The secret to more frequent travel? It’s simple: Learn how to plan ahead, research your options, lean into deals, and time it right—and you’ll be amazed how far you can stretch your vacation budget.

Do you find yourself daydreaming of your next vacation…right after your last vacation? Whether you long to explore far-flung cities, relax on sandy beaches, or gather with family at a lakeside cabin, traveling more often is possible—and no, you don’t have to become a millionaire to pull it off.

The secret to more frequent travel? It’s simple: Spend less money on each trip you take, and you can stretch your annual vacation budget into more frequent trips. Learn how to plan ahead, research your options, lean into deals, and time it right, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can get out of your vacation budget.

So if you’re ready to hit the open road or the friendly skies, check out these easy ways to be a frugal traveler and get out of town more often.

1. Travel during the off-season.

One of the easiest ways to be a frugal traveler is to travel during the off-season. When you visit your vacation destination during the non-peak travel dates, flight and hotel prices are often slashed.

For instance, Florida’s off-season is July to August (which may seem strange since it’s known as the Sunshine State, but there is such thing as too much sun). The main FL tourist season runs from December to the end of April, so vacationing during the extra-hot summer will save you a ton if you can handle that sun. Flip this script if you want to visit, say, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; this beach town’s peak season is summertime, and rates will plummet during the winter.

Pinpointing off-season times that are cheaper but still safe (i.e., you don’t want to head to a destination during a season it’s prone to hurricanes or sandstorms just because it’s cheaper) requires a little bit of research, but it’s definitely worth the effort. When the off-season is, exactly depends on where you plan to visit.

Do your research and travel during the off-season to save money and avoid the crowds, too.

2. Use travel sites to book cheaper hotels.

Rather than booking directly with the hotel, check out travel sites such as booking.com and priceline.com for cheaper rates. These sites allow you to compare multiple hotels at once. This helps you find the best deal for your destination.

Plus, if you sign up for these companies’ rewards programs, you can save even more and earn perks. It takes only a few minutes, and the member-only savings are solid. You can even win free upgrades and comped nights at hotels. The best part? It doesn’t matter which hotels you stay at; the points count each time you book.

These sites are excellent for pet owners, too, because you can easily figure out which hotels are pet-friendly.

3. Stay with family to save on hotels.

Another great option to save money on hotels is to stay with folks you know. Got a long-lost cousin with extra space in a fun city? What about that college roommate who’s always saying “my guest room is your guest room”? Skipping hotels entirely can cut your vacation costs by hundreds of dollars.

More than likely, you have family or friends in many different locations who would be happy to host you, so why not book a fun get-away and see your favorite aunt while you’re at it? Just make sure you consult with them well in advance about what length and timing of stay they’re comfortable with. And pro tip: Don’t invite yourself to stay with friends or family who have kids, unless they’ve specifically told you you’re welcome.

4. Book flights at the right time.

Using travel sites can save you serious money, but you can double your savings if you book your flights at the right time, too. According to a 2019 study by Cheapair.com, the “prime booking window” is about four months to three weeks in advance of your travel dates.

The study also found that it didn’t really matter what day you booked your flight, but rather what days you actually traveled. In fact, Tuesday was the cheapest day of the week to fly, averaging $85 in savings. Sundays and Wednesdays are cheaper days as well. So skip the Fridays and Saturdays and travel frugally by flying when it’s cheapest.

5. Opt for a kitchen.

One way to save a ton of money and be a frugal traveler is to opt for a hotel or rental that comes with a kitchen. Of course it’s fun to dine out, but you can save quite a bit if you can cook just one or two of your meals every day.

It doesn’t have to be fancy; grocery shop for a continental breakfast or a big scramble. Even packing sandwiches for midday rather than hitting a lunch spot can save you $20 each time.

6. Find low-cost and free things to do.

The biggest way to be a frugal traveler and travel more often is to find fun, low-cost, and free things to do on your trips. While you’re planning (or even after you arrive), do a quick search online for affordable activities in your destination. Check out the local parks, historical museums, and botanical gardens.

Also, research your destination in advance to see if you can time your trip with any free events or festivals; many beach destinations will have music festivals and other events going on during the summertime.

7. Find discounts on top attractions.

Check for discounts on top attractions, whether it’s the theme park you’re dying to try or the aquarium your kids are clamoring for. Sites such as CityPASS and DestinationCoupons can save you up to 50 percent off experiences like these, which can often be more expensive than you bargained for if you don’t plan ahead. Search the state or city you’re visiting on both of these sites for epic deals on must-sees.

8. Find affordable vacation destinations.

Another tip is obvious but not to be overlooked: Simply find a more affordable destination. After all, smaller cities, lesser-known towns, and off-the-beaten-path beaches can not only be much cheaper than major destinations; they let you skip the tourist crowds in favor of unique charm.

Do you always head to Daytona Beach? Try New Smyrna Beach instead for a less crowded and less expensive option. Do you love traveling to Nashville to hear live music? Try Memphis to halve your hotel prices. Do you love to sail? Instead of Miami’s sky-high boat rental prices, try your hand in Annapolis, Md. The list goes on.

9. Use a rewards credit card.

Of course, it’s best to actually save for your vacation and not rack up debt. That said, most of the time, you will be using a credit card to reserve hotels, flights, and other travel expenses (unless you’re paying for your vacation with Bitcoin, of course). So you might as well use your card to benefit you financially and earn those perks. Get a credit card that offers rewards and travel miles, so you can earn free stuff for your travel adventures. While you’re at it, try to find a card with no annual fees and lower interest rates too.

You’ve booked your flights, planned an itinerary, and you’re ready to start packing your suitcase for your next adventure. It’s time to travel! Whether you’re flying abroad for work, driving somewhere warm to escape the winter, or heading a few states away to visit friends or family, any trip involves packing the essentials. If you’re vacationing, it can be easy to remove yourself from your regular routine, but your skincare routine shouldn’t get a vacation. Between flying, sun exposure, air conditioning in hotels, and different temperatures, your skin goes through the wringer while traveling, so it’s important to keep it hydrated, healthy, and protected. Here are a few of our skincare travel tips to keep in mind before embarking on your upcoming trip.

Pack Smart

While we may not be able to help you pack your clothes, we can offer some skincare packing advice. Head to your nearest drug store or shop where travel-size containers are sold and stock up. These will be helpful when it comes to traveling with your skincare products, especially if you’re flying with carry-on luggage. This way, you won’t have to worry about toting around full-sized containers, which can take up a lot of room in a suitcase. You may also be able to find travel or sample size products that are already used in your routine, which means there’s even less work to do.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Has your skin ever felt incredibly dry after a long plane ride? The air conditioning on airplanes is different than what we’re used to in our homes, so it can easily dry your skin. Airplane air conditioning uses only about 20 percent humidity, while our skin is typically used to 40 to 70 percent. This can also give skin a dull appearance, even if you’ve applied makeup prior to the flight. Not to mention, airplane air is recycled and pressurized, which is a rude wake-up call for your skin. Moisturizer will be your best friend before, after, and during long flights, especially if you are already struggling with dry skin. Before and during a flight, it’s important to drink plenty of water to keep moisture in your body, which can greatly benefit your skin on long trips. This also includes your lips, which can become easily chapped on planes. Bring your favorite lip balm with you and apply frequently to lock in moisture.

Protect Yourself

Even if you aren’t heading to a tropical location, you won’t want to forget sunscreen, which should be a regular part of your skincare routine. A moisturizer containing SPF can be especially useful on the plane. You may not think about it while sitting on a plane, but the sun’s rays are even harsher thousands of feet above the ground where the air is thinner. If you have the window seat and find yourself gazing out onto the horizon, you will want to have some SPF handy.

Be a Tranquil Traveler

Traveling can lead to stress, especially prior to long road trips or while heading through airport security, which can impact your skin. Between travel stress and the dry air on planes, your skin can take a beating and become inflamed. Aside from staying hydrated, wear lighter makeup that won’t add to the skin’s irritation and use soothing makeup remover wipes. If you find yourself becoming stressed, just relax, rest, and picture yourself on the warm island you’re heading to.

Adjust to Changes

Once you’ve arrived at your hotel, condo, or rental house, it’s important to remember that your skin still has some adjusting to do. Hotel air conditioning can be different from what you’re used to at home, and it can produce similar results to what your skin experiences with the dry air on a plane. Depending on your location, the water can also be different. Water in certain parts of the world is cleaner or more chemical-filled than water elsewhere, so keep that in mind if you are still noticing changes to your skin throughout your trip.

Stick to Your Regimen

As mentioned before, you don’t get a vacation from your skincare routine if you want to keep your skin looking happy and healthy. Be sure you’ve packed the necessary steps in your regimen and use the products as you normally would at home. If you forget to stick to your regular routine or forget any parts of your typical regimen, your skin won’t be thanking you later.

Traveling can definitely be overwhelming, which tends to show on our skin. If you stick to your routine, moisturize as much as possible before and after flying, remember to apply SPF, and remain as calm as possible, your skin can enjoy your trip right along with you!

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when I say ‘travel’ – Vacation? Meeting new people? Or maybe, Instagrammable sunsets? While traveling can be exciting and exhilarating, it’s so much more than sipping margaritas on a sun-soaked beach.

It’s no news that travel is good for your physical wellbeing, but a significant amount of scientific research suggests that exploring a new place can do wonders for your mental and emotional health as well.

Here are five evidence-backed ways traveling makes your mind happy and healthy:

1. It’s a great stress buster. “The stress of work and daily demands can distract us from what we find to be actually meaningful and interesting,” says Dr. Tamara McClintock Greenberg, a San Francisco-based clinical psychologist and author of Psychodynamic Perspectives on Aging and Illness. Thus, taking a break from the daily hustle and bustle is essential for your mind to relax, recharge and rejuvenate.

And what better way to do so than to pack your bags and cross wanderlust-worthy destinations off your bucket list? Traveling promotes happiness and helps you take your mind off stressful situations. This leads to lower cortisol levels, making you feel more calm and content. “It also helps us reflect on our personal goals and interests,” adds Greenberg. According to a 2013 study, more than 80% of Americans, who were surveyed, noticed significant drops in stress just after a day or two of traveling. “Even though I’m always busy when I travel, whether it’s sightseeing, taking photos or just exploring a destination on foot, I know I’m the calmest and most relaxed when I travel,” says Jacintha Verdegaal, an avid traveler and founder of travel and lifestyle blog, Urban Pixxels.

2. It helps you reinvent yourself. Writer Patrick Rothfuss said, “ A long stretch of road can teach you more about yourself than a hundred years of quiet .” Experiential traveling, particularly to a foreign country, can help you re-evaluate and reinvent your life. “If you allow it, travel has the ability to expand your mind in a way you never realized was possible,” says solo travel expert and founder of the Trusted Travel Girl, Valerie Wilson.

Moreover, the valuable lessons that you learn along the way broaden your perspective, making you more aware and open to new things. “I love traveling to places with different cultures because it forces you to think about your own,” says Verdegaal. “Different is not better or worse, it’s just different. But being confronted with these differences helps me to re-evaluate my own principles and values and, sometimes, change them,” adds the professional globetrotter.

Exploring new places can also give you a fresh start if you’re recovering from a major transition in your life. “When I had Lyme disease, for several years, my world shrunk. I lost friends who didn’t know how to deal with a sick friend. I was quite alone and lost a lot of my self-confidence,” says Wilson, who began to travel “out of fear of relapsing.” “By traveling and interacting with the world around me, I found a new passion for life. I convinced myself to travel even when I wasn’t feeling well. It has brought me happiness, given me a purpose, and has made me a strong, independent woman,” she explains.

3. It boosts happiness and satisfaction. Apart from the obvious fact that you don’t have to go to work (and can legit eat pizza for breakfast), traveling gives you the opportunity to step away from the daily grind. The new events and experiences help rewire your brain, hence boosting your mood and self-confidence. “I think people, in general, are not meant to be tied down to just one place their entire lives. I especially feel “trapped” when I have to stay in the same place for too much time, without being able to really move about and explore,” says travel aficionado and co-founder of The Passport Memorandum, Marta Estevez. “My life feels most fulfilling when I’m outside, living through new experiences and learning,” adds the travel expert who has been to more than ten countries.

“Travel definitely makes me happy,” agrees Wilson. “Even the act of planning a trip gives me something to look forward to and brings me happiness,” says Wilson. Turns out, she’s not the only one who feels that way. According to a Cornell University study, the anticipation of a trip can increase your happiness substantially, even more than the anticipation of acquiring something tangible, like a new car.

4. It makes you mentally resilient. Going and living somewhere where you feel excited and intimidated at the same time can help you toughen up mentally and emotionally. “When I was younger, I couldn’t see myself traveling the world on my own. But now, I travel by myself most of the time. And I love it! It’s never as scary or dangerous as you make it in your head,” says Verdegaal of Urban Pixxels.

Also, facing difficulties in an unfamiliar environment, among new people, forces you to learn and adapt to a life that’s out of your comfort zone. This makes you more flexible, patient and emotionally strong. “Travel has taught me patience, to surrender control to the uncontrollable, and effectively problem solve,” says Wilson who describes herself as a “naturally anxious and impatient person.”

It can also help you deal with “larger issues in life with more grace and patience,” adds the travel expert. “One of the worst experiences I had, early on in my travel life, was being mugged of loads of cash and my passport just a day before I was due to fly home. It taught me to accept situations like this more calmly and to attach less emotion to belongings. Now, I can get over similar stressful situations very quickly, without having the issue get me down for long,” tells Allan Hinton, a London-based photographer who quit his job to become a full-time traveler.

Similarly, when travel blogger Marta Estevez injured her ankle during the famous Loi Krathong festival (Lantern festival) in Thailand, “the roads were partially closed off that night and the streets were filled with hundreds upon hundreds of people that made it incredibly difficult for us to move,” she explains. “I had to learn to accept the situation and adapt our travels accordingly, without breaking down. I’m not sure I would’ve had the same composure a few years ago in this situation.” Bottom line is, the more challenges you’re faced with, the better you’ll get at overcoming them, eventually becoming more resilient, mentally and emotionally.

5. It enhances creativity. According to Adam Galinsky, a professor at Columbia Business School, visiting a foreign place and immersing yourself in their local environment (for instance, attending a ‘snake boat’ race in southern India or feasting on crispy tarantulas in Cambodia), increases your cognitive flexibility. It also enhances “depth and integrativeness of thought,” consequently giving a boost to your creativity. Galinsky is the author of multiple studies that look into the connection between creativity and international travel. Although, it’s important to note that traveling stimulates creativity only when you engage with the local culture of that place. Merely visiting a new city or a country isn’t going to cut it.

Additionally, extended traveling also improves your productivity, problem-solving skills and can even increase your chances of getting promoted at work!

However, “it’s important to remember that vacation can be very stressful for some,” notes Greenberg. If that’s the case with you, try taking “short, structured vacations in order to get used to the experience of having time off,” she suggests. Also, plan your trip properly, in advance, to avoid last-minute panic and chaos.

Lastly, how can you reap the benefits after returning from the trip?

“As a clinician, I encourage people to hold on to aspects of a travel experience or vacation that was pleasurable,” says Greenberg. For example, “if you liked the food in Paris, learn how to cook French food in order to re-create some of the feelings you had while you were on vacation,” she explains. “Another behavioral intervention is to remember peaceful moments you had on vacation and try to remember what was different from your present life. Maybe you took the time to eat breakfast, maybe you exercised. Those things are crucial reminders of what we should do every day,” adds the clinical psychologist.

Now that you’ve finished reading about all the wonderful things travel does to your brain, it’s time to pack your bags and get going!

Who is included in the travel ban?