I'm going to Spain...I think. Let's just say my travel mates and I have agreed to location, but over the last couple of months, concrete travel plans have failed to launch. Now that the trip is just a couple of months out, it's time to stop playing around and start getting real.
Here are a few tips we'll use. Ok, "we" might be strong here. I'll propose these (and some will be shut down).
- Explore the off season. Indeed. I frolicked in Puerto Rico in September back in the days when my budget was really limited, but guess what? It's warm in the Caribbean year round, so go when most folks aren't there. Even if you can't change the season, be willing to fly or depart a day or two earlier.
- Travel with people who have similar dispositions or encourage you to try something new. Trips in which you try to avoid other people tend to be costlier. This isn't a suggestion that you travel with your twin, but find someone who will push you to really enjoy the surroundings. My sister did this in Cancun last year. I never would've gone horseback riding or driven an ATV through muddy paths.
- Ask locals what there is to do and try free activities such as walking tours. This is a new one for me. I first heard the advice at the BlogHer17 Travel Hack panel. These travel pros suggested visiting a local library or visitor's center to learn about specials and save money.
- Use cost saving services (eg. Groupon) for local adventures. It worked for Tiffany Haddish and Will and Jada. Watch the video.
- Book the first two hotel nights and your last night. Find adventure in between. This is another new one for me. I traveled to London by myself and wish I'd done this. While I had a nice hotel right at Leceister Square, it would've been lovely to explore other areas.