Traveling on a budget alone is hard enough, and adding friends to the trip might seem even more challenging. It may seem like the more people you invite, the more money you have to spend; however, that isn’t entirely true. We have traveled with a group of friends several times and have gathered some great tips to stretch your dollar. Here are our tips to save money while traveling as a group.
Sharing an Airbnb
When traveling, your first accommodation would be to book a hotel where you will have one room that costs $$ per night. The majority of the time, your friend’s rooms will be scattered around the hotel. Staying at an Airbnb will save you so much more, and here’s why. With Airbnb, you can book an entire house for the same price or cheaper per night as the hotel room in which you can divide the cost among the group of friends. You and your friends will be able to stay in the same house. For example, You and five friends stay at Airbnb for $115 for three nights. $115 x 3 nights = $345. Divide $345 by 5 = $69 each person. However, Side note: Airbnb charges a cleaning fee, so approximately $93 per person instead of $345 per person.
Renting a Car
Uber is the go-to app to get around any destination, especially if it is close. However, if you stay for three or more days and plan to explore the city, it is much cheaper and more convenient to rent your vehicle. Due to ride-sharing competition, rental car companies have lowered their fares per day as low as $1-$3 a day! The cost varies depending on your vehicle’s size, but when you factor in the price per day versus per ride, renting a car is a more convenient/cheaper option. You will be able to see/explore more when you are navigating your vehicle.
Cooking Your Meals
Cooking your meals at your Airbnb will be much cheaper than eating out at a restaurant as a group, and you will not have to worry about gratuity fees. Shop at local supermarkets such as Aldi or Walmart and keep your receipt. At the end of your trip, whatever you do not use or partially used can be returned to the store for a refund.
Buy Liquor at the Liquor Store
Restaurants, clubs, and bars charge a specific price for their drinks. The cost for one drink could be greater or equal to a whole liquor bottle if you were to purchase your bottle/chaser at the liquor store. Purchase about two/three bottles at the liquor store and divide the cost among your group. Drink responsibly, of course 🙂
Getting Group Deals
When traveling with a group of friends, I’m sure you would want to fly together as well. Buying flight tickets will be the most expensive purchase for your group trip. Several US airlines offer group travelers discounts and perks, such as American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest, JetBlue, and more. Each airline offers different bonuses so contact each airline separately. Becoming a member for certain airlines also provides membership-based card discounts from 5%-25%! Group discounts may also apply to other excursions/adventure packages depending on where you’re heading. Some places already offer the groups discounts, and some will have to reach out directly and ask.