12 Ways to Save Money on Travel

1. Choose a destination based on its "restaurant week"

En español |  Samantha Brown, AARP Travel Expert. These are held during a city's slack season for tourism. You'll eat at top restaurants at a fraction of the regular cost. Be sure to reserve!

2. Be a house sitter

The website TrustedHousesitters.com matches travelers with homeowners needing their pets and homes looked after while away. 

3. Last-minute deals

The mobile app HotelTonight finds big discounts on hotels without having to book ahead of time.

4. Update your documents

Be sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your overseas travel dates. Otherwise you may be turned back by countries strictly enforcing entry requirements—which could add to the cost of a trip.

5. Don't pay for pricey massages on the road

I travel with pinky balls (sold in toy stores for about $4). Stand on a ball to work out your arches, or use one for a back massage.

6. Travel with peanut butter

It's cheaper than buying airport or airline food, plus you can pair it with lots of foods, like pretzels or bananas. Just remember, it will count as a carry-on liquid.

7. Buy second-class train seats

Rick Steves, Travel Show Host. Throughout Europe, first-class tickets cost about 50 percent more than second-class ones. The difference in comfort is usually minimal.

8. Get cash overseas at ATMs

On average, you pay 8 percent for foreign cash at an ATM. At currency exchange booths, you tend to lose around 15 percent.

9. Check for last-minute deals at business hotels

Hotels in commerce centers like Brussels or Oslo offer deep discounts when traffic is slow. During summer and weekends you can get a fancy $300 double room for $100.

10. Get your rental car in town

You might pay up to 25 percent more to pick up a car at the airport or train station instead of in the town center.

11. Use local cash

You might be drawn to a store advertising "we accept dollars." But your purchase costs about 20 percent more when paid that way.

12. Go carless in urban centers

Why pay rental and parking fees while touring a city on foot? Pick up your rental car after the first big city and drop it off before the final big city of your trip.

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