I want to start by saying that this is not a “savings” post. My husband and I save money for traveling a little differently than most but that is how we decided to budget. I also believe in living happily and so I am not going to say “make coffee at home” to put that extra money into traveling. That works for some but that’s not what I am going to talk about. My husband and I will go out to Red Robin for dinner or Dutch Bros before work, and we still manage to travel at least twice a year. I want to share the very little things that I choose to do and end up making a huge difference for me.

Rethink your toiletries

There are a couple different ways that I implement this; buying in bulk, buying cheap, getting free samples, and reusing items. Let me explain:

I shop at Sam’s Club and Costco and I will buy my daily toiletries there. This is everywhere from bar soap, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, and medicine. When I am going on a trip, I will use refillable travel bottles and containers and fill that up with my daily items. It is more cost effective than buying travel sizes of everything.

Some other ways include shopping at the dollar store and finding free “samples” whenever you can. I will explain in those sections.

Shop at the dollar store

I am not talking about buying everything here, however, some items have equal quality as other stores. Some items that I have bought for traveling include; mesh laundry bags, travel brushes, ponchos, water gear, puzzle books (for those long flights cause sometimes you need to get off the screen for a bit), hair bonnet, etc.

Side note: I mention a hair bonnet. I personally choose to buy a small one from the dollar store so I am not bringing my more expensive one.

Free “samples” or extras

This goes for anything really. Fun fact: I have a whole system when I go to eat at Olive Garden. You can ask for an extra soup (unlimited soup or salad) and extra breadsticks before you leave as well as ask for a to-go cup for any drink. I end up creating at least 2 leftover lunches with the soup and main course extras.

I may do this when I can during my daily life but imagine what you can do for traveling. Two of my main ways I do this is getting free toiletries when I can.

My dentist sends me home with a bag every time. It will have a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. My dentist will even give me sensitive toothpaste if I mention it. This tiny bottle of toothpaste is what I decide to bring with me to save space in my toiletry bag.

Whenever you stay at a hotel, you most likely will find some complimentary toiletries. I will take advantage of this and save it. Some toiletries that I have been provided include; hair care and lotion, razor, make up wipes, Q-tips, and shower caps. I am in no way a hoarder. I do not choose to get “every second” out of my check out or “take the batteries out of the remote” as seen on tv. Most of the time, these items have to be replaced anyways.

Use my current wardrobe

Sometimes I will find myself needing a new swimsuit or finding a cute piece for an upcoming trip, however, I will wear my normal wardrobe to save money. You can look up outfit inspiration for your destination but I can tell you this, foreigners stand out no matter what. You do not need to bring cute heels to Europe or swimsuit cover ups in Hawaii. It is amazing what you can reuse if you think creatively.

Internet search

First off, use the incognito mode in your browser. If the website is aware that you are looking at flights then prices go up.

Second, use “flights” on Google. You can find cheaper destinations for your time frame and you will get the cheapest flights for all airlines.

Lastly, use rewards programs whenever possible. I will find that Delta may have the cheapest flight so I will go to their website and gain miles with them. My credit card has partner companies and I will use those airlines or hotels to get more points.

No matter how you travel, I hope I was able to open some minds on how to save while traveling.