If you like being thrifty, then planning your next holiday by using all the frequent flyer points and hotel deals available to you is the perfect way to flex those saving skills. Beyond just hunting for the cheapest flight, you can check the down season, plan ahead for currency conversion, rack up airline points with no fee credit cards, and get your hands on some comprehensive travel insurance too.
When you save money before your trip, you have more to spend on the fun stuff. Delicious food, transport to wonderful scenery, drinks by the sea or a trip through the savannah.
Make your vacation more valuable for less with these tips on how to get more from your travel plans.
Get a low fee credit card
If you’re eligible, then a no- or low-fee credit card can mean free frequent flyer points. Use it for your daily purchases leading up to your holiday and you’ll be able to afford a nice little bonus at no cost – extra legroom, flight lounges, or maybe even an upgrade to business class.
Enjoy the city’s free events & sights
The Lincoln Memorial, Sri Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple of India), and the Blue Mosque of Istanbul are not only breathtaking sights – they’re all completely free to visit. So many of the world’s wonders are free, that you’ll have to add them to your itinerary if you want to save and see great sights.
What’s more is that every city in the world has something going on each night, or each weekend. Local festivals, sporting events, night markets, and more are going on everywhere, and for free. When you land somewhere, give a quick search for “free events this week in Tokyo” and see what tickles your fancy. Making a list of all the ways to entertain yourself for free at your destination can help you spend even less on your next getaway without sacrificing on any fun.
Pick a place based on price
Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland may have stunning locals and wonderful cultures, but they’re also ranked as the most expensive places in the world to visit. The same goes for many tropical getaways like Bermuda or Barbados. Instead, the trick is to find something similar that’s nearby. Croatia in winter might be a cheaper way to enjoy European architecture in the snow, and New Caledonia might be your Galapagos islands. And if you’re a foodie, you’ll want to check how cheap the “cheap eats” are at your destination too.
Eat like a local
Even if you pick out a place with cheap, delicious food, you can still be caught out by tourist prices. If you go for a burger in Japan or a steak in China, you’ll be paying more at a speciality store. Instead take to the streets, to the hole-in-the-walls and the outer city. Outside of the tourist traps, the people are still eating good food, but they’re not paying a premium. Search Google or local food review sites for ideas and well-kept secrets.
Learn to use public transport like the locals
A taxi from the Osaka international airport to the city will run up hundreds of dollars on the metre, but a ticket on one of their comfy travelling trains? A quarter the price. Do a little research to see how locals like to get around, or ask at help desks for advice. There might be a few more quirks than just hailing a cab, but the savings are always massive and you’ll be quickly immersing yourself in the culture and people.
And when it comes to cabs, have a look online or ask about what the most popular rideshare app is. Uber doesn’t work in all countries, and many have their own brand– like Grab, Gojek, Ola, or DiDi.
Use Hostels and AirBnB
If you’re travelling with a group, AirBnB is the best way to travel. You can book whole houses for the price of a single bed in a hotel, and enjoy out-of-the-way stays too. If you’re out in the countryside, sometimes it’s the only option, so you’ll definitely want to download the app and have a look around.
But if you’re travelling by yourself, and you don’t mind a little company, opt for a hostel for backpackers instead. You’ll meet a few fellow travellers and enjoy dirt cheap prices too. What’s more is they’re a great way to live in the city without a hotel’s high price tag.
Visit during the offseason and be flexible with your flights
When it’s busy, flights cost more, so fly during the quiet season and save half off your flights. Besides that, prices fluctuate up and down a few hundred dollars each day– maybe there’s a conference one day, or no one travels on tuesdays. Whatever the reason for it, you’ll want to have some wiggle room – about a week, maybe more – to pick the best prices.
Conclusion
People have been creatively saving money on travel since it was invented, and there are many more tips to learn. Doing your own research is the best way to find what’ll work for you, and a quick trip through the internet will inspire so many new ways to visit the places you love.
