Set And Forget – How To Save at Home While Traveling

Save at Home

Obviously, points and miles hobbyists focus on how to save while they travel.  Indeed, it’s a fun process earning and redeeming points, miles, and cash back to do so.  I enjoy it so much, I focus more on leveraging those rewards currencies to save every day at home than on infrequent travel.  But easy methods exist to save at home while you’re far away from it, and they don’t involve points and miles.  Here are just a few ways I save at home while traveling.

Tend to the Thermostat

We most clearly save at home while traveling by thoughtfully setting our thermostat before leaving on the trip.  In the winter, we keep the heat on, but set it to 60 degrees.  We flip that for the summer, setting the air conditioning to 80 degrees.  Of course, those numbers can vary based on each individual’s preferences, but we’ve easily come out ahead with our modest tweaks.  After each trip, we easily see the savings in our subsequent electric bill.  Think it through, take a few extra seconds, and adjust your thermostat before departure.

Unplug

Turning off myriad electronics within the home is a no-brainer prior to any trip.  But taking an extra step can save travelers even more.

According to the Department of Energy, plugged-in televisions, computers, and other devices continually drain electricity.    This “standby power” amounts to 5 to 10% of residential energy use.  This may seem like a relatively minor amount, but savings can add up for avid travelers who unplug their devices before any trips.  Prior to leaving, I take a few minutes around the house to unplug the majority of electronics and small appliances  (the fridge stays plugged in, of course).  I’m saving a bit while also mitigating against fire hazards.

Unsubscribe

Some of us leverage credit card benefits to obtain “free” streaming services.  But many pay for streaming services without such a benefit paying them back.  Consider cancelling plans – no matter the cost – before traveling.  Of course, plenty of services don’t prorate fees for cancellations in the middle of a cycle, so it may make sense to stand pat.  But it’s not exactly sensible to pay for another month of service if you’re leaving town a few days later.  In those instances, cancel the plan before the new charge hits around a planned trip.  You can resubscribe after your return.  That way, you’re not paying for something you’re not consuming.

I understand some have services they enjoy using during travel, and I get going cold turkey isn’t necessarily feasible for all.  Also, heads up, many services’ “pause subscription” functionality isn’t the same as truly cancelling.

Nix that Grocery Trip

It’s human nature to make that next grocery trip a bit earlier than one truly needs it.  As conscientious as my family and I are, we still jump the gun here and there.  Instead of heading to the grocery store before a trip, look back in that cabinet or freezer to discover perfectly-fine items to consume before traveling.  Sure, a trip for a few staples like milk, eggs, and bread may be necessary, but evaluate quantities and only buy the exact amount of perishable items you need.  And during any grocery trip, be vigilant about not overly indulging in and paying extra for convenience items.

Pet Boarding

Individuals who board their pets during trips know how expensive services can be.  We occasionally board our two dogs while traveling, and our modestly-priced boarder ends up being our most significant travel-related expense.  So then, be attentive when you depart and return on any given trip, and schedule your pet boarding accordingly.  With the right itinerary timing, owners can shed a day of boarding expenses on the front and/or back of the trip.  Some who spring for pet bathing (including this writer) can strategically request a pickup where only bath fees are incurred – not an additional day/night of boarding expenses.

And, obviously, research and maybe try a few different boarding options.  We’ve noticed several perfectly-safe boarders’ billing policies vary widely.

Save at Home – Conclusion

These are the top five ways how my family and I save at home while traveling.  I’m confident many more options exist, and I look forward to you chiming in with your strategies in the comments.  Savings on any given trip aren’t necessarily jaw-dropping, but I know savings are more significant over time and additional trips.  Most importantly, these five options are relatively easy to implement.  A few minutes before any trip can end up with a relatively substantial return.

What are your favorite ways to save at home while you travel?

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