With Christmas just around the corner, many of us are eagerly making plans for trips near and far to spend quality time with families or reconnect with friends.
However, as you dive into vacation planning, you may have noticed that transportation costs are taking up a larger portion of your vacation budget compared to previous years. Indeed, the price of gas has been on the rise throughout 2023, and airfares are inevitably more expensive during the holiday season.
Now, we don’t mean to cast a shadow on your holiday spirit, but it’s important to be aware that gas prices are expected to continue to rise next year. So, why not take the opportunity to explore strategies for saving on transportation not just for your upcoming Christmas trips, but for your everyday life as well?
In this blog, we will provide you a comprehensive guide to help you save more on transportation costs. Let’s get started!
Vacation transportation
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It’s true that car rentals can be an excellent option for traveling around when staying in a vacation spot for weeks or months or in areas without an efficient public transportation system. However, without meticulous planning, car rentals can easily become a drain on your holiday budget and ruin your dream vacation.
One tip to spend less on car rentals is to avoid tenting a car on the spot. Car rental companies often offer random deals during specific window, allowing you to save big on a rental car by booking online in advance. Before making your decisions, it’s worth spending some time to search for coupons, deals and compare prices.
Another way to pay less on car rentals is to consider smaller cars whenever possible. Opting for a compact car, for example, not only tends to be much cheaper but can also help you get around easily on narrow roads and save on gas expense. In crowded spaces, a small vehicle also means easier parking.
Taking public transportation
Steep cab fees can put a squeeze on your travel fund, leaving you with less money to enjoy your trip. Instead of relying solely on cabs or renting a car, try local public transportation such as buses, trains or subways, to explore your destination at a fraction of the cost while immersing yourself in the local culture.
To save extra money, consider purchasing a daily or weekly pass in major cities in Western Europe. These passes typically allow unlimited rides on the city’s bus and train system within a specific time frame. If you plan to visit multiple countries in Europe, a Eurail pass is one of the best deals to make your cross-continent trip more affordable and much easier.
If you haven’t finalized your itinerary, it’s totally fine to make a last-minute purchase. Just make sure your mobile data plan has sufficient data remaining and supports roaming. Contact your service provider to avoid unexpected additional charges or simply switch to an unlimited data plan to save the hassle.
Nowadays, unlimited data plans are not always more expensive. In fact, by signing up for federal programs like Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) through EASY Wireless, you will qualify for an exciting FREE unlimited package, including a FREE smartphone if you happen to be living in certain states! Saving on other travel expenses can also improve your vacation experience.
Everyday transportation
Cut back on gas
Many grocery stores and bulk stores like Costco offer gas rewards programs or discounted gas for their members. By taking advantage of these programs, you can save money at the pump by earning points or discounts. Alternatively, consider buying discounted gas gift cards, which are sold at a lower price than their face value.
More importantly, developing fuel-efficient driving habits can significantly improve your gas mileage. For example, avoid aggressive acceleration and sudden braking, as these actions consume more fuel. Maintaining a relatively steady speed is one of the easiest ways to save gas. When traveling on highways, use cruise control to drive within the speed limit and improve your fuel economy.
Reassess your car insurance
Do you know that the average cost of car insurance is nearly $2,200 per year? It’s a substantial expense that can easily be overlook but have a big impact on your daily life by draining your bank account. Take the time to review and assess your current insurance plan may free up extra budget.
Insurance premiums can vary significantly among insurers, thus, it’s worth exploring different options to find the best deal. Insurance companies also offer discounts from time to time, allowing you to pay less for the same coverage. Remember to compare not only the premiums but also the overall coverage, customer services and additional perks.
Plan your trip
Are you aware of how much you are spending on parking fees each month? Even small parking fees can quickly add up and hurt your wallet. Good news is that we have many ways to save such miscellaneous costs.
Parking apps, for example, can be incredibly useful in finding available parking facilities around your destination within just seconds. Keep in mind that opting for a cheaper lot may require a sightly longer walk, but with the assistance of map apps, you can plan your itinerary in advance and factor in the extra time needed to reach your destination.
In addition, map apps provide real-time traffic information, enabling you to avoid congested areas and save both time and gas.
Carpooling or ridesharing
Many taxi services in big cities like UberPOOL offers cost-effective ridesharing or carpooling services, which can help you save about 20-40% on your ride fare by sharing the ride with other passengers.
If you feel uncomfortable staying in a vehicle with strangers, talk to you coworkers or friends to form your own carpool group. This will not only results in savings, but also provides a great opportunity for social interaction, making your daily commute more enjoyable.
Walk or Bike
It goes without saying that getting around on your own two feet or a bike can lead to significant savings. You can save all car related expense once and all, including fuel, insurance, maintenance fee and expensive parking fees.
And that’s not all. Walking or cycling as a transportation option provides you an opportunity to incorporate physical activities into your daily routine, improving your overall health and fitness levels. You can also avoid traffic jams and parking hassles in many crowded cities.
In recent years, bike pedaling has become increasingly popular in many countries as public awareness of environmental protection grows. You can contribute to keeping the air clean while getting a wonderful workout
Saving on transportation can be challenging, but as our tips above have shown, it is certainly doable with careful planning and consideration of various factors. Another important thing to bear in mind is that while achieving these savings may require some effort and lifestyle adjustments, making conscious choices about how you commute and maintain your vehicle can also lead to significant savings over time. It’s important to strike a balance between cost savings and convenience based on your individual circumstances and priorities.
