kevin budget travel guy

See Saudi Arabia’s Scenic Landscape by Train: Budget-Friendly Travel Guide

• Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) offers budget-friendly, cross-country travel.
• Travel between Riyadh and major cities in the Northern and Eastern Regions.
• Economy, Business, and Private Cabin classes available depending on the route.
• Book tickets through the SAR call centre, mobile app, website, or ticket counters.
• Children receive discounted fares on Economy and Business class tickets.

Explore Saudi Arabia's Scenic Routes

SAR operates daily trains connecting the capital city, Riyadh, to major cities in the Northern and Eastern Regions . The company launched passenger rail services in 2016, offering air-conditioned trains with free Wi-Fi and food options, as well as a lounge and prayer area. Traveling by train allows you to soak in the country's picturesque landscapes and discover its beauty.

North and East Routes

SAR runs trains on two main routes:

• East Train: Connects Riyadh to the Eastern Region, passing through Riyadh, Hufuf, Abqaiq, and Dammam.
• North Train: Connects Riyadh to the north of Saudi Arabia, serving Riyadh, Al Majmaah, Ha’il, Qassim, Al Jauf, and Al Qurayyat.

Booking Your Journey

Find the train schedule on SAR's website and choose your travel class based on your selected route. You can book tickets through the SAR call centre, mobile app, website, or ticket counters.

Three Types of Train Tickets

• Advance tickets: Save up to 55% on fares for one-way trips; limited availability.
• Anytime tickets: Book tickets online up to two hours before departure or at the station 30 minutes before departure.
• Waiting list tickets: Available at SAR stations from one hour prior to departure until 10 minutes before the train departs; subject to seat availability.

Discounted Fares for Children

Children between the ages of two and 12 receive up to 50% off on Economy class tickets and 20% off on Business class tickets. Infants under two years old travel for free in Economy class, while Business class tickets are available at an 80% discount.

Expert Tips from Kevin Erickson

Kevin's top insider tips for your train journey include:

• Book advance tickets at least three weeks before your trip to secure the best prices.
• For more legroom and access to the lounge area, consider upgrading to Business class.
• Use the SAR website or mobile app for easy booking and to find the latest train schedules.

Insight Tribune

Ignite Your Mind and Illuminate Your World

Meet Kevin: The Budget Travel Guy

Do you ever dream of traveling the world but feel limited by your budget? Look no further than Kevin, the budget travel guy. Kevin is a travel blogger and content creator who has made it his mission to help people travel on a budget. In this article, we will explore Kevin’s techniques and strategies for budget travel and how you can apply them to your own adventures.

How did Kevin become the budget travel guy?

Kevin’s love for travel began at a young age but it wasn’t until his mid-twenties that he discovered his passion for budget travel. He realized that he didn’t need to stay in expensive hotels or eat at fancy restaurants to have an incredible travel experience. Instead, he began to immerse himself in the local culture by staying in hostels, eating street food, and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Kevin’s top tips for budget travel

1. Travel during off-peak seasons: Kevin suggests traveling during the shoulder season, which is the period between peak and off-peak seasons. This allows you to avoid the crowds and save money on flights and accommodations.

2. Use budget airlines: Kevin recommends using budget airlines when possible, as they often offer cheaper flights than traditional airlines. However, make sure to read the fine print and understand the baggage restrictions to avoid any unexpected fees.

3. Stay in hostels: Hostels are a great option for budget travelers as they offer affordable accommodations and the opportunity to meet other travelers. Many hostels also have kitchens where you can prepare your own meals, saving money on dining out.

4. Eat street food: Eating at local street vendors is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to experience the local cuisine. Just be sure to choose vendors with a high turnover to ensure the food is fresh and safe to eat.

Examples of Kevin’s budget-friendly trips

1. Backpacking through Southeast Asia: Kevin spent three months backpacking through Southeast Asia on a tight budget. He stayed in hostels, ate street food, and used budget airlines, allowing him to visit Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos for under $3,000.

2. Road-tripping through the United States: Kevin and his friends rented an RV and road-tripped through the United States, visiting national parks and sleeping in campsites. By cooking their own meals and avoiding expensive tourist attractions, they were able to travel for three weeks for under $1,500 per person.

Kevin’s budget travel strategies prove that you don’t need to break the bank to have an unforgettable travel experience. By following his tips, you can save money while still experiencing all that the world has to offer. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next budget-friendly adventure today!

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5 tips for budget travel from Kevin, the travel guy

By knbbs-sharer.

5 Tips for Budget Travel from Kevin, the Travel Guy

Are you planning a trip to a new destination but worried about breaking the bank? You’re not alone! Many people would love to travel more but feel restricted by budget constraints. But don’t worry, Kevin, the travel guy is here to help!

Kevin has been traveling the world for years and has learned how to travel on a budget without sacrificing the quality of the experience. Here are Kevin’s top 5 tips for budget travel:

1. Plan Ahead and Be Flexible

The key to budget travel is research and planning. Plan ahead by researching the best time to travel to your destination, the cheapest flights, and accommodation options that fit your budget. Be flexible with your travel dates as traveling on weekdays or outside peak season can save money. Keep an eye out for deals and coupons on travel websites, and consider alternative forms of accommodation such as hostels or vacation rentals.

2. Save Money on Food and Drinks

Eating out can be a significant expense when traveling. However, Kevin recommends trying local street food and markets, which are often cheaper and offer a more authentic experience. Plan ahead by bringing snacks and reusable water bottles to avoid buying expensive snacks and drinks at tourist attractions.

3. Use Public Transportation

Using public transportation is an excellent way to save money on travel. Kevin recommends using apps to navigate public transportation in new cities and research transit passes to save even more money. Consider renting bikes or walking to explore the local area, which is often more affordable than hiring cars or taking taxis.

4. Take Advantage of Free Activities and Attractions

Many cities offer free activities and attractions such as museums, parks, and street performances. Kevin recommends researching these activities in advance, planning your itinerary, and booking tickets in advance to avoid long queues.

5. Stay Aware of Your Spending

Finally, being mindful of your spending can be crucial to sticking to your budget. Kevin recommends keeping a daily budget, tracking expenses, and avoiding unnecessary purchases.

In conclusion, traveling on a budget is possible by planning ahead, being flexible, and taking advantage of affordable options and free activities. With these tips from Kevin, the travel guy, you can turn your dream of traveling into a reality without breaking the bank. Happy travels!

(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)

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Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

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Meet the Club Thrifty Team

Club Thrifty was founded in 2012 and is dedicated to helping people learn how to use the money they have to build a life they love. Our goal is to help you earn more, save more, and travel for less. Here is the team that makes it all happen!

Greg Johnson , Co-Founder & CEO

Greg Johnson is a recognized expert in the fields of personal finance, family travel, and credit card rewards. He is the author of two books – Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love (co-author) and The Travel More, Spend Less Roadmap , due for release in the summer of 2020.

Since co-founding Club Thrifty in 2012, Greg has helped millions of readers seize control of their finances and travel for less. He has been featured in various national publications like Newsweek and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and has provided writing work and expert commentary for various websites including Dough Roller , CreditCardReviews.com , and more. He can also be heard as a guest on numerous podcasts and is a former columnist at Mortuary Management Magazine .

These days, Greg and his family travel the world for about 20 weeks each year. He has visited over 40 countries, focusing mainly on the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. Greg and his wife Holly have paid off over $50,000 in debt, and the couple credits their debt-free lifestyle for allowing them to start their own business and travel the globe.

Prior to making Club Thrifty his full-time profession, Greg worked as a licensed funeral director for over 10 years. He currently holds a travel insurance producer license in the State of Indiana and was formerly licensed in Indiana to sell health and life insurance. Greg graduated with honors from both Minnesota State University, Mankato and Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science where he earned two separate bachelor’s degrees.

Holly Johnson , Co-Founder

Holly Johnson is a financial expert and award-winning writer who is obsessed with frugality, budgeting, and travel. She is recognized as one of the top credit card experts in the field and is the co-founder of her own website, Club Thrifty , where she teaches people how to spend less and travel more.

After becoming debt-free, Holly’s love of all things frugal led her to the wonderful world of credit card rewards. Since beginning the hobby around 2010, Holly has used points and miles to supplement her world travels – visiting more than 40 countries and overseas territories to date. Today, she travels for about 20 weeks each year, focusing most of her travel on the Caribbean and Europe.

Holly’s success as a personal finance and travel writer is virtually unparalleled. She is a regular contributor to publications that include Business Insider , Forbes , Bankrate , Money.com , LendingTree , U.S. News and World Report Travel , CreditCards.com , The Balance , and more. She is a former contributing editor to The Simple Dollar , a former columnist at The Indianapolis Star , and former contributor to both Fodor’s Travel and Frugal Travel Guy . 

In addition to her regular writing jobs, Holly’s work has also been featured in publications like The Wall Street Journal , CNN , and Fox Business . She is frequently quoted by dozens of publications for her expert finance and travel commentary and remains a sought-after guest for personal finance and travel podcasts across the country.

Holly is the co-author of Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love. You can follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest (@ClubThrifty), and LinkedIn . She is also the creator of the popular freelance writing course Earn More Writing .

Want to hire Holly for writing work? Learn how to work with Holly here .

Evan Sachs, Editor

Evan R. Sachs is a video editor and copy editor who specializes in web publication and search engine optimization (SEO). His passion for words began at a young age, when he found himself listening to BBC cassette tapes of King Lear almost by accident. Shakespeare holds a special place in his heart to this day.

However, Evan only started his deep dive into personal finance in 2015, when he joined forces with the financial education website CentSai. He started out as a videographer, but quickly became the team’s senior copy editor, as well, spending four years in the role.

Today, Evan continues to work as CentSai ’s SEO consultant, and he is incredibly excited to also be part of the editorial team at Club Thrifty . He hopes that the writers learn as much about grammar from him as he learns about finance from them. (No matter how much you already know, there’s always new information to discover!)

When he’s not editing articles, obsessing over film and video, or geeking out about SEO, Evan enjoys spoiling his cat and exploring his little corner of Harlem. You can find him on LinkedIn and Twitter (@sachs_evan) .

Amy Beardsley , Writer

Amy Beardsley is a freelance writer and personal finance expert. She specializes in credit card and banking reviews, FinTech, and probate and estate planning topics. She has degrees in business administration and legal studies and a background in the legal system where she worked as a court administrator for many years.

Amy has since leveraged her education into a professional personal finance writing career, and her work has been published on Dollarsprout , Money Tips , Women Who Money , and Well Kept Wallet . She’s also an editorial assistant for Student Loan Planner . As a ghostwriter, Amy has written for financial advisors and business executives and her work has been featured on Yahoo! Finance , CNBC , Investopedia , Kiplinger , and the official blog of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., at LetsMakeaPlan.org .

Amy is the founder of EarlyMorningMoney.com , where she shares personal finance strategies to simplify money management and help families win with money. She is a leader in her community and volunteers as a Girl Scout leader. She also teaches a 12-week job readiness class every year where she helps adults get “unstuck” by equipping them with the skills they need to master the interview and find meaningful work. When she’s not busy writing about money or perfecting her budget spreadsheet, Amy enjoys quiet mornings with coffee, traveling, and spending time with her husband and daughter.

Robyn Franceen Evans , Writer

Robyn Franceen Evans is a professional writer with a 20+-year background in creating diverse content. An award-winning author and writer, Robyn is a newcomer to the personal finance and lifestyle arena. Since branching out as a freelancer in 2012, she’s written for everyone from top-rated lawyers to startup CEOs. Robyn is a self-propelled personal finance and health enthusiast who enjoys writing about subjects that improve the financial, emotional, and physical health of her readers.

After earning a B.A. in Mass Communications from Towson University, a liberal arts college in Maryland, Robyn began her journalism career with The Baltimore Sun as a freelancer. She went on to be a features writer for The Carroll County Times in 1999, where she won an award for excellence in feature writing from the MDDC Press Association.  Recently, her book, One Hope at a Time: The Prisoner of Hope Letters was selected as a top-ten finalist in a global author contest.

Robyn has been writing for most of her life. Her mother recalls stories about city lights and rabbits who could talk from Robyn’s toddler years. How fitting that she’s spent a lifetime dedicated to storytelling, no matter the subject. Her professional career in corporate America allowed her to write for state governments, DoD clients, human services agencies, and even toy train manufacturers.

She uses her skills as a former technical writer to break down complex subject matter and convey it simply. While many of her projects involve ghostwriting, some of her work can be seen on Wealthy Single Mommy , a personal finance and lifestyle site named “Best of the Web” by Parents magazine, and run by award-winning business journalist, Emma Johnson.

Robyn launched her own blog, butterflysister.com in 2019. The blog is a go-to resource for women seeking transformation of body, soul, and mind.

Lee Huffman , Writer

Lee Huffman spent 18 years as a financial planner and corporate finance manager before quitting his corporate job to write full-time in 2018.

Lee has been writing about early retirement, credit cards, travel, insurance, and other personal finance topics since 2012. He enjoys showing people how to travel more, spend less, and live better through the power of travel rewards. When Lee is not getting his passport stamped around the world, he’s researching methods to earn more miles and points towards his next vacation.

His writing can be found on many popular travel and credit card websites such as The Points Guy , CompareCards.com , and ChooseFI.com . You can follow Lee’s travels at  BaldThoughts.com  or listen to his weekly travel podcast at  WeTravelThere.com .

Sandra Parsons , Writer

Sandra Parsons is a professional freelance writer and personal finance expert who writes about all things money — budgeting, saving, investing, credit, and debt management. Her work has been featured on sites like MoneyTips , Credit Knocks , Women Who Money , and CreditCards.org . She adores travel (preferably paid for with credit card rewards), and routinely reviews sightseeing passes and travel insurance solutions.

Before focusing on her writing career, Sandra spent five years working in banking, learning the ins and outs of bank accounts, credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, and investment products. More importantly, she witnessed first-hand the powerful impact that sound (or poor) financial decisions have on people’s lives. She was amazed to discover that regular people with modest incomes could build impressive net worths with the right habits. With that realization, something clicked, and she began the process of transforming her money habits, and ultimately, her life.

Sandra is a lifelong learner. She holds master’s degrees in employment relations and psychology. Although she swears she’s finished with post-secondary education, she pursues personal and professional development opportunities wherever she can.

When Sandra isn’t creating content for clients, she’s practicing yoga, reading, or spending time with her family. She lives in Eastern Canada with her wonderful husband and precious little boy.

You can find Sandra on Twitter or view her portfolio at SandraParsons.ca .

Kevin Payne , Writer

Kevin Payne is a freelance writer specializing in credit cards, student loans, personal finance, and travel.

He is a regular contributor to Student Loan Planner , FinanceBuzz , and Millennial Money . His work has also been seen on sites such as Forbes and Credit Karma . Kevin is the budget and family travel expert behind FamilyMoneyAdventure.com .

Kevin lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with his wife and four kids. His spare time is spent coaching basketball and planning family vacations.

Kate Underwood , Writer

Kate Underwood is a personal finance fanatic and freelance writer. Just a few years ago, she held a solid job but had little idea of where her money was going each month. Now, largely thanks to the personal finance blogging community, she’s transformed from someone who barely paid attention to her finances into someone who knows the power of financial literacy to change lives. It’s her passion to help others make strides in managing their money.

Kate has written about digging out from under student loan debt, mastering beginners’ investing guidelines, strategies for saving money, budgeting tricks, frugal travel, and lucrative side hustles. She taught English and French to teenagers for fifteen years before diving full-time into writing and editing personal finance content for sites like Club Thrifty .

Writing at her own blog, Changing Our Default , Kate shares her own journey of career pivots and mindset shifts. She explores the psychology of changing deeply-ingrained habits and highlights stories of others who inspire with their ability to make changes. Financial changes are the cornerstone of the content there, because a continually growing knowledge of personal finance can be truly empowering.

Whether you dream of traveling the country in your own RV for a year-long stint, starting your own business, or establishing a non-profit organization that aligns with your passion, Kate loves that making smarter financial decisions can get you there. She hopes to continue spreading financial literacy to more people through writing.

For more information about Club Thrifty, check out our About Us page here .

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9 things people misunderstand about traveling on a budget

Editor's Note

Many people assume traveling is prohibitively expensive. But there are ways to save money while exploring new places — and regardless of how much money you save up for a trip, it's possible to stretch your budget further than you think with some strategic planning.

Budget travel may invoke images of camping, taking buses and staying in hostels, but you don't have to sleep outside (or on an overnight bus) to save money. Don't let misconceptions about budget travel dissuade you from hitting the road. Here's why.

Luxury travel is possible

I've traveled on a budget for about 14 years, during which my trips have taken many different forms.

On the least expensive end, my lodging has included nights in hostels and even tents at state parks and music festivals. But more typically, I save money by staying at inexpensive hotels that participate in major hotel loyalty programs. For example, when I started traveling full-time as a digital nomad , I discovered that limited-service hotel brands like Holiday Inn Express provided the right mix of affordability and a good working environment.

I also sometimes redeem points for aspirational hotel stays and splurge on a few good-value hotels through Amex's Fine Hotels + Resorts program each year. A few years ago, I got $160 of food and beverages included on a $153 stay at the Loews Chicago Hotel .

I've taken my share of buses and trains — including an overnight bus in Turkey that broke down countless times along mountainous roads, a memorable trans-Mongolian train in second class and a 45-hour journey in an Amtrak Roomette — and flown many budget airlines . But by booking inexpensive mistake fares and redeeming points and miles, I've also enjoyed many premium cabin experiences for a fraction of their standard fare.

All this proves that budget travel can encompass camping, hostels, hitchhiking and buses. But depending on your priorities and budget, you might not need to choose the least expensive option or skimp on every aspect of your travel. Instead, budget travel is often about deciding how to spend a set amount of money you've set aside for your trip. Even if you don't have a set budget for a trip, you can still minimize your expenses and get good value.

Related: Is it cheaper to fly or drive when traveling on a budget?

Budget travel is a choice

For some people, sticking to a budget is an important part of planning a trip. But for many people, regardless of their budget, there's nothing more satisfying than getting great value.

I often choose budget travel even when I don't have to. While I haven't stayed in a hostel dormitory since 2017 and now pay to fly instead of taking extended bus journeys, I still work to limit my expenses. For example, I usually stay at one of the least expensive hotels I can find that participates in one of my primary hotel loyalty programs. And when I can snag an off-peak Category 1 Hyatt hotel for 3,500 points per night, I'll usually do so even if the location isn't ideal.

I always check public transit options and strive to use public transport when it's efficient and less expensive than a taxi or ride-hailing service. I also typically opt for inexpensive local cafes and restaurants (both for cost savings and the experience). One of my favorite travel activities is simply walking through neighborhoods, which happens to be free.

Related: How to travel on a budget: Here are our 22 top tips

You can still visit luxury destinations

The most limiting factor to visiting some destinations on a budget is the cost of flights. Luckily, if you're patient, you can usually find cheap airfare . And if you collect airline miles or transferable points , you can book an award flight .

Of course, you'll also need to consider expenses once you arrive. But, even destinations typically known for their high prices and upscale hotels can be feasible for budget travelers.

After all, you can often save money by eating at local restaurants or grocery stores. And if you stay at a local guest house, the owners may arrange budget-friendly activities. For example, in Maupiti, French Polynesia, I paid my guest house around $40 to go with a few other guests in the family's boat for perhaps the best excursion I've ever done: swimming with manta rays.

You can find reasonably priced Airbnb listings, independent resorts and even hostels in places like French Polynesia and the Maldives that are known for ultra-luxury resorts. You can even use inexpensive ferries to get to some destinations in these island nations. And, if you want to add a night or two of luxury to your trip, you might be able to do so at a modest cost by redeeming hotel points or getting a hotel credit card with an annual free night .

Related: 5 times when traveling abroad might be cheaper than staying close to home

You can save money at upscale hotels

Upscale hotels aren't out of the question, even when traveling on a budget. After all, you can find cheap luxury hotels in some destinations.

You can also redeem hotel points to stay at upscale hotels. For example, World of Hyatt has many appealing Category 1 hotels, including the Park Hyatt Chennai and the Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort , that you can book for 3,500 to 6,500 points per night. You can transfer Ultimate Rewards points , the currency earned by cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , to Hyatt to book these low-category gems.

Budget travelers can also unlock upscale hotel experiences using the annual free night certificates that are a perk of select hotel credit cards . For example, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card gives cardholders a 35,000-point free night award each year after their account anniversary, and the World of Hyatt Credit Card offers a Category 1-4 certificate after each cardmember anniversary.

All this to say: If staying at upscale hotels is your priority, don't automatically assume you can't do so when traveling on a budget.

Related: Book low-end or luxury hotels to get the best value from your points

You don't have to fly budget airlines

Budget travelers may assume they can only afford to fly budget airlines. But, especially since many full-service airlines now offer basic economy fares, you may find the best price is actually on a full-service airline. Just understand what's included in your fare and account for extra costs (such as baggage and seat selection fees).

If you plan to check a bag, signing up for an airline credit card may make sense before your trip. After all, some credit cards offer free checked bags as a benefit. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees ). However, the card offers a benefit that can provide significant value to some travelers: A first checked bag free for the cardholder and up to eight other companions on the same reservation.

You can also use an aggregator like Google Flights to compare fares before booking. Especially if you have flexible dates or are even flexible regarding your destination, you may be able to snag a good deal.

Related: How to use credit cards to defeat Basic Economy

Airport lounges can save you money

Airport lounges can provide a lot of value, especially for budget travelers. After all, airport lounges are a great place to get a snack — or even a light meal if money is tight — and a drink.

Travelers on a budget can potentially benefit from airport lounges even more than the average traveler. For example, budget travelers who sleep overnight at the airport might enjoy showering in the lounge before boarding their flight.

Luckily, getting airport lounge access through a credit card is relatively easy. Consider whether your home airport or airports you frequently transit have a Chase Sapphire Lounge , Centurion Lounge or Capital One Lounge . But, for many international travelers on a budget, having a Priority Pass Select membership or LoungeBuddy credits may be much more valuable.

Related: 5 ways to ensure you have lounge access before your next flight

You can get value from premium travel rewards cards

Don't assume premium travel rewards cards aren't for budget travelers. If Hilton hotels are in your budget, for example, you may get value from adding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card to your wallet.

Yes, the Hilton Aspire's $550 annual fee can be challenging to accept. But you may see the value once you consider the card's many perks (such as top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond status and one complimentary reward night each year). The Hilton Aspire also has the following statement credits that can provide more than the card's annual fee in value each year:

• $400 Hilton resort credit : Receive up to a total of $200 in statement credits semi-annually (January through June and July through December) for up to $400 back annually for eligible purchases made directly with participating Hilton resorts using your Hilton Aspire card
• $200 flight credit : Receive up to a total of $50 in statement credits each calendar quarter (January through March, April through June, July through September, and October through December) for up to $200 annually for eligible purchases of airfare made directly with an airline or through amextravel.com with your Hilton Aspire card
• $189 Clear Plus credit : Earn up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year when you use your Hilton Aspire card to pay for an annual Clear Plus membership

The information for the Hilton Aspire card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Of course, a premium travel rewards card won't make sense for every traveler. So, it's critical to consider how much value you'll get from a card before signing up.

Related: How to maximize the Hilton Amex Aspire Card

Mid-tier travel rewards cards are valuable

You may not need to pay a high annual fee for your desired perks. Indeed, many modestly priced cards also offer lounge access, free checked bags, free night certificates and help toward elite status . So, you may want to see if a cobranded card with your favorite airline or hotel would provide enough perks to justify the annual fee.

For example, consider the United℠ Explorer Card . This card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 thereafter. Cardholders get two United Club one-time passes per account year, a free first-checked bag for the primary cardmember and a travel companion on the same reservation, priority boarding for the primary cardmember and companions traveling on the same reservation and 25% back on United inflight food, beverage and Wi-Fi purchases.

Or, consider the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card . This card has a $99 annual fee but gives cardmembers an anniversary night worth up to 40,000 points after each account anniversary. Primary cardmembers also enjoy automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status and access to the fourth reward night free perk when redeeming IHG points for stays of at least four nights.

Even if a cobranded hotel or airline card doesn't make sense, you could consider a travel rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card . I often recommend this card since it offers valuable travel protections and bonus earnings on travel and dining purchases in exchange for a modest $95 annual fee.

Related: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Citi Strata Premier: Which mid-tier travel card is better?

You can fly in premium cabins

Many budget travelers never dream of flying in business class or first class; they'd rather spend their hard-earned points or cash on more or longer trips. But, points and miles can unlock premium cabin experiences and, in some cases, the upcharge to book a business-class award instead of an economy-class award is worth paying.

If you're flying internationally, booking a business-class award may also provide access to some spectacular lounges. And if you plan to check multiple items, you may be able to decrease your checked bag fees by booking a premium cabin ticket. In short, consider the whole experience you could get when deciding whether to splurge.

Related: 7 of the best airline award chart sweet spots

Bottom line

Traveling on a budget will look different for each person. But if you're traveling on a tight budget or looking to save money, keeping the big picture in mind is important. By doing so, you can focus your funds on what matters most.

Consider your priorities and what will provide value to you when deciding where to skimp and where to splurge. By doing so, you'll save money where you can and spend money on things that will bring you the most enjoyment.

For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Amex, click here .

DREAM   |  BELIEVE LIVE THE MAGIC

I am Kevin Belt, your personal travel designer!

I am enthusiastic about creating a memorable  vacation for you, your friends, and your family. I specialize in vacations to the Walt Disney Resorts, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Studios, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and Carnival Cruises. 

After my first vacation to Disney World in 1993, I knew that I would grow to have a passion and love for Disney. As I got older, I would memorize the music to the classic movies like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King getting caught in the living room dancing and singing along to the soundtrack. I wanted to buy all the trivia books and games to learn as much as I could about the parks and the man who created it all, Walt Disney. I would eventually become “the Disney guy” amongst my friends because once I got started I couldn’t stop talking. I had the privilege to be able to travel to Disney and Universal a few more times in my youth to continue my excitement and passion for the theme parks and the joy that they bring.

Embark on a Stress-Free Adventure

As your travel designer,  I strive to simp lify and streamline the planning process for you. Instead of clicking “bo ok online" with a hope and a prayer, you’ll work directly with me to guide you through it all. I listen to your unique needs , apply my professional travel industry knowledge, and deliver a vacation that’s  hand-crafted just for you , not the masses.

My goal is to take on all of the nuances of your vacation. All you will need to do is show up to your destination and enjoy your vacation. I cannot wait to share in your excitement, and help you create a magical adventure!

Services can include:

One on one planning, price monitoring, dining reservations 60 days in advance, personalized reminders , park guides for you vacation, packing guides, transportation arrangements, stroller arrangements (if needed), constant and continuous support, genie+ support, arranging child care services (if needed), support navigating any apps used for your vacation.

"Kevin was a dream to work with and I can promise you that planning a trip with my mother isn’t the easier endeavor! He listened to the wants and needs attentively and made sure that this Disney trip was truly as magical as it gets! I would definitely recommend using Kevin as your travel agent!!"

Becki E., TX

Kevin Belt is an independent contractor with Briar & Main Travel Boutique.

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