Coupon Queen: Five ways to save while traveling

Bonjour from France. If there's one thing I've learned this week, it's that you don't have to spend a fortune to have a memorable European getaway. My sister and I are currently in France, soaking in the views, the food and the culture, while still keeping our spending in check. Here are five practical ways we've saved money during our stay. Flexible flights Before we even set foot in France, we saved big just getting here. Instead of locking in exact dates or even a specific destination, we stayed flexible. We searched a wide range of travel dates, kept an open mind on where we'd go, and watched for price drops. We ended up traveling from Tuesday to Tuesday, which helped us avoid those pricey weekend flights. Changing flight days alone can save hundreds. We also compared multiple nearby airports, considered one-way flights instead of round-trip, and kept an eye on those "extra" airline fees. I created a capsule wardrobe that allowed me to mix and match my outfits. Doing this allowed me to keep my carry-on and personal item within the limits, with no additional fees. It may not be glamorous, but it saved us a lot of money. 'Take-away' with a view Instead of splurging on every meal out, we embraced what they call "take-away" here (aka takeout). And honestly? Some of our favorite meals came this way. We enjoyed lunch sitting along the Mediterranean one afternoon and had another meal picnic-style right in front of the Eiffel Tower. We got the same views, same experience, just a fraction of the cost. Eat like a local We quickly learned that the smaller, local spots are where you can save the most on meals. Instead of pricey restaurants in touristy areas, we looked for quaint eateries frequented by locals. Not only were the prices lower, but the food felt more authentic and the experience more memorable. It's one of the easiest ways to stretch your budget while actually enhancing your trip. Free activities Some of the best moments here haven't cost us a single euro. We've spent our days strolling through markets, admiring landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame cathedral, relaxing on the beach, and wandering the charming streets of Èze. All of these activities were included, no tickets, no lines, but they elevated the experience. Fifty percent savings Let's be honest, the biggest way we saved was by leaving our husbands at home. Cutting the trip in half (literally!) made everything more affordable, from flights to food to accommodations. Plus, it gave us some much-needed sister time, which has been absolutely priceless. If you have a partner who doesn't have the travel bug quite like you do, this is a great opportunity to reenvision your travel opportunities. Start talking with friends, co-workers, and other family members who may be interested in travel. Travel doesn't have to mean overspending. With a little flexibility, a few smart choices, and a willingness to keep things simple, you can experience something incredible without the financial stress. Au revoir for now, and cheers to saving money wherever you roam! This week's deal Here's a deal that you can grab at Walgreens. Buy 2 DiGiorno rising crust pizzas $7.99 eachBuy 1, get 1 free sale= $7.99 total — $3.99 each Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there, and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at rachelkrych@gmail.com