Great Hacks For Budget Travel: Top Sites for Cheap Trips
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Few things in life bring me greater joy than traveling. I love being able to cannonball into the sparkling blue waters when on a tropical island getaway or get lost in the bustling streets of a European city. But despite my ever-present wanderlust, I rarely travel — even to the local cafe! — due to how empty my wallet is. The idea of traveling to another country? You can forget it.
Fortunately, though, my best friend Cassie knows all the ins and outs of how to travel the globe at surprisingly affordable prices. Cassie’s always snapping pics for Instagram where she’s just casually posing under the Northern Lights or exploring a Christmas Market in Copenhagen. She’s such a dedicated traveler, that I one day bluntly asked her how she’s able to afford so many thrilling trips. “Don’t worry,” she told me. “I’ve got you covered.” It was then that she sent me a bunch of links to a bundle of travel websites that are designed to make your vacation as doable as possible.
When I tell you these sites are a total game changer, I mean it in the truest sense. After years of dying to book a trip to Italy, these discount-based websites have finally inspired me to plan my trip. So without further ado, pack your passports, and let’s hop on the next flight to your dream vacation — sans the anxiety that comes from overspending. Ready to save big time?
Booking.com
When it comes to solidifying your next trip Booking.com is a total life-saver. Whether it’s booking a hotel, finding location reviews, car rental services, or flights, this website has your back the whole way through. I love Booking, cause I never have to worry about letting even the little details slip through the cracks. With its organized layout and 24/7 customer service, you can be sure that you’re getting help from a travel agency that genuinely cares about your trip experience.
Plus, Booking.com is super diverse when it comes to your traveling goals. It understands that not everyone has the same budget, goals, or expectations. For instance, instead of just listing the usual hotel options, it also lists hostels, cabins, cottages, villas, apartments, and resort options. How cute?? That’s the thing about Booking — this simple traveling agency website helps you expand your imagination and allows you to consider the most charming and exciting opportunities that you might not have thought of otherwise. This way, you’ll get a once-in-a-lifetime, unique experience that’ll be unlike any trip you’ve ever taken before! Thanks to Booking.com, you can sip your Aporel Spritz while gazing out at a spectacular sunset from your oceanfront villa on the Amalfi Coast. Cozy up in an adorable French cottage in Provence. Make lifetime friends during your stay in a New Orleans hostel. Thanks to this accommodating and thoughtful travel agency, the choices are endless.
Plus, they also offer generous loyalty programs that help you save significantly in the long run. (Um, sign me up. Like, yesterday.)
Expedia
Expedia is terrific when it comes to planning your entire trip ahead of time. Not only does it offer the best flights with price drop protection, but it also lists a diverse selection of stays and an entire section dedicated to “Things To Do.” For people like me who prefer to plan ahead, so I can make the most out of my experience, I’m particularly intrigued by the “Things To Do” feature. It lists nearby options to enhance your trip, like nearby restaurants, scenic views, museums, wineries, and libraries. This way, you’ll never land at your dream destination spot and panic about, “Well, what to do now?”
Believe me, I’ve tried going on an unplanned trip before, and it was one of the most stressful experiences of my life. It didn’t matter that I was in paradise — sipping ice-cold pineapple daiquiris with the salty Caribbean breeze in my hair. The fact that I had booked my trip without a single plan for the trip itself caused so much stress, I totally wrecked my entire vacation. Now, I rely on sites like Expedia, so I never have to face the dread of traveling without a solid plan again.
Viator
Is your greatest fear traveling to a sophisticated country and coming off like a rude American tourist? Or is that just me? Because I’m one of those annoying snobs who wants the authentic travel experience, rather than the manufactured one. Headed to Italy to see Michaelangelo’s The David? Boooooring! Traveling to Paris for the Eiffel Tower? Yawn! How about something imaginative and authentic? Try the local culture for a change.
Fortunately, that’s where Viator steps in.
Viator promises scenic tours and activities that give you the genuine experience — like exclusive wine tours while passing Florence’s breathtaking frescoes or Go-Karting Tokyo’s colorful streets. Thanks to Viator, you’ll be offered an array of the most unique opportunities that you wouldn’t have heard of otherwise.
Agoda
Agoda is the smartest place to go when you’re looking for discounts and deals. As someone who’s on a tight budget, I thank my lucky stars every day for this service. It has loads of saving opportunities so that you get the most out of your trip for the lowest price possible.
They offer promotions of up to 20% off for Flights and Activities, and the best hotel options at reasonable prices. Let me just say I am a fan of all the wonders that Agoda has to offer.
Rentalcars.com
Last but not least — if you’re planning on taking control behind the wheel during your trip, Rentalcar.com is your new best friend. With Rentalcars, you never have to worry about additional fees, strict cancellation policies, or poor-quality vehicles. When it comes to car rental brands — including top-notch rentals like Hertz, Avis, Thrifty, Dollar Car Rental, and more — Rentalcars promotes the best of the best.
Honestly, I can’t thank my good ol’ pal Cassie enough for walking me through these travel hacks. They’ve changed my vacation experience. Now, I just kick back, relax, and soak in my dream location.
