Being a budget traveler doesn't have to mean that you vacation on a shoestring budget and stay with locals in a mud hut. Budget traveling is about having a great time and doing more while spending overall. You can do this by finding discounts on nearly everything and also changing some of the ways you travel. One of the easiest ways to save money is to change the way you pack. By packing everything you need in a carry-on, you can save up to $35 each way, because you won't have to pay steep bag-check fees. Saving on your flight won't make a difference if you have just shelled out $70 for your bag to fly, too. You don't need to bring everything you own to look good. Here are some simple ways to pack less and keep those steep fees from breaking your budget.
Mix and match - Bring enough clothes to last 5-7 days, but make sure it is all within the same color pallet, so that all bottoms coordinate with all tops. This way you can wear a variety of combinations and always have a new outfit you can pull out.
Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes - This is probably one of the rules women struggle with the most, but really, with so many great comfortable shoes on the market, there's no way you can't do it. Bring a wedge sandal for dressing up or going to dinner and a pair of good walking shoes for hiking and sightseeing. Wear the bulkiest ones on the plane and save space.
Accessorize! - Dress up that sundress or plain tank for a night on the town by adding some fun jewelry, a belt or a scarf. It'll turn your (probably-not-so) drab outfit into a fab one!
Bring items that multitask - This is a must. Items like a dress that is also a skirt or a beach cover-up that can be worn as a fun tunic are fantastic double-duty pieces. Even your iPad can be a multitasker. Use it to play games, listen to music, watch movies, answer your emails and as a laptop. One device, many functions.
Pare down your beauty products - How many times have you brought your entire bathroom and not used half of it? Bring the essentials and then toss in a few small things to give yourself a little oomph for a night out. Maybe a metallic eyeliner or a small pallet to give you a gorgeous smoky eye. And if you've got to bring your blow dryer or flat iron, downsize them by purchasing travel-size versions to keep in your bag at all times.
Travel lighter and more affordably. Make your friends jealous that you saved so much on your vacation and also can pack like a pro. If you need some extra help, find everything you need from merchants on Ebates to help you save even more. From carry-on bags to makeup, you can get cash back on it all.
ShareThis
