What’s my best budget travel tip? Plan ahead.

I’m all for leaving a little flexibility in my trips, but I’m also a big believer in having a detailed itinerary. Before I travel, I research accommodations, transportation, activities, food options, and other expenses so I have a good idea of what I’ll be spending.

Planning ahead helps me avoid those “I didn’t budget for that!” moments and gives me more freedom to enjoy the trip without constantly worrying about my wallet. You don’t have to plan every minute, but knowing your major expenses ahead of time can make traveling much more affordable and a lot less stressful.