Travel has become more and more expensive in recent years, and people are constantly trying to find ways to save money. But popular tourist destinations tend to be a bit pricey, which has caused people to start searching for more affordable alternatives. Fortunately there are many amazing and inexpensive destinations that you can explore, that are just as incredible as those well-known vacation spots. Ready to learn more? Let’s get started! From Liverpool to Bologna and more – here are some affordable alternatives to popular travel spots that we know you’re going to enjoy.
Visit Liverpool Instead of London
One of the most popular vacation destination spots in the United Kingdom is London. Unfortunately, London can get very crowded and can be very expensive. If you want to visit the United Kingdom but don’t want to spend a whole lot of money, a wonderful alternative to London is the beautiful city of Liverpool. Liverpool is full of so many exciting activities for you to try, and is a really fun place to explore. While here, be sure to check out the Liverpool Cathedral, watch live music at the Cavern Club, and spend a few hours at the Walker Art Gallery. You never know what hidden gems you’ll find while vacationing in Liverpool!
Explore Québec City Over Geneva
Although Geneva, Switzerland, is a very beautiful place to visit, it can also be pretty pricey. Fortunately, there’s a great alternative to Geneva, that is also closer to the United States – Québec City. Québec City in Canada has all of the same charm as Geneva, but at a fraction of the price. Although there are plenty of things to discover while in Québec, some of the places that you must see include Old Québec (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Musée de la Civilisation, Terrasse Dufferin, and La Promenade des Gouverneurs.
Take a Trip to Puerto Rico Rather Than Maui
Though Maui is probably one of the most beautiful destinations in the entire world, it is also very expensive. But there is another tropical spot that is significantly cheaper, that also has plenty of sunshine, beaches, and island vibes. That’s right, we’re talking about Puerto Rico! Puerto Rico is a wonderful place to go if you’re looking to do things such as relax on the beach, snorkel, paddle board, kayak, surf, or scuba dive. It also has plenty of affordable accommodation options, and some really tasty food.
See Bologna Instead of Rome
When you think of Italy, one of the first places you probably think of is Rome. Though Rome is an incredible place to visit, it can get very crowded and tends to be more expensive than other places in Italy. A wonderful alternative to Rome is a lesser-known city called Bologna. Bologna has that big city feel like Rome, but it is less crowded and cheaper to visit. You’ll love walking around Bologna and seeing all of the cute little shops and restaurants, and the best part about Bologna is that it is centrally located, meaning that many other cities in Italy are just a quick train ride away.Â
5 Tips For Saving Money on Your Next Trip
1. Be Flexible on Your Travel Dates
If you’re looking to save money on your next trip, the more flexible you can be with your travel dates, the better. Certain days are cheaper to travel than others, so be sure to keep a lookout to see what days are going to be the best for you. For example, it’s typically cheaper to fly during the week than it is to travel on the weekend.
2. Book in Advance
Another great tip to save money on your next trip is to book everything in advance. Once you know that you want to go on a trip, try to book your airline tickets, accommodations, transportation, and tickets to attractions as soon as possible.The further you book out, the cheaper things typically are.
3. Sign Up For Rewards Programs
There are so many wonderful rewards programs out there that you can use to help you save money while traveling. For example many airlines and hotel chains have rewards programs and will give you points everytime that you use them. Be sure to do your research and sign up in advance for these programs, and use your points in the future to get free flights and free stays at hotels.
4. Partake in Free Activities
Many popular tourist attractions require that you pay money to visit them. But did you know that there are many attractions that don’t require you to pay money? Yes, really! For example, some free things you can do while on your next trip include hiking, going to the beach, exploring the town, and there are even places such as museums that have free entry days.
5. Travel During the Off Season
Traveling during the busy season can cost you a lot of money. To avoid paying more, try to travel during the off season. Less people want to travel during these times meaning that things such as flights, hotels, and tickets will cost you less. For a lot of destinations, you’ll find that the off season is during the winter and the high season is during the spring or summer. So, if you can, do your best to travel during less busy times of the year.
A wonderful part of travel is that you don’t have to have a lot of money to go out and explore the world. There are so many beautiful places for you to discover, and the best part is that you can do it on your own terms, and at an affordable price. If you plan on going to one of the destinations listed above and need to obtain a passport, we can help! Head to our website to begin your application, and our team of travel experts will help you obtain your passport quickly and efficiently. No matter where your next adventures take you, we’ll get you there!
