Mastering Travel Math: How to Save Big and Explore More!

Travel math has taken social media by storm, offering a playful yet practical way to justify booking more trips while saving big.

For remote workers, mastering travel math can be a game-changer. Here’s how to use these strategies to maximize travel and savings before 2024 ends.

1. Take advantage of discounts.

Discounts are a fantastic way to save big on travel costs. Subscribing to newsletters is the best way to hear about these exclusive travel deals, as brands often reserve special offers for their loyal subscribers. For instance, Remote Year, a company that curates travel group trips for remote workers and travelers, is offering a fantastic deal: book two 1- month trips before August 16th, and save 15% on the second trip! This offer lets you create your own travel combination of two destinations, which you can choose based on your interests, regardless of the month, location, or type of adventure you seek. Learn more here.

2. Leverage back-to-back trips.

One of the best ways to save money while traveling is to book back-to-back trips. By doing this, you avoid the need to fly home between trips, saving on airfare. The cost saved on flights can make one of your trips nearly free. This strategy cuts down on travel costs and allows for more seamless transitions between destinations.

Tip: If you're traveling Europe with Remote Year, consider planning a trip from Lisbon, Portugal, to Valencia, Spain, and then to Split, Croatia. This way, you only pay for one round-trip flight to Europe and can use budget airlines or trains for intra-European travel, saving hundreds of dollars.

If you’re traveling in Latin America, consider visiting Buenos Aires, Argentina, then Florianopolis, Brazil. Or start in Mexico City, Mexico, and make your way to Medellin, Colombia. You’ll find plenty of great airfare deals, sometimes even at the last minute.

3. Travel with a group.

Traveling with a group can substantially reduce costs. Group rates for hotels or accommodations, tours, and transportation are often cheaper per person than solo travel and have usually been heavily vetted for location and satisfaction by past travelers. Additionally, curated group adventure travel experiences can reveal hidden gems and local vendors, offering authentic and cost-effective experiences. Splitting expenses like taxis and meals can further help you save, plus having accommodations and logistics covered reduces the likelihood of unplanned expenses.

4. Embrace local experiences and public transportation.

Engage in local experiences, use public transportation, and discover cultural immersion. Local eateries, markets, and attractions are often more affordable and provide a richer travel experience. Public transportation is usually cheaper than taxis or car rentals and offers a unique way to explore a destination. For instance, using the metro system to travel between neighborhoods is not only affordable but also an excellent way to experience the city like a local.

5. Explore multiple destinations in one region.

Maximize your travel experience by visiting two or more countries in one region. This strategy saves transportation costs and time, allowing you to explore more without breaking the bank. The proximity and affordable inter-country travel options can make your trip more economical and enriching.

Tip: By signing up for a 4-month regional trip with Remote Year, your flight costs between destinations are covered, allowing you to visit multiple locations within the region to make the most of your experience.

6. Leverage travel rewards and points.

Use your credit card rewards, frequent flyer miles, and hotel points to cover part or all of your travel expenses. Many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses that can be used for free flights or hotel stays.  Accumulate and strategically redeem these points to stretch your travel budget further. Learn how to redeem travel rewards and points here. 

7. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

Fly with budget airlines and travel during off-peak seasons. Budget airlines often have significantly lower fares compared to major carriers. Traveling during off-peak times can result in lower prices for flights, accommodations, and attractions, allowing you to get more travel for less money. One of the best ways to travel off-season is to make use of shoulder seasons and periods after summer, as there are fewer crowds, offering a more relaxed experience.

8. Utilize online travel tools and apps.

Make use of travel apps and websites that compare prices and find the best deals. Tools like Skyscanner, Hopper, and Google Flights can help you track flight prices and find the cheapest times to fly. Apps like Airbnb and Booking.com offer competitive rates on accommodations and often have last-minute deals. And if you want to have your logistics taken care of instead, consider having Remote Year do the heavy lifting on planning for your trip.

Tip: Set price alerts on Skyscanner or Google Flights for your desired destinations. These alerts notify you when prices drop, ensuring you get the best deal possible.

By incorporating these travel math strategies, you can save big and explore more! 

Happy travels!