Traveling is one of the best ways to spend your vacation. Going to different places, especially to another country, is so much fun and also very enriching and educational as you get exposed to many new things that you wouldn’t be able to experience if you’re just sitting on your couch. But let’s face it, travelling may be quite enjoyable but it is also expensive. Here are some money saving tips so you can stretch your travel budget to last you the whole trip.
Money saving tip # 1: Go on the off-season
You will surely spend more if you travel during the peak season. This is because the stores and various establishments are catering to high demand and will increase their prices. You will save more if you travel during the off season, which is the time when there are fewer tourists.
People think that off-season means it’s a time of bad weather and you’ll just be miserable. This is not necessarily true. Off-season usually means it is a time when students are already in school or the important events in the place is yet to happen. Do remember that national holidays, even during off season, can result in raised prices so always check the calendar and identify the national holidays in the place you plan to visit.
Money saving tip # 2: Make early or last-minute bookings
You will get more savings if you book your flight far in advance or at the last minute. You get significant savings if you book way in advance of your scheduled vacation. The good thing with this tactic is that it’s one less thing you can tick off your list of to-dos, and you get to save money along the way.
Doing the reverse will also save you money. You can attempt to book for packages (a combination of airfare and hotel booking) a week before you leave. But this is not for the faint of heart. There’s a chance that you may not find any openings if you go this route.
Money saving tip # 3: Get creative in saving up on food expenses.
There are many ways of saving up on food expenses. For example, try to book a hotel package that includes free breakfast. Another way to save up on food expenses is by going to the local grocery and buy food stuff there and bring it to your hotel. Keep food in the hotel fridge and whip out creative no-cook dishes when it’s time for lunch or dinner. Finally, try to eat at local restaurants because it will save you a lot of money. Restaurants that are part of an international chain are more expensive.
Money saving tip # 4: Ride the local transport
Don’t rely too much on taxis, because the fare adds up and it can become quite a burden on your pocket. Ride the bus or the subway. It’s cheaper and you get to see more of the place you’re visiting.
You may also want to read our article on how to get the best travel agency rates and how to save money on gas (in case you will be driving to your destination).
Photo from treehugger.com