I’ve found that packing a soft cooler and several ziplock bags can come in handy especially if you don’t have a fridge where you’re staying. I’ll go to a grocery store and buy some drinks and fruits and other snacks. And sometimes use the ziplocks to hold ice for the cooler.

Eating breakfast and having my coffee in my room before setting out for the day saves money but especially time. Can also mean less grumpy people in my group.

I totally agree with those tips! In addition to that, consider researching free or discounted activities at your destination, opting for affordable accommodations like hostels.

Of course! Drawing from personal experience, I offer the following advice:

Visit during the off-season to avoid crowds and locate less expensive lodging.
Choose street food to sample local cuisine and save money on meals.
To save money on transportation, take public transit rather than a cab.
To ensure reduced pricing, get your airline tickets early in advance.
Carry as little as possible when you travel to save money on airfares and other expenses.
With these suggestions, I hope you can budget-friendly plan your next trip!

Since this thread was started, airlines have applied artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to revenue management and almost never offer their best fares months in advance. They have no reason to.

There may be a constantly changing "sweet spot" to purchase tickets, which the airlines will never reveal to us, of between three weeks and two months prior to travel.

If sales are poor, there may be some last-minute good deals under this AI. On the other hand, with strong sales, the fares will likely only increase.

It pays to be flexible and to check fares often.

Some good points there SPN Lifer

Some airlines offer full credit when cancelling a flight. I was able to do that with UA for a domestic flight, and then used the credit months later for a Canada - Europe flight, so at least with UA I am able to purchase a ticket months in advance, and watch to see if the price drops. I don't recall if that is related to my lifetime Gold status, but IIRC this is a relatively new perk for all fliers (but if you don't have status you may want to double check).

But I do agree that buying months in advance does not tend to get the best price, as the airlines will throw out high fares, and lower them later in most instances - my guess is that they hope pax will want to lock in a flight and/or think that is the time when prices are lowest and don't bother to check later to see if price will be lower.

On UA, change fees have indeed been waived for all members, regardless of Premier™ status, for "trips" that originate in the USA. See the Wiki in this UA Forum thread.

Change Fees "Gone For Good"(WW ex-USA,non-BE), credit for lower fare!, Intl&BE waiver

Funnily enough, I'd almost bet that one of the two posts you quoted was AI generated.

Embarking on a low-budget travel adventure requires creativity and resourcefulness. Here are some tips to make the most of your travel budget:
Plan Ahead: Research destinations where your money will go further, such as countries with a lower cost of living or off-peak travel times.
Budget Accommodations: Stay in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb rentals instead of expensive hotels.
Use Public Transportation: Opt for public transportation over taxis or car rentals to save money on getting around.
Eat Local: Explore local markets and street food vendors for affordable and authentic dining experiences.
Travel Light: Pack only essentials to avoid baggage fees and streamline your travel experience.
Seek Free Activities: Take advantage of free attractions, parks, and cultural events in the destination.
Flexible Travel Dates: Be flexible with travel dates to find the best deals on flights and accommodations.
By adopting these strategies, you can stretch your travel budget and embark on memorable adventures without breaking the bank.
Happy travels!
Hope it will be helpful

As if on cue... see above.

Under review.