Your wallet can take a hard hit when it comes to traveling. Often, when we think of planning for a vacation we think about saving on that large chunk of money we will need to set aside before even packing our bags. But did you know there are also creative ways to save money while you are already on the go? Here are five of them.

• Start with your budget

This doesn’t mean to be a penny pincher. After all, the whole point of a vacation is to treat yourself. But knowing when to save and when to splurge is important and, if you have established your budget beforehand, it can make the spending much easier to track. You can also look for better deals such as a bed and breakfast hotel package. It also helps if you visit travel sites like Tours4Fun ahead of time to look for more affordable rates on different tours. While it may sound stressful at the beginning, it can actually decrease your traveling stress in the long run.  

• Bring snacks 

This is especially true if you have kids with you. If your travel plans include a variety of outings, pack your own trail mix and water bottles to help everyone refuel. These are often much cheaper than what you will find at your destination and you won’t have to waste time hunting down snack bars or waiting in lines.

• Keep an eye out for city tourist cards 

These offer a lot of discounts on local shops, restaurants, and other locations. They may even spark some new ideas as to places to visit. Depending on your plans and the other costs for your trip, the money you pay upfront for one of these could be worth it. On that same note, check for other kinds of travel discounts, such as hotel reward points or companies like InCruises that allow you to make money as you travel.

• Go the extra block for restaurants

It might seem more convenient to be closer to stop and eat near a lot of the main attractions of your destination, but it could also be more expensive. You often don’t even have to go far to find better prices. This is also true when it comes to booking a hotel room. The further from tourist locations, the cheaper things are likely to be. Check out Carmel hotels when you’re traveling to California.

• Watch for free activities

You might be surprised at how many free things there are to do at your destination. You can often find these kinds of activities by looking through community calendars or by simply joining walking tours and taking a stroll down the streets. Some locations, if not free, may offer special discounts on certain days.

An important part of traveling to a new place is the chance to relax and find a break from everyday stress. Investing in simple habits like these and others can help you to stay present on your trip and can help to make your getaway all the more refreshing. You can plan your next travel getaway with a professional travel agency so that you can fully enjoy your next adventure!