Gen Zers — the generation born between 1997 and 2012 — are reshaping the travel industry by finding creative ways to travel on a budget. In fact, 61% of Gen Zers who took three or more vacations in the past year come from households earning less than $50,000 annually.  So how can you travel cheaply? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you economically ‘jet set’.

Research to Find the Best Deals

Flights are often a necessary, but costly, expense. Take the time to search for the best flight deals, and you could save big.  An app called Hopper uses predictive technology to determine when the best and most affordable time to book a flight. You can also set up an alert on Google Flights to stay informed when a flight drops in price. The hardest thing to figure out is when a deal is worth it. Keep an eye out for how much the airline ticket you want usually costs so you know when it’s the best time to finally book your ticket. 

Make Extra Money with a Side Gig

If you’re planning on long-term travel, you may consider getting a temporary job. Service industry work, manual labor, and teaching are the easiest jobs to find while traveling. Hospitality roles in sought-after travel destinations, known for their seasonal influx of tourists and travelers, offer a range of roles for job seekers. Freelance positions are another way to make money while you are traveling. Many freelance jobs are completely virtual, which gives you the flexibility to work anywhere you want. The most popular platforms to find freelance work are Upwork and Fiverr. Be sure to thoroughly research companies prior to applying or taking the job. To learn more about the signs of an employment scam, read 5 Online Scams Targeting Your Wallet and How to Avoid Them.

Work for Free Food and Accommodation

If you’re willing to trade your time for free room and board, then becoming a live-in nanny or au pair might be an option. These are reliable positions that may provide free meals, housing and potentially a stipend. In fact, volunteering in childcare is one of the most popular placement choices in both developed and developing countries. If, however, you prefer to make an environmental difference rather than spend time with children, there are jobs that allow you to work in national or state parks in exchange for lodging and food. CoolWorks, offers seasonal jobs in various parks that often come with employee housing to incentivize workers.

Look for Affordable Housing

When traveling on a budget, pricey hotels can eat up a large portion of your funds. Hostels are an alternative option when it comes to saving money. You may end up staying in a room with a few strangers, but hostels are meant to be resting places between exciting destinations. HostelWorld is a reliable resource for finding and booking affordable accommodations. However, if you are traveling to a destination during its off-season, you may find a hotel room for a reduced price. Both Kayak and Expedia often offer travelers the option to book and bundle their accommodations. 

Avoid Tourist Prices and Traps

It’s easy for residents to tell when somebody is a tourist, and there are usually plenty of places waiting to take advantage. Tourist traps offer overpriced drinks, food, souvenirs and attractions in tourist-saturated areas. A good way to avoid tourist traps is to do your research on Yelp, Thrillist and Spoon University. By reading reviews from previous travelers, you can narrow your choices down and find authentic food and attractions. Lastly, Airbnb now offers experiences, as well as accommodations, that locals host. Many group-based activities allow you to try something new while meeting new people.

Exploring various travel options and researching the best deals are crucial for traveling on a budget. With some planning and resourcefulness, you can enjoy traveling without hurting your wallet. For more Budgeting and Savings Tips, visit efirstbankblog.com.

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