If you know me, you know that traveling is a hobby of mine. Over the span of six months this year, I had visited six foreign countries, explored 13 cities, and lived on two different continents, all while in school full-time. Needless to say, my bank account decided it was time for a break from my favorite hobby. But with my retirement, I decided to share my travel secrets.
1. Avoid travelling at the height of season
July is the most expensive month to fly to and from Europe. Summer, in general, will make your wallet ache. November and January are the cheapest months you can travel. I spent $350 on a round-trip ticket to Copenhagen. In contrast, I was facing an $800 one-way ticket from Germany at the beginning of July. There are certain places I want to see in the summer and would not be the same in the winter (Versailles just doesn't have the same effect when everything is dead), but there are others that fare just as well in the winter. Aside from the plane ticket, you avoid the annoying crowds at popular tourist attractions (I actually saw the Mona Lisa up close, without a tourist group in front of me) and the jacked-up prices associated with tourist season.
2. Don't fly directly into your destination
It is SO much cheaper to fly into Copenhagen and Stockholm than it is to fly into Paris or Rome. Once you're across the ocean, it's incredibly affordable to fly between countries. If you have the time, taking trains or busses is a beautiful way to see the country. Flixbus is the cheapest way I've found to get between major cities. It takes longer than trains and flying, but if you have the time, I highly recommend it. Ryanair and Easyjet and budget airlines that go between major cities. Just don't forget to enjoy your layovers; just because it's not your end destination doesn't mean it doesn't have incredible sights to see.
3. Discount airlines
There are a few incredibly cheap airlines you can use to get across the pond. If you're leaving from Las Vegas, I HIGHLY recommend Norwegian Airlines. Through them, it's cheapest to fly to Copenhagen and Stockholm. If you're leaving from Los Angeles or Denver, WOW airlines is incredibly cheap and goes to Reykjavik, Iceland (however, I've never flown with them so it could also be a flying death trap). Explore your options and don't disregard an airline simply because you haven't heard of them. Do your research.
4. Avoid hostels
Hostels are infinitely cheaper than hotels; however, Airbnb's can be cheaper than hostels. They're also generally free of bed bugs (I've never had an experience with bed bugs in Airbnb's but have heard countless horror stories of encounters at hostels) and you can get local expertise on where to go in the town you're in. Some of the coolest bars I went to in Prague were a local secret that tourists would have NEVER found (think: underground maze from the 1800's, maybe even earlier). You also have the potential of having an entire apartment to yourself. I spent $19 a night and had an entire tiny home to myself – that's cheaper than most hostels. Airbnb: know it, love it.
5. Travel with a partner
Everything is cheaper when divided by two. Plus, how fun is it to try all the types of chocolate in Brussels by yourself?
I was always told to travel when I was young. I never wanted to postpone exploring the world until I finished college, or was more financially stable, or after I got married, or once the kids were out of the house, etc. because before I know it, I could be a 50 year old who may have never left my home town. I live by these tips to keep up with my favorite hobby – and so can you!
