How to Travel on a Budget

Strapped for cash but still need a vacation? If your goal is to travel somewhere different and gain new experiences, good news: you can definitely travel on a budget. Traveling on a budget may be tricky but it's still possible. Here are a few tips on how to travel frugally:

Off season = more savings

Skip popular summer vacation destinations in favor of somewhere off the beaten path - you'll avoid skyrocket prices, scams and long lines at tourist attractions while profiting from a more enriched experience. Bonus: traveling off season means less coworker competition for time off, making it more likely you'll get approved.

If you prefer cold weather over hot, visit Barcelona or Paris in winter - what could be more romantic than sneaking into a warm cafe to watch rain or snow fall on rustic streets?

Consider alternative lodging
AirBnB is a game-changer. You can have exclusive access to an entire house or apartment with all the modern conveniences not typically afforded by hotels e.g. full size fridge, washer/dryer, stovetop kitchen and other home comforts. Bonus: in some cities AirBnB can be even cheaper than a hotel.

Depending on your budget, you can also rent a private or shared room in a house or apartment. Travel with a friend and split the cost to further drive down prices. Increase your odds of a good time by seeking out hosts with 50+ positive reviews and connecting with them in advance.

Note: plan out which attractions you'd like to visit then choose a place based on its proximity to those attractions - there's no point saving money on location if you'll be spending more on transportation instead. A hotel might be more expensive up-front but can save you on taxi costs whereas a remote AirBnB stay might drive up transportation costs, so do your research.

Go local
Los Angelenos! You have a wealth of travel options available at your toes! Make a day trip out of visiting MOMA (Museum of Modern Art), Huntington Library or the Griffith Laboratory. Got a weekend? Spend it in San Diego, Newport Beach or Claremont.

There is so much to do in LA, it's a waste to spend all your time on Beverly Drive, Westwood or Century City. There is a huge world around you - open your eyes to expand your possibilities.