All of us who love to travel hate to hear that the days of affordable travel are over, but the numbers don’t lie. Since 2000, the price of an airline ticket has gone up an average of 6% each year, faster than the rate of inflation. Is this trend going to continue? The End of Affordable Travel
If so, will we all have to cancel our next vacation? Maybe not, but there are some things you should be aware of when planning your next trip—before it’s too late. Here are some things you can do right now to make your next trip more affordable than ever before.
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Is travel becoming more expensive?
If you’re hoping to book a vacation in the near future, then we’ve got some bad news for you: travel is becoming increasingly expensive. A new report from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics shows that consumer prices for both airfare and accommodations have been on the rise for years now, with flights up 30% since 2006 and hotel rates up 13%.
Of course, these price hikes aren’t really unexpected; after all, more people than ever are traveling – so they’re naturally going to raise their prices accordingly.
However, increases like these make us wonder if we’ll ever be able to afford a trip again (we won’t hold our breath). What do you think? Will travel remain affordable or will prices continue to rise throughout 2014 and beyond?
How to plan a trip on a budget.
For budget-conscious travelers, there’s good news and bad news. On the one hand, the cost of travel—at least when it comes to hotels—has been going up over the last few years.
According to The New York Times, rates are expected to rise even more in 2014 and 2015. But on the other hand, if you know where to look, you can still find affordable options.
Here are a few tips for planning a trip on a budget
How to save time while traveling.
Many people are cutting back on expenses, including travel. While the end may be near for cheap flights and vacations, there are still ways to save money when traveling.
The first step is to plan ahead.
a) The second step is to keep your eyes open for deals and discounts.
b) The third step is to use the right credit card.
c) The fourth step is to make sure you get the most out of rewards programs like frequent flyer miles or hotel points.
When things go wrong, don’t stress.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that because one (or more) things went wrong, your trip is doomed. That’s just not true. If you don’t allow a mishap or two to throw you off course, there’s no way your travel plans will go south.
And even if they do, isn’t learning how to deal with adversity one of the best lessons a traveler can learn? Remember that when things go wrong, you have two choices: panic or think through the problem methodically and logically.
The first choice leads nowhere good; the second leads anywhere at all.
Why being spontaneous can sometimes backfire.
One good way to plan an affordable vacation is to be flexible with your itinerary. If you’re only willing to stay in one place, budget a lot more money for your travels. With some flexibility, you can choose a few destinations that are less expensive and make your vacation go much further.
For example, the West Coast is often significantly cheaper than the East Coast. Spending one week in New York City and the next in San Francisco will stretch your dollar far more than either destination alone.
Look for cheaper alternatives.
Look, you can travel the world on $50 per day. You really can. But that doesn’t mean you should. Instead, stop and think for a minute about the things that are important to you when traveling: location, comfort, food…anything else?
What is your budget and what do you want to prioritize spending on when traveling around the world—and why? Whatever your reasons may be (I want to feel like I am traveling, not just having a nice vacation; I don’t eat meat; I want to be right in the thick of things), look at your travel preferences and figure out how they align with your budget.
Be flexible with your itinerary.
But the truth is, travel in 2016 is no longer about saving up for the once-in-a-lifetime trip. Since 2008, in fact, the number of trips taken by U.S. citizens has dropped each year and is now at its lowest since 1995, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal—and Millennials seem to be leading the charge on taking less vacations than ever before.
Get out and explore local areas when you arrive.
These days, you don’t have to break the bank to travel abroad. Oftentimes, using public transportation or staying in hostels is an affordable way to get around.
Of course, for some destinations, renting a car or flying might be the most effective and budget-friendly method. Whichever option works best for you depends on your destination and your preference.
Why late flight bookings are sometimes best.
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that airfares are much cheaper when purchased in advance. But there are circumstances when the opposite is true.
In fact, some tickets are not just cheap but ridiculously inexpensive if booked at the last minute. Here’s why that can happen and how you can profit from it.
How to be smart about alcohol and cigarettes when traveling abroad.
When traveling abroad, it can be hard to avoid expensive taxis and overpriced hotel rooms. In some countries, hotels charge exorbitant sums for a few beers and a snack. But if you know what to look out for, you can save money on food and alcohol while you travel the world.
With these tips, you’ll still be able to throw back an ice-cold beer or two after your day of sightseeing ends with no trouble at all.