Globetrotters: 5 Expert Tips For Smart Traveling Amidst Sky-High Inflation

After such a long stint spent indoors during the pandemic, many Americans have come down with a strong case of Wanderlust. Despite the rise in fuel and travel expenses across the globe, travelers are set on getting out of town. There has been a massive rise in travel, and it doesn’t look like it will let up anytime soon. If you have caught the travel bug, here are five expert tips to stay smart while traveling this summer, despite inflation.

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1. Build a Budget

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Create a budget specifically for your trip. Include transportation, lodging, food, outings, etc. Be as detailed as possible. If you plan to cook for yourself (which may be an extra way to save funds), count those expenses, if you plan to eat out, add that. Do your best to make sure all of your plans are accounted for. It would also be wise to add a section for unknown expenses, should an unexpected opportunity come up. Along the same vein, add an emergency fund in case of less fortunate surprises.

As you approach the date of your departure, revise your budget. Is there any extra expense you can do without? This may take a little sacrifice, but it will pay off in the end (literally). If you plan on visiting three tourist destinations, try cutting one out, and go to two. If you want to eat out five times, try making do with three. Any little bit will save you and your wallet some grief down the road.

2. Think Outside of the ‘Touristy’ Box

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When it comes to deciding where you want to go, try to avoid the more popular sites. Because so many tourists are flooding into those areas, prices are sky-rocketing. Your long-anticipated trip to the Eiffel Tower in Paris may just have to wait a little longer. Instead, aim to be a little more adventurous and go somewhere a little more niche.

There are many areas, full of history or natural wonders that often get overlooked in favor of Versailles or the Leaning Tower of Pisa. For example — instead of Santorini, head to a lesser-known, but just as stunning Greek island like Skiathos. It is just as beautiful, boasting similar scenery, but is less packed and easier on your wallet. Your travel experience will be just as — if not more — enjoyable with a significantly lower price tag.

3. Consider Travel Insurance

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An often overlooked, yet important travel tip is traveler’s insurance. It tends to be avoided, because jargon-filled policies can leave you feeling confused and not understanding what the benefits of purchase are. This season especially, travel protection is necessary — accidents are not foreseeable! Hundreds of thousands of bags are lost every month. There is also the risk of sickness, delayed or missed flights, etc. That’s potentially thousands of dollars of your trip fund lost.

Vice president of communications and brand at Faye travel insurance, Lauren Gumport, remarked, “The risk of catching disease abroad, coupled with inflation, has made consumers put an emphasis on traveling smart, while also rethinking their destinations, opting for more off-the-beaten-track cities or being more flexible with dates to secure less-costly flight tickets. That said, all this hasn’t stopped them from hitting the skies in order to make up for lost moments and reconnect with loved ones. At Faye, our goal is to be at travelers’ sides for every step of their journeys, so they can remember their trips for the right reasons, while we take care of the rest.”

Faye travel coverage protects pretty much anything and everything related to travel, such as flight delays, health (including expenses related to disease), lost luggage and more. And their 24/7 support team is there not only for emergencies, but to also offer local travel tips and advice.

As we have seen over the past few years, plans can change quickly. Disease still poses a real risk to travelers. In order to keep yourself and your wallet covered, travel insurance may be a wise decision.

4. Be Flexible

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Being flexible with your travel plans can make all the difference in saving you cash. Try to be open minded, even if it may be a little less convenient. Rather than insisting on leaving on a comfortable noon flight, you might have to take that red-eye. It could prove to save you hundreds, or even thousands, in airfare costs. Consider leaving a day or two earlier or later than what would be ideal. Oftentimes ticket prices can vary drastically from day-to-day. Of course, if the earlier ticket is cheaper, consider your lodging cost.

Regarding lodging, try to be a little more flexible as well. Consider your priorities. Do you have friends you could stay with rather than booking a hotel? If you do go with a hotel, could you book a smaller room and utilize an air mattress. Hostels can also be a cheap hotel alternative when traveling abroad, especially for younger adventurers. Just be sure to do lots of research beforehand to ensure your safety if considering this option.

5. Utilize Alternative Travel

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Fuel prices are on the rise for both air travel and cars. Out of planes, trains, and automobiles, trains could prove the best option for this summer’s adventures. There has been a rise in train travel over the past few years as many travelers discover the benefits to this more relaxed form of getting around. While it may not have as many travel options as automobiles and planes, locomotive travel can prove just as much as an adventure. If you want to travel and are open to train routes influencing your itinerary, the train may be the perfect, inexpensive option for you.

Don’t Let Inflation Deflate Your Wanderlust

There are many options for travel, despite the less-than-ideal circumstances. It might not be your “dream trip,” but it can certainly prove an adventure. By simply taking steps to prepare while at the same time being open-minded to alternatives, you can turn this summer into the perfect vacation.