Traveling on a budget has been something that a lot of people have done before COVID-19. Though the pandemic has taken a bite out of the travel industry, it may lead to some not so great surprises once the post-COVID-19 era approaches. For example, you may see price increases in terms of flights, hotel accommodations, and more as a way to recoup losses.
 
However, it’s almost a certainty that traveling on a budget will still continue. We’ll be taking a look at # tips that you can put to good use when traveling on a budget in the post-COVID-19 period. You can learn how to upgrade your hotel room with these tips among others.
 
If you’re planning on doing some traveling once the restrictions have been lifted, pay close attention to these budget-friendly tips so you don’t miss out on the best deals. With that in mind, let’s get started with the first one on the list:
 

1.Book during the off-season periods
 

First and foremost, the prices are going to be a bit higher than they were prior to COVID-19. That won’t come as a shock. However, the prices will be significantly lower during off-peak months when there really isn’t an influx of tourists.
 
For example, if you are traveling to New York City you should consider booking your trip doing in the spring or even the fall. The Summer and Winter months will likely be the hottest times of the year where families will be on vacation and events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and New Years on Time Square will be crazy busy.
 
Also, consider the geographical aspects when booking during off-seasons. At any given point throughout the year, one part of the year won’t have as many tourists compared to another part of the world. Oh...and you might want to refrain from booking your trips around major holidays as well.
 

2.Try to score some free upgrades

 
It’s possible to score some upgrades. But if you can do it without trying too hard, you might get lucky. One way couples tend to get an upgrade is “pretend” that you’re newlyweds.
 
The hotel you might be staying at may go the extra mile and hook you up with some sweet upgrades (like a suite). You can claim that one of you has a birthday. However, your hotel clerk will ask for ID and may notice that your birthday might be a little way off.
 
Another way to score free upgrades may seem a bit unethical. You can “bribe” the desk clerk or tip them well (if tipping is allowed). Or you can show some respect by expecting nothing in return.
 
It’s also OK to ask for free upgrades once you’ve established enough of a rapport with hotel staff. But that might be much more difficult than other methods. Either way, getting a free upgrade while saving you money is something worth considering.
 

3.Consider other options

 
If there are some accommodations that will still be budget-friendly after the COVID-19 era has passed, there’s a good chance that hostels or even AirBNB will be a couple of good options. However, those who have put up rooms or the like on AirBNB may feel a little cautious after the pandemic, so keep that in mind.
 
If you have relatives or friends living in the area of where you travel, see if they can be able to put you up for the duration of your trip. The lesson here is that hotels don’t have to be your one and only options where you can stay.
 

4.Book now rather than later

 
Simply put, prices are ridiculously cheap at the moment since we are still in the COVID-19 area. For this reason, many travelers are jumping on the opportunity to lock in their reservations at their lowest prices yet. However, there’s no telling when the post COVID era will begin.
 
The sooner you are able to book your flights and hotel, the better off you’ll be. Just make sure you are booked well in advance since the prices may change over time. Check out flights and hotels to your destination and see what’s available at prices you are willing to pay.
 

5.Pack light

 
Clearly, you don’t need a whole lot of luggage if you are going away for a few days. Plus, your travel expenses may add up even before the trip begins. If you need some essentials like health and beauty products, you can wait until you reach your intended destination.
 
Plus, your hotel may provide you with soaps, shampoo, toothbrushes, and other essentials for free. Alternatively, you can get those needed supplies at a drug store close to your hotel. Just pack your clothes and a few additional essentials and worry about other expenses later.
 

Final Thoughts

 
With these five tips on how to travel on a budget in the post-COVID-19 era, you are armed with knowledgable information that you can use for yourself or your friends who plan on traveling in the future. While there really is no known timetable of when the COVID-19 era ends, it’s important to act now on booking your flights or hotel (six months in advance would be a good starting point).
 
Traveling on a budget will still be possible despite the potential increase in prices. But you’d be hard-pressed to find a better time than now to consider where you want to go after the COVID-19 era. Whether it’s somewhere abroad or at the other end of your country, you’re bound to find some good deals no matter where they are.
 
It’s important to consider how much you are willing to spend on flights, hotels, and everything else. If you are traveling by yourself, you don’t need to go all out. If you have a family, figure out ways to purchase rooms that will fit just you and the kids.
 
There are some things you can expect in the post-COVID-19 like the potential of increased prices. But you can be ahead of the curve and everyone else if you book now rather than later. Plus, your wallet will thank you.

 
 

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