A trip to the US may seem out of your budget, and at first glance, you’re not entirely wrong. But what you may not know is that there are many tips that can save you a lot of money, whether while planning your trip or even while you’re there. Below, I’ve listed 10 of the best ways to save on your American vacation.
1. BOOK IN ADVANCE AND SAVE
It can’t be said enough: it’s better to book in advance. In addition to giving you more time to plan your trip, you can save a lot thanks to the excellent promotions offered by various service providers. Take, for example, recreational car rental contracts. Many rental companies offer packages that include free or unlimited mileage, free clothing, and other options if pre-booked. And the earlier you book, the more cars will be available and the lower the cost. It’s all about the number of people in demand and the number of people offering.
In addition to recreational car rentals, you’ll find several other interesting deals by booking in advance. There are special offers on accommodations, flights, and even activities and tours.
And don’t forget that if you book in advance, you have a better chance of getting a campsite inside a national park or the Antelope Canyon hike, which was the ultimate dream. So many benefits!
2. Travel is cheaper during the low season.
It’s a well-known fact that hotel, camping, and car and RV rental prices in the U.S. are lower during the off-season because there are fewer travelers and more availability. And it’s much more enjoyable to take a road trip when there’s less traffic on the roads, visit the Grand Canyon without having to struggle to find parking, and be able to take a photo of Horseshoe Bend without another tourist in the background.
3. FOR THE EYE OF THE EXCHANGE RATE
Yes, the exchange rate is important because following the US dollar exchange rate and booking at the right time can lead to significant savings.
Some websites, such as Investing.com, provide an overview of the trends and rates of other currencies against the US dollar by day, week, month, or year. For example, a $5,000 trip would have cost you €4,808 in March 2015, while if you had booked it in
4. BE SMART WHEN YOU FLY
These days, finding the best prices for U.S. airline tickets has become almost an art! In fact, several factors can affect the price of a flight . Here are our top tips:
- Be flexible about departure dates and times and the number of stops.
- Once you’ve found the cheapest dates, go to Skyscanner and Kayak to compare available flights and find the best price. Keep in mind that before booking your flight on one of these websites, always check the airline’s website —you never know!
- Travel on a weekday rather than a weekend (Tuesday to Tuesday, for example) and during the off-season if possible.
- Avoid booking flights too far in advance, but don’t wait until two weeks before departure, as prices will be higher. For flights to the U.S., an average of four months before travel is now the best time to find tickets at a good price.
- Compare prices before booking two round-trip flights (arriving in one city and departing from another). It can be much cheaper to arrive and depart from the same airport.
5. Bring your own GPS
Renting a GPS from a car or RV rental agency will cost you between 8 and 12 euros per day. If you’re traveling for a few weeks, it’s easy to see how you’ll save money by bringing your own GPS and downloading maps of North America before you go, or even purchasing one.
6. BUY A SIM CARD
Mobile internet access is increasingly becoming a vital tool for travelers, and the most economical way to access the Internet via your mobile phone while in the United States is to purchase a SIM card.
A SIM account will give you, among other things, Internet access through a prepaid data plan that you can use to connect to the network.
This account must be located inside your cell phone, replacing the person who normally operates it. It’s easy to obtain a driver’s license before leaving or even after arriving in the United States.
7. BRING YOUR CHILD’S CAR SEAT
When it comes to infant car seats, renting isn’t always a practical option. Besides being expensive, the rental company won’t be able to help you install it for insurance reasons .
Bring yours, it’s free !
8. BEAUTIFUL AMERICA AND FREE ACTIVITIES
If you plan to visit more than three U.S. national parks during your trip, purchase the America the Beautiful Pass for $80. At $35 per vehicle each time you visit a national park, the pass can save you a lot of money. You can buy the pass at the entrance of the first park you visit. It’s valid for 12 months. And don’t forget that all national parks offer exciting free activities . Ask for details!
9. PICNICS AND MORE
- Here are some ways to save on your food budget :
- Get it colder upon arrival and stock up on water, drinks, and nutritious snacks for the road. Free ice is available at most hotels, and if not, it’s easy and cheap to buy.
- Have picnics : Visit supermarkets like Safeway, which often have a sandwich counter and a wide selection of hot dishes and salads.
- Have you heard of “ early bird specials ”? Many restaurants offer special prices (up to 50% off) if you dine early, usually before 6:00 p.m. With kids, this can be a great and very affordable option.
- Portions in restaurants are often huge. Don’t hesitate to order a plate to share or ask for a doggie bag to take home leftovers. This is a very common practice in the U.S.
10. Save on gas
Download the free GasBuddy app, which will tell you in seconds where to find the cheapest gas station in your area.
Also, don’t forget to stock up on fuel outside of National Park boundaries whenever possible, as fuel costs outside the parks are significantly higher. A lack of supplies is always a sign that prices will be higher. The sum of all these tips will undoubtedly help you save money, leaving more money for the things that are important!
