Best Trip Budget Planner Apps for iPhone Before the Trip vs Booking the Trip vs During the Trip

3 Methods:

Before the Trip

Booking the Trip

During the Trip

Traveling is super easy because you can just spend money on whatever you want and not worry about it ruining your finances. Said no one, ever. That's a nice fantasy to dream about though. Except, your travel dreams can become a reality (to an extent) when you plan ahead and develop a detailed trip budget. After all, spending more money doesn't necessarily mean your trip will be superior. There are plenty of ways to see the world, or just the next city over, for much less than you'd expect.

There are several steps you can take, and iPhone apps you can use, while booking your trip and during travel to optimize your funds. Before we get to that stage, however, you need to create a comprehensive budget. Research every aspect of the trip you hope to take from transportation methods, accommodations, tours, shopping, dining, etc., so you can estimate an average amount of what you'll need to save to make that possible. Feel free to round up on the cost so you have a bit of wiggle room. Then all you need to worry about is actually saving the money. For that, check out the tips below.

Money Saving Tips

1. 1
   Create a budget for your essential monthly expenditures; rent, groceries, utility bills, etc

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   Then decide where you can trim excessive spending on things like fancy coffee drinks, going to the movies, shopping, and eating out. Save that money for buying souvenirs, and experiencing local culture and cuisine while on your trip.

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2. 2
   Consider cutting your cable off for just a few months

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   No need to feel deprived of great TV when you can access streaming services for much cheaper. You can always get the cable hooked back up after your trip.

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3. 3
   If you don't already have one, consider applying for a credit card with a rewards program that will benefit travel costs

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   Then use the credit card for all your necessary purchases and start wracking up the points.

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4. 4
   Set up automatic transfers on every payday to a special savings account that you cannot easily withdraw from

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   Piggy banks can be fun to look at while you watch your wealth amass, but it's also a temptation you don't need.

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5. 5
   If your birthday or another gift-giving holiday is coming up, ask for cash or travel-related gift cards

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   While not necessarily a way to save money, these types of gifts will still get you closer to that dream vacation.

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6. 6
   Sell items you no longer need

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   This tip is especially useful for anyone about to embark on long-term travel. In the same vein, you may want to think about subletting your apartment while you're gone. Both options are easier and cheaper than finding long-term storage solutions.

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7. 7
   Ask for additional shifts at work or earn extra cash with a side job

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   Of course, this is only applicable in certain situations, but if your job has open shifts take them when you can. Or, consider looking for freelance work; if you're traveling long-term it might be a gig you can keep up while away.

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8. 8
   Use one of the apps outlined below to help you stay on track with finances in the months leading up to your trip

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   Be sure to download all of your chosen apps before getting started on your travels.

   • Qapital. Set up spending rules for the app to track so you don't have to constantly worry about them. Free, automatic transfers between bank accounts are triggered by daily activities, making it a simple way to save. Download here.
   • Tip Yourself. Set goals and grow your savings account. Every time you meet a daily or weekly goal, a pre-determined dollar amount will be transferred from your regular bank account to a special savings account. There are no fees and it's a great way to stay motivated in meeting your budget. Download here.
   • Unsplurge. Get inspired by and read tips from a community of savers, while saving money for your trip. Your progress is tracked using percentages making for a very visual and encouraging budget experience. Download here.

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Getting The Best Deal On Travel

1. 1
   Allow for some flexibility in either your trip's dates or location

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   If you can only travel during a certain time, be open to where your destination might be. If you've always dreamed of traveling to a specific city or country, don't tie yourself down to one set time. The less strict you can be about these details, the more you'll allow for better possibilities in flight and hotel deals.

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2. 2
   If you've decided to be flexible on the destination rather than dates, request time off from work starting and ending in the middle of a week

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   These tend to be times when flights are the cheapest.

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3. 3
   Traveling during the off-seasons (typically January, April, and September) will also get you a cheaper flight

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   These times change depending on destination, so do your research.

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4. 4
   Two one-way tickets and flights with stopovers can sometimes be cheaper than a round-trip

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   Be sure to give those options a chance first.

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5. 5
   If you're traveling out of the country, set up an international data plan for your phone

   .

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6. 6
   Make it your second (or third) job to be on the lookout out for deals

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   Whether it's flights, buses, hotels, tours, or any other deals specific to your trip, monitor prices and buy when they've dropped.

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7. 7
   Sign up for email alerts from travel sites and join travel-focused groups on sites like Facebook.

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8. 8
   Check out the apps below for easy ways to save while booking your trip

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   • The Hopper app can predict the best time for you to fly and sends alerts when your preferred trip has been reduced in cost.
   • Hostels are usually the cheapest option for accommodations and the Hostelworld app has more than 30,000 options worldwide.
   • If you're partial to hotels check out the HotelTonight app, which connects you with hotels looking to get their vacant rooms rented out at short notice for much cheaper than usual.
   • Road trippers and anyone looking to rent a car should check out CarzUp. The app is partnered with 25 car companies throughout Canada, the U.S., and Europe, so you can compare a ton of price points. You don't even need credit card info to book. Download here.
   • There's nothing worse than being miles away from home and realizing you forgot something. OK, maybe a few things are worse, but having to purchase an essential item you already own is no way to save money while traveling. The PackPoint app maker certain you don't forget anything. In addition to being a basic checklist, PackPoint bases your list on what activities you'll be doing when traveling and what the weather will be like during your stay. Download here.

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Plan Ahead For Cost Cutting Measures

1. 1
   If you're traveling by plane bring your own food and snacks for the flight

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   Everything at the airport is over priced and no one likes airplane food, so why not save your money and your taste buds by packing your own meal? Be sure to check airport restrictions first so you don't wind up throwing out restricted items.
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