Budget travel tips: Save a mint with these ideas

I travel frequently throughout Maine and beyond for work, and since I’m most often on my own for expenses, I’ve mastered keeping costs manageable. Sure, I love it when I’m able to stay at a fancy-pants hotel or dine in a chi-chi restaurant, but more often than not, I’m seeking cheap digs and meals and trying to avoid parking meters and tolls. Here are some of the budget travel tips and techniques I’ve picked up over the years.

For budget travel, car-free is carefree

Select destinations that you can get to by public transportation (bus, train, plane) and where you don’t need a car. In Maine, these include Portland (Metro bus and ferry), Rockland (small town with most sites within walking distance, ferry to islands), and Mt. Desert Island (seasonal bus service). No car means no rental fees, no parking fees, and no tolls.

Coming up from Boston? Concord Coach Lines bus service is first class all the way:

• clean, new comfy coaches with electrical sockets at the seat and a restroom in the back;
• free movie and free Wifi;
• quiet ride with no cell phone use permitted en route except for emergencies;
• almost hourly departures between Boston and Portland with direct service from South Station and an airport express with pick-up at all terminals;
• less frequent connections from Bangor, Augusta, and along the coast from Portland to Searsport.

OR try Amtrak’s wonderful Downeaster rail service from North Station, with stops in Wells, Saco, Old Orchard Beach (seasonal), Portland, Freeport, and Brunswick. Although the service is less frequent than the bus, it’s quite comfy.

Plan ahead with the state’s comprehensive Explore Maine transit site.

Cheap sleeps for budget travel

Book a room with access to a refrigerator and microwave: either in room or shared in a common area. That allows you to prepare light meals and heat leftovers. Or, rent a house, apartment, cottage, which gives you a more space and full facilities and often costs far less than renting a room.

Consider a cost-controlled stay in an all-inclusive sporting camp or a multi-day all-inclusive sail on a Maine windjammer. Note: both include lodging and all meals, some activities, but not alcohol or gratuities. Or rough it even more along the Maine Huts & Trails or AMC Maine Lodges systems (hike, bike, paddle, snowshoe, ski).

Also, check my Cheap Sleeps recommendations for budget-friendly accommodations in Maine.

Cheap eats for travelers

Many restaurants offer early-bird specials before 6 p.m. Also, venture off the beaten path to find the less touristy and often downright cheap ethnic restaurants.

• Patronize community suppers: Look for announcements in local papers and for signs in front of churches and group halls (Grange, Elks, Odd Fellows, etc.). These low-cost meals include chowder suppers, bean suppers, fried fish, chicken, potlucks, and sometimes-even lobster. They’re also a good opportunity to rub elbows with the locals and pick up some insider tips.
• Make lunch the major meal of the day: You can dine in a decent restaurant and have a fancy lunch for far less than it will cost for dinner out.
• In the boonies and don’t know where to eat? Look for the local diner/dive with the biggest collection of local pick-up trucks. Food won’t be fancy, but it’ll usually be cheap and hearty. Stick with the basics (burgers, grilled cheese, fried fish), and you’ll be fine.
• Make meals from supermarket fresh foods and prepared foods sections. In Maine, most Hannaford’s have extensive salad bars, often sushi bars, chicken stations, as well as everything else you might want for a do-it-yourself feast. Whole Foods in Portland even has in-store dining and tables. Many natural foods stores also offer sandwiches, soups, and other prepared foods.
• Maine’s farmers’ markets are a bonanza of everything from local produce, cheeses, and meats to prepared ethnic foods.

Save money with deals and discounts

Military, AAA, AARP, etc: If you don’t ask, you won’t get. And with these, you can often save 10 percent or so on accommodations, meals, and admission to popular attractions. Also, search online for hidden deals using the town name or a specific attraction or restaurant add the words “promo code” and again with “coupon.” And you might want to check Travel Zoo; I’ve found some great specials on that site.

Take advantage of freebies and cheapies

Take advantage of free or low-cost programming: concerts, state and national park programs, films, contra dances, etc. You’ll find listings in local newspapers (check online versions for advance planning), chamber of commerce websites, attraction websites, and posted on community bulletin boards.

Pack light to avoid luggage fees

You don’t need a full wardrobe to travel. Leave your vanity at home, and make do with a minimal amount of appropriate seasonal wear. Aim for one color scheme and mix-and-match items that dry overnight when washed in a sink. Plan ahead and pack items that do double or triple duty.

Minimize. Minimize. Minimize.

Roll clothing and pack in vacuum or other travel bags designed to reduce bulk. Use lightweight, easy-to-maneuver carry-on or backpack (pay attention to your airline’s size restrictions and ideally use a suitcase that’s smaller, so there will be no problems; don’t max out your luggage). Or consider the bundle technique. Wear heavier/bulkier items (including shoes) on the plane. Or…

Lighten your load

For $23, you can ship home a large (12.25 x 12 x 6) U.S.P.S. priority box; that’s far less than checking an extra bag. Use it to send home (or to your destination in advance) heavy or bulky items. I’ve even shipped dirty laundry home to lighten my load.