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How to Save Money Traveling to Europe in 2023

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It’s not just you, prices to travel to Europe are astronomically higher than 2019. CNBC found that round trip airfare to Europe right now is 20% higher than this time in 2019. This, in part, may be to surging demand to travel to Europe in 2023. Kayak found that searches for European travel are 77% higher than last year. You can still take that dream trip to Europe this summer with no extra planning – but, it’ll cost you. Or, you can spend more time planning that dream trip to Europe this year and find ways to save money on airfare, hotels and food.

Here are actionable ways to save money traveling to Europe this summer.

Create a Travel Budget

Before you start planning, create a total travel budget for the year. Then, set a budget by trip. With airline trips to Europe and European hotel prices so high, it’ll be a give and take. It is unlikely you’ll be able to get everything you want for the prices you want. Travel prices to Europe in summer 2023 are so high that simple tricks like packing food for the airport won’t make a material difference. As you start planning, it’s more than likely you’ll find you under budgeted for the trips you wanted to take. You’ll either have to increase your budget, or be flexible with your travel. At a certain point, you may have to drop a trip entirely.

Once you have an estimate per trip, build a bottoms up view. How much do you estimate spending on plane tickets to Europe? How many nights in the hotel and how much per night? How much to estimate for the transportation to/from the airports? Food cost per day. Shopping estimates. Activities. If the sum of the bottoms up view doesn’t match the total trip estimate move some money around, or lower the total you’re willing to spend on another trip.

Set Your Travel Priorities

With prices so high, it’s important to set your travel priorities. What trips are most important to you? If going to multiple cities, which city is your top priority? Is the destination or time of year most important? Can you combine any travel to reduce costs? Are you willing to take a connecting flight to save money?

Continue to Use the Basics To Save Money on Travel to Europe

While traveling to Europe this summer takes extra planning to reduce travel costs, it’s important to continue doing the basics to save money on travel. Even though you’ll need to do more than the basics this year, it’s always a good place to start.

Book Hotels Early

Book hotels as early as you can. It’s not necessarily the hotel changing their prices, it’s also that the cheapest rooms tend to book the fastest. Sometimes hotels also have special rates if you book early.

Travel in the Off Season

Hotels, and flights, are cheaper in the off season. Reducing these two expenses will help you stay within your travel budget the most. Traveling to Europe in October instead of August will save you more money than packing food for the airport as an example.

Set Alerts on Google Flights

When you find potential flights you want, set alerts through Google Flights so you get emails about changes in the fare. Truthfully, this hasn’t helped too much for planning trips this summer as most of the alerts are telling me my flight prices have increased.

Use Corporate Personal Travel Codes and Credit Card Travel Sites To Save Money

Do you work for a large corporation? Check out the internal website and see if they offer discount codes for personal travel. Sometimes the prices are the same, but you’ll get better cancellation policies. If you have a Chase card, or an AMEX, Chase Ultimate Rewards and AMEX FHR are two other sites to check out for hotel and flight deals. Sometimes these sites charge more for hotels and flights so pay close attention. Other times, these sites may have similar prices but have benefits that can help save you money like free upgrades if available, spa credit and more.

Sign Up For Credit Cards with Good Sign Up Points Bonuses

Sign up for new credit cards with good points bonuses. This will help you rack up points for travel not yet booked, or future travel.

Plan Ahead and Cut Transportation Costs

All of the other trip transportation costs add up too. Plan ahead to save money on transportation costs. If you Uber to the airport, book the Uber ahead of time to avoid surge pricing. In some places, booking a taxi ahead of time with your hotel is cheaper than getting a taxi at the airport. Learn about the local trains and buses. Many countries in Europe have a robust public transportation system. Using the local trains and buses will easily save several hundred dollars over the course of a week. Sometimes taking the train is faster than taking a taxi!

Plan the European Vacation You Want, Then Start Optimizing For Savings

You’re going to Europe, how exciting! Start planning the trip you want to take. Pick your ideal time of year, ideal location, ideal travel dates. If it’s a particular city in Europe, check out Google Flights and playing around with dates to get flight price estimates. Then, find a few hotels you’d like to stay at – your top choice and a backup. Book refundable rates on the hotels and put reminders in your calendar for when you can cancel until. It’s best to book the hotel ASAP, as long as it’s refundable, even if it’s not your desired price yet because hotels are selling out quickly. Don’t forget to create a list of all of the hotels you book and the dates you need to cancel by.

Forget Loyalty to Your Usual Airline and Hotel Brands

It’s always nice to rack up points and get free breakfast from your hotel status but with prices so high you will most likely be able to save several hundred dollars (possibly a night!) by being open to other hotels.

The same is true for airlines. For example, I usually fly American but some of the flights I’ve been watching are $1,000/ person cheaper on United for economy. This is for a one way ticket! Not to be confused with United being cheap, their airfare prices are still higher than 2019 prices! Even though my preference is American because of my status, it’s not worth $1,000 extra.

Drain Loyalty Point Balances

Usually, I’ll try to save loyalty points to get the best deal. For example, Marriott will give you the 5th night free when you redeem points for 5 nights or more. But, with many companies devaluing points the last few years, plus the high costs of hotels and flights, this year I’ve been booking with points to avoid the cash rates. Especially with brands I don’t use often. If you have points with a hotel chain or airline you rarely use, now is a good time to use those points.

Set Reminders to Check Hotel Prices At Least Once A Month

Hotel prices and availability fluctuate a lot. I was bummed that one hotel I wanted only had suites left for a vacation still months away! And, the suites were over $1,500 a night compared to $300 / night for a regular room. I set reminders to check once a week and sure enough, 2 weeks later one of the cheapest rooms became available.

Don’t forget to check multiple places for hotel prices too. Usually, booking directly with the hotel gives you the cheapest option. But, once you factor in the extra benefits AMEX FHR or Chase Ultimate Rewards may have a better deal.

Change Your Hotel Rates to Non-Refundable As The Trip Gets Closer

Non-refundable hotel rates are cheaper than the rates that allow cancellations. As your trip gets closer, consider changing your hotel room to the “non-refundable rate.” Even though this rate is likely higher than when you originally booked, the current non-refundable rate is still likely lower than the refundable rate you have. This trick ended up saving us almost $1,000 for our summer 2023 Europe vacation.

Remember to Be Flexible With Your Travel Plans

I mean, really be flexible. It’s not just being open to flying in a day earlier or later. Be open to entirely changing the month you’ll travel. Flying TAP Portugal with no status instead of the US airline you have status with. Stop in Istanbul or Iceland overnight to save money on flights by flying Turkish Airlines or Icelandair. Taking a train within Europe or flying Ryan Air to save several hundred dollars on flights. Staying in another part of the city and spending more on cabs or trains.

Book Backup Hotels – But Don’t Forget To Cancel Them

Do you want to be in Plaka in Athens but a hotel 10 minutes taxi away is over $100 cheaper / night? Oia in Santorini but Fira is hundreds of dollars cheaper a night? Book both options – refundable – and mark on your calendar a few days before the cancellation deadline to cancel one of them. That way, as the whole trip comes together and you have a better view of total costs you’ll be able to keep your top choice, or keep the cheaper backup hotel option.

Be Flexible What City You Enter or Exit Europe From

Flights to Europe from the United States are crazy expensive right now, and so far there really don’t seem like great options. Getting 2019 prices doesn’t look very likely, but if you’re flexible on what city you enter Europe in you may be able to save a few hundred dollars or fly for less points.

Use Excel and ChatGPT To Help With Your Planning

One of my priorities was to have a logistically easy trip. I wanted to fly direct, but I also was willing for one way to have an overnight stopover in another city. To narrow down options I told ChatGPT I would like to fly on X date, from X airport in the US to a city that also had direct flights to my ultimate destination. It ended up giving me 5 cities that had direct flights to both my home in the US and also my end destination. While one of the locations didn’t have a direct flight on the right day, the other 4 were correct and this helped save me time.

But, there were still factors to consider. How much was the connecting flight in Europe? How much was the overnight hotel? How much was the flight back to the US – and, using points, how much were the fees for each destination? Once I had the top 4 options I put all these options with points plus cash and travel time and asked ChatGPT to calculate which option was best. It converted the points to dollar value and gave me the top option.

Save Money on Food and Activities in Europe

The biggest opportunities to save money traveling to Europe are to reduce your airfare and hotel costs. But, there are still opportunities to drive down costs elsewhere.

Food prices have increased greatly the last few years too. Don’t feel the need to always eat at sit down restaurants. Many places in Europe have incredible food markets, great local markets and great outdoor spaces. It’s a great experience to have a picnic in a park, eat at an outdoor food market, grab an ice cream cone instead of ordering dessert with dinner. Some hotels also offer really hearty free breakfasts.

With travel demand so high, it’s best to book activities ahead of time before they sell out. Sometimes buying tickets or tours ahead of time online can save you money. To save even more money you can do a larger group tour instead of a smaller group tour. Some places also offer audio tours which are cheaper than paying for a local guide.

How to Save Money Traveling to Europe in 2023 Summary

In summary, traveling to Europe in 2023 is expensive, but there are still ways to reduce costs if you’re willing to be flexible and put in the extra effort. It’s unlikely you’ll get 2019 prices, but with extra planning you can shave off hundreds, if not thousands of dollars off your total trip.

Valentine’s Day on a Budget: Creative Ways to Save Money

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Valentine’s Day is a special occasion for couples to celebrate their love, but it can also be a costly holiday. However, there are many ways to save money on Valentine’s Day while still making it a memorable and romantic experience. From setting a budget and planning ahead, to being creative and avoiding peak times, there are many strategies you can use to cut costs while still showing your love and affection. Additionally, by comparing prices and avoiding commercialism, you can find ways to make the holiday special without breaking the bank. So, whether you’re planning a romantic evening out or a cozy night in, there are many ways to save money on Valentine’s Day and make it a special and memorable occasion for you and your loved one.

Set A Budget For How Much You Want To Spend on Valentine’s Day

Deciding on a budget for Valentine’s Day can be challenging, but it’s important to set a limit to avoid overspending. Start by considering your current financial situation and determine how much you can realistically afford to spend. Take into account other expenses, such as bills and savings goals, to determine the amount you can set aside for the holiday. Consider the type of celebration you want to have, whether it’s a romantic dinner, a fun activity, or a special gift, and adjust your budget accordingly. Don’t forget to factor in any special promotions or discounts that might be available. By creating a budget, you can enjoy the holiday without the stress of overspending.

How Much Should You Spend on Valentine’s Day

Historically, the average cost of Valentine’s Day is around $200 per person, depending on the type of gifts, activities, and dining plans that are chosen. However, given that a regular dinner for 2 seems to average around $200 in US cities, it the average Valentine’s Day dinner has likely gotten more expensive too. In 2022, red roses were up 22% YoY and inflation is only up since then. There is no set amount for how much you should spend on Valentine’s Day. Set the amount you want to spend and stick to that budget.

Plan Valentine’s Day Early

The best, reasonably priced Valentine’s Day restaurant reservations will be taken far in advance. Additionally, if you want a thoughtful gift from a place like Etsy, orders get backed up pretty quickly and only expensive options + expedite fees may be left. Lastly, stores have plenty of promotions. The further out you plan, the more likely you will be able to leverage a store promotion to save money on a Valentine’s Day gift. Planning ahead is an easy way to save money on Valentine’s Day gifts.

Make Cute Homemade Valentine’s Day Gifts

Instead of buying expensive gifts, make something homemade or plan a special activity together. Below are a few ideas for homemade and DIY Valentine’s Day gifts.

  1. A homemade scrapbook or photo book filled with memories of you and your significant other. Shutterfly frequently runs promotions and has templates to make this cheap and easy.
  2. A homemade coupon book filled with things like “a night of their choice of movie and home-cooked dinner” or “a day of doing their household chores.”
  3. A framed photo of the two of you with a heartfelt message written on the back.
  4. A homemade gourmet meal or baked goods.
  5. A hand-drawn or painted piece of art for them to display in their home or office.
  6. A personalized piece of clothing or accessory, such as a sweater or hat.
  7. A memory jar filled with little notes and trinkets that represent special moments in your relationship.
  8. A homemade spa day package including homemade scrubs, bath bombs, candles and more

These Valentine’s Day gifts on a budget won’t break the bank and will show your significant other how much you care about them.

Make a Cute DIY Valentine’s Day Card

It feels like we used to be able to go into a store and buy a Valentine’s Day card for $2. Now, some Valentine’s Day cards are $10! If you already have craft supplies at home, or have generic stationary, make your own Valentine’s Day card and save money.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day on a Different Day

Who says you have to celebrate Valentine’s Day on the actual day? If you have a trip coming up, call one of the nights out a belated Valentine’s Day celebration. Go out to eat or do an activity locally on a different day to avoid peak prices on Valentine’s Day. Many restaurants have fixed price menus for Valentine’s Day that tend to be more expensive than other days.

Shop Around for The Best Deals

Even though Valentine’s Day tends to be more expensive, there are still deals to be found. For example, Lou Malnati’s sells heart shape deep dish pizzas on Valentine’s Day. This is a cheaper dinner comparatively yet still special and delicious. Local bakeries sell cute heart shaped desserts. Remember, it’s the thought that counts. The gift doesn’t have to be expensive.

Ultimately, Valentine’s Day is a day of love. You can celebrate it by doing something special for your loved one. It doesn’t have to be something expensive, it can be something you both can enjoy and make a great memories together.

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Affordable Self-Care: Cheap and Easy Ways to Take Care of Yourself

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Self-care is essential for our overall well-being, but it can often feel like a luxury that is out of reach. With the high cost of spa treatments, beauty products, and other self-care items, it can be difficult to find ways to take care of ourselves that fit within our budget. However, self-care doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many ways to practice self-care without breaking the bank. In this post, we will explore some budget-friendly self-care tips and tricks that will help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated without spending a fortune. So, take a deep breath and let’s get started on our journey to affordable self-care.

Exercise

The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity a week. Now, it’s easier than ever to exercise in a way that fits your budget. There are even plenty of options to work out at home, no matter how small your space is including:

Fitness doesn’t have to mean the expensive gym membership. What is worth it really depends on the value it provides to you. The $200/ month gym membership is worth it if it motivates you to frequently work out and you feel better. The $10 / month gym membership is not worth it if you never go. Some companies even offer wellness benefits to help make exercise even more affordable.

Be Mindful of What You Eat

Part of self-care at home is eating well. Make the choice to eat healthier as often as you can. NBC News pulled together this list of what food to stock up on in your fridge and pantry. It’s healthier to eat at home than it is to eat out and you can control the amount of salt and butter you add to dishes. At the same time, when you’re stuck at home it’s easy to graze on unhealthy snacks all day instead of sticking to a healthy meal schedule.

Try your best to eat a regular meal schedule and not graze on snacks throughout the day. Since fresh fruit and vegetables are harder to come by with less frequent grocery shopping make sure to frozen fruits and veggies instead. Most are flash frozen instantly and are just as healthy as fresh fruit! There are also health benefits for drinking tea, especially green tea.

If you’re not sure what to cook, try these recipes using common pantry and fridge staples.

Have A Home Spa Day

Bring the spa to you! An at home spa day is a great way to practice affordable self-care. Taking a relaxing bath is a great cheap and easy way to start your at home spa day. I love to relax using Dr Teal’s Lavender Epsom Salt Bath. A 3 lb bag will normally cost between $5-6. Make sure to take a rinsing shower after taking an epsom salt bath as salt can dry out your skin. Light a nice candle and play music in the background.

Miss getting a mani/ pedi? A foot peel is a great activity for when you have to stay at home for a week or more because your feet may peel a lot. It removes dead skin and in my opinion is way more effective at removing the dead skin than a pedicure is. I’ve personally used the Baby Foot Peel. The price varies on Amazon, but I’ve usually found it for $20- $25. I found the reviews to be very helpful in making the peel most effective. This includes soaking your feet before you do the peel for at least 30 minutes, putting socks over the booties to help your feet absorb more product and soaking your feet every night for 10-15 min for the following week.

Step Outside and Enjoy the Sun

Spending some time in the sun has many benefits for our physical and mental health. One of the most well-known benefits is that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can help our bodies produce vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D also helps to regulate the immune system and may protect against certain cancers. Various studies have also linked low Vitamin D levels to diseases other than cancer, raising the possibility that vitamin D insufficiency is contributing to many major illnesses. Sun exposure can also improve mood and energy levels by increasing the production of endorphins, which are chemicals that make us feel good. Additionally, being in the sun can help to regulate our sleep patterns by resetting our circadian rhythm, which controls when we feel awake and sleepy. This can be particularly beneficial for people who have trouble sleeping or suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Read a Book or Listen to A Podcast

Reading, or listening to a podcast, can be a great way to practice affordable self-care. Not only is it an inexpensive activity, but it also can be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. It can help distract us from our worries and provide a sense of calm. Reading can also be a great way to improve cognitive function, as it exercises our brains and helps to improve memory, focus, and concentration.

To practice self-care on a budget through reading, you can take advantage of your local library. Many libraries have a large collection of books in different formats, such as e-books and audiobooks, which can be borrowed for free or for a minimal fee. Kindle books can even be borrowed from your local library directly from your home. You can also find books for free online through Project Gutenberg.

Travel on a Budget

Traveling doesn’t mean spending thousands of dollars to get away. In fact, travel can mean driving an hour away to explore a local destination. Traveling on a budget can offer many benefits, both for our personal growth and for our wallets. Additionally, traveling on a budget can also be a great way to discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations. You can enjoy local, authentic food, and meet new people. Instead of sticking to popular tourist hotspots, you’ll be able to explore more unique and authentic places. Make travel affordable by using these travel hacks to travel for less.

Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude is a powerful way to improve mental and emotional well-being. Take the time to appreciate and acknowledge the good things in life, no matter how small. When you focus on the positive aspects of your life, you shift your attention away from negative thoughts and feelings. This can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It’s also a great way to build resilience and increase overall satisfaction with life. To practice gratitude, you can start a gratitude journal where you write down three things you are thankful for each day. You can also take time to reflect on the things you’re grateful for before going to sleep at night or when you wake up in the morning. Another option is to share your gratitude with others, whether it’s by expressing appreciation to a loved one or showing your appreciation through charity. Incorporating gratitude into your daily routine can help you to build a more positive mindset and live a more fulfilling life.

Spend Time With Family and Friends

Socializing with loved ones is a great way to boost your mood. Studies have shown that people who have strong social connections have a reduced risk of developing depression and anxiety, as well as lower rates of stress. Additionally, spending time with friends and family can provide a sense of belonging and community, which can be essential for our overall happiness and satisfaction with life. Plan activities like picnics or potlucks that are easy on the budget.

Affordable Self-Care Summary

In conclusion, self-care is an essential part of maintaining our overall well-being, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many ways to practice self-care on a budget, from taking a relaxing bath to going outside and soaking in the sun, exercising, reading a book, cooking a healthy meal, practicing gratitude, spending time with friends and family, having a spa day at home. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to take care of yourself, you just need to get creative and find ways to make self-care a priority in your life. Remember, self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. So, take the time to prioritize yourself and your well-being today, and you’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel.

Affordable Self-Care: Cheap and Easy Ways to Take Care of Yourself