost section, and Surf City, the largest town on the island, is in the center.
5. Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke Island Photo Tours and Travel Information
The Ocracoke Harbor is easily the busiest quarter mile stretch of Ocracoke Island. Consisting of a small, lagoon-like section of saltwater, and lined by a semi-circle of docks, restaurants, shops, marinas and motels, visitors will find that any and all of the activities on Ocracoke Island can most certainly be found harbor front.
4. Corolla/Currituck Beach
Outer Banks Beaches | Corolla, Currituck County Beach Access
Overlooking the vast expanse that is the Atlantic Ocean, you'll find Currituck's northern Outer Banks beaches of Corolla and Carova - more than 20 miles of windswept remote seascapes where you can enjoy strolling along our unspoiled shoreline, shelling or simply relaxing in the sun with a good book.
3. Cape Hatteras
Cape Hatteras National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)
The sound of ocean waves, the starry night sky, or the calm of the salt marshes, you can experience it all. Shaped by the forces of water, wind, and storms these islands are ever changing. The plants, wildlife, and people who live here adapt continually.
2. Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island NC
On February 25, 2022, Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc. (BHIT) provided initial public notification as required by law of a change in checked-baggage policies ordered by the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC). The NCUC order becomes effective April 1, 2022.
1. Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle, NC | Bogue Inlet & Emerald Isle Beach
Emerald Isle greets Crystal Coast visitors at the western end of Bogue Banks, offering 12 miles of pristine shoreline and incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Inlet.