Top Tips To Save Money When Travelling
By: Chris Owens Even during an economic downturn, there’s no reason why most people can’t afford a hard earned holiday – especially when there are so many simple ways to save money when travelling.
Here are some essential tips that’ll make your travel budget last longer:
Be a smart shopper
Saving money begins before you start your trip. Use the internet to shop around for the best deals on flights, hotels, cheap travel insurance and more – there really are a number of bargains to be found. Signing up to airline and travel company e-newsletters is a great way of making sure you know about the cheapest offers as soon as they’re available.
Planning and preparation
Thinking ahead can also help you get a great deal. Choose your ideal destination well in advance to secure cheaper flights and accommodation. Some hotels will even give you a discount for early bookings.
Decide on dates
Can you travel out of peak season and at busy times like school holidays? If so, you’re likely to make massive savings on both travel and accommodation.
Choose your country carefully
Take into account the cost of living in the places you’re thinking of going. Staying a little bit longer in countries like Thailand or Turkey could actually end up saving you money, as you’ll be spending less cash than you would usually spend at home.
Midweek flying
If possible, try and avoid departures on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Midweek flights are often four times cheaper than travelling at weekends.
Take your own food
If you face a lengthy check-in at the airport, think about taking a few snacks and drinks with you. Not only will it save you from paying inflated airport prices, you won’t end up standing around in lengthy queues.
Pack for all eventualities
Even though your destination hasn’t had any rain for the past 3 months, it doesn’t mean that it’s guaranteed to be hot and sunny when you get there. Always pack a rain jacket or coat just in case – it’ll save you from having to buy one once you are there.
Make lunch last
Many bars, cafes and restaurants go all out to tempt in the lunchtime trade, so take advantage of their special offers such as two for one deals or three courses for the price of two. Eat the same meal at the same place later that day and you often end up paying much more.
Find free entertainment
Rather than paying to see a show every night, ask around and see which bars and clubs have free music or comedy performances, or find free local museums, galleries and other attractions.
Look for local knowledge
Make the most of your hotel’s concierge and other staff. Ask them where are the best places to go? Just as importantly, find out where to avoid and get to know a rough idea of the prices you should expect to pay locally so you don’t get ripped off.
Ditch the taxi
Save on expensive cab rides by exploring your destination on foot. Or maybe even hire a bike, which is a great way to get around and find some of the less well-known tourist hotspots.
Get online for free
Especially if you’re staying in a big town or city, check out the local library and get free internet access. It’s also a great way of avoiding paying for costly guide books, as you can download any maps and other information you need.
Here are some essential tips that’ll make your travel budget last longer:
Be a smart shopper
Saving money begins before you start your trip. Use the internet to shop around for the best deals on flights, hotels, cheap travel insurance and more – there really are a number of bargains to be found. Signing up to airline and travel company e-newsletters is a great way of making sure you know about the cheapest offers as soon as they’re available.
Planning and preparation
Thinking ahead can also help you get a great deal. Choose your ideal destination well in advance to secure cheaper flights and accommodation. Some hotels will even give you a discount for early bookings.
Decide on dates
Can you travel out of peak season and at busy times like school holidays? If so, you’re likely to make massive savings on both travel and accommodation.
Choose your country carefully
Take into account the cost of living in the places you’re thinking of going. Staying a little bit longer in countries like Thailand or Turkey could actually end up saving you money, as you’ll be spending less cash than you would usually spend at home.
Midweek flying
If possible, try and avoid departures on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Midweek flights are often four times cheaper than travelling at weekends.
Take your own food
If you face a lengthy check-in at the airport, think about taking a few snacks and drinks with you. Not only will it save you from paying inflated airport prices, you won’t end up standing around in lengthy queues.
Pack for all eventualities
Even though your destination hasn’t had any rain for the past 3 months, it doesn’t mean that it’s guaranteed to be hot and sunny when you get there. Always pack a rain jacket or coat just in case – it’ll save you from having to buy one once you are there.
Make lunch last
Many bars, cafes and restaurants go all out to tempt in the lunchtime trade, so take advantage of their special offers such as two for one deals or three courses for the price of two. Eat the same meal at the same place later that day and you often end up paying much more.
Find free entertainment
Rather than paying to see a show every night, ask around and see which bars and clubs have free music or comedy performances, or find free local museums, galleries and other attractions.
Look for local knowledge
Make the most of your hotel’s concierge and other staff. Ask them where are the best places to go? Just as importantly, find out where to avoid and get to know a rough idea of the prices you should expect to pay locally so you don’t get ripped off.
Ditch the taxi
Save on expensive cab rides by exploring your destination on foot. Or maybe even hire a bike, which is a great way to get around and find some of the less well-known tourist hotspots.
Get online for free
Especially if you’re staying in a big town or city, check out the local library and get free internet access. It’s also a great way of avoiding paying for costly guide books, as you can download any maps and other information you need.
Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com
Written by Chris Owens, part of moneysupermarket.com’s travel insurance team www.moneysupermarket.com/travel-insurance/ Search for cheap travel insurance online at www.moneysupermarket.com/travel-insurance/
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