TRAVEL | 5 Simple Ways to travel affordably (Featuring Maui Hawaii)

Travelling is expensive! But there are many ways to make it more affordable. I myself have learned a few ways to do so from my past travels and am still constantly learning and getting better at it.

As much as we hate the costs, my husband and I love travelling.. Recently, we went to Maui Hawaii and I'll be sharing my "usual travel tips" on how I made this trip's costs affordable and within our budget!

1. SCORE CHEAP FLIGHTS AND BE FLEXIBLE

Before deciding on when to travel, I take advantage of the internet to search for months or seasons that are best to go to my desired destination for cheap. For Maui HI, I found out that November is one of those months when flights go on sale. So I go to my favorite flight search website www.skyscanner.com and compare flights from different airports nearby me with different dates in November. I keep track of my search results for a good 4-6 weeks to see if prices are dropping or not. I make sure that I start this search 3-4 months ahead of my targeted travel month/date then decide to purchase within 50-60days before the decided flight dates.

And for sure I was able to score a 2 weeks trip flight for Maui HI from Norcal for $453 per person that was originally for $859 per person.

**Don't have a planned travel destination yet? Search for cheap places to travel to and choose what suits your travel mood then apply the same steps above.

2. EXPLORE ALTERNATIVE ACCOMODATIONS

Not everyone owns great hotel rewards account points for use when travelling. So I book other types of accommodation instead of hotels, with the same or even better amenities than hotels for less price. I love using Airbnb for my accommodation reservations! Airbnb 's prices in the US are not as cheap for the size, location & quality of the homes/spaces as they are in Europe, but trust me, they're still better and cheaper than the expensive hotel prices in Maui HI! I was able to book an entire 1 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment with its own kitchen and a beautiful ocean front view from the balcony in a nice and central location for 40% cheaper than a hotel priced so high just because of the ocean view.

And like tracking my flight search results, I do the same with Airbnb choices 2-3 months ahead and book one within 30-40 days prior to my travel dates.

**Others use hostels or share room/apartments with friends/travel buddies when travelling together to split the accommodation cost. Or do you have family or close friends living at your next travel destination? Why not ask to stay at their place and save money?

3. USE LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

That means buses, trains, subways or even just walking. Doing these when in Europe and other parts of the world not only is fun but also saves travelers money. Unfortunately it is not always possible in the US. A rental car is much needed - just like in Maui HI. What to do then? Search for local rental car businesses on the internet that offers cheaper discounted rates. Or the most common way, which I also do, is searching on Expedia.com or Kayak.com for affordable rental cars and make sure to choose among those that you can pay as you book and not those that you reserve and pay later that usually cost 40%-50% more expensive.

4. EAT WHERE THE LOCALS EAT

Taking advantage of social media nowadays helps me find restaurants, eateries and food that most of the locals eat and recommend to travelers for their great taste and affordable prices. Then I filter the selections to ones I and my husband would like to try and that are under our budget.

Also, cooking our own food using local ingredients is something we enjoy a lot as we also want to take advantage of our beautiful kitchen in our Airbnb.

5. DO FREE WALKING TOURS, FREE ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Don't you know that most of the popular travel destinations nowadays worldwide have their own free walking tours? Yes, they're totally free and you just pay tip at your own discretion to your tour guide. There are many sites to choose from when you do a google search.

I usually research and make my own free tour agenda or schedule with sightseeing and activities everytime we travel by searching and listing free places to see, things to do and events/festivals to attend on my own travelling notebook.

**Or if you have a set budget for one or a few affordable tours, I would suggest checking out www.viator.com.

Bottom line: Travelling can be expensive but savy travelers who are flexible and are always on the look out for good deals can save money by following even the most simple tips that work depending on various circumstances. And one important thing to keep in mind is your "budget", set it and stick to it!

Thank  you for reading and happy travelling!

Much love, Christie