Roughly half of Americans are open to traveling this summer, but between higher costs and ongoing economic uncertainty, they’re thinking more carefully about how and where they spend their money.
With a little planning and five practical steps, you can cut costs without cutting corners and enjoy a trip worth taking.
- Choose budget-friendly destinations
If you haven’t nailed down your vacation yet, Know that Mexico, Europe, and Asia are more expensive than they were a year ago. For better value, look to Canada or the Caribbean. Daily expenses like food, transportation, and activities won’t feel like a squeeze every time you make a purchase.
Choosing the right destination can make the rest of your trip a lot easier to manage.
- Book early for peace of mind
Seasonal demand and last-minute decisions tend to drive up prices. Lock in what you can as soon as you know where you’re going.
This is especially true for anything that appeals to foreign travelers, like a trip from London to Brussels on the Eurostar, tickets to a big soccer game in Barcelona, or a guided hike to Machu Picchu. Prices for popular experiences like these rarely drop as travel season ramps up.
Make a few smart trade-offs. Book budget-friendly places to stay. Plan around free-entry windows at museums (like the last two hours at the Prado in Madrid). Sort out the big stuff now and you’ll have a clearer view of the rest of your budget.
- Take public transportation
Arguing with cab drivers rarely ends well, even if you speak the same language. It’s awkward, it’s stressful, and nine times out of 10, you overpay anyway. In most cities, public transit is cheaper and much less of a hassle.
A multi-day pass can stretch your money pretty far, and walking or biking lets you see a city up close instead of zipping past it. Locals use buses and subways for a reason. So should you.
- Eat like a local, not a tourist
Food can drain your travel budget because dining out adds up quickly.
Grab breakfast at your hotel if it’s included. Hit a local market or grocery store for snacks or easy meals. Say yes to street food. And when you do sit down to eat, find where the locals go — not the places with laminated menus in four languages.
Some of your most memorable experiences will come from trying new foods, not by gorging on pizza and burgers.
- Stay connected without roaming charges
Don’t be the person who comes home to a massive phone bill. Even the $10-a-day travel plan from your carrier adds up fast.
An eSIM is a better option. With HOAM, you choose the countries you’re visiting, install the eSIM in a few quick steps, and turn your phone on when you land. It’s simple and flexible, and you only pay for what you actually need. Should anything go sideways, help is always available with HOAM’s 24/7 support.
Keeping in touch with friends and family members while you travel is worth it. Overpaying for data isn’t.
All the payoff, none of the extra costs
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a memorable experience. By thinking ahead, you can keep costs in check and still come home with the kind of stories you actually want to tell.
Spend on the things that matter. Skip the stuff that doesn’t. That goes for destinations, meals, day trips — and your phone plan.
If you’re looking for an easy win, start with how you stay connected. HOAM makes it easy to do so without the nonsense or the markup.
Ready to go? Start customizing your eSIM now — and cross one more thing off your travel list.