Planning a summer vacation is often overshadowed by the cost of the trip Today, many people prefer budget vacations. Below are some ways to save money while traveling. From accommodations to services learn how to budget accordingly.
Accommodation
To save a lot on accommodation, you can stay in a small hostel (prices per night in such places are lower than in hotels and large inns) or make an online booking of apartments in advance. In the second case, choose a location outside the tourist area.
How else to save on accommodation while traveling
- travel in the off-season – at this time hotels lower their prices;
- if you are planning a trip for a couple of days, come on weekdays – on weekends the cost of accommodation increases;
- check the holiday calendar – the local culture can be very different, and you, without even realizing it, find yourself in the middle of a carnival or Eastern New Year celebration. Hotels are overcrowded at this time and cheap options are simply not available;
- when traveling with children, choose places where they can stay for free.
Check for current promotions before booking your accommodation – many places offer a promo code for a discount on your first booking.
Flight
Book early: The earlier you book your plane ticket, the cheaper it will be. Many airlines offer discounts starting from Sunday and ending on Monday. By searching for tickets in advance, you will be able to choose not only a convenient but also the most budget-friendly option. Additionally, knowing the best time to book international flights can further increase your chances of securing the lowest fares and ideal travel dates.
When searching for a ticket during the trip itself, when you are traveling from one country to another, change the country and currency in the settings on the airline’s website. This way you will be able to outsmart the service and find good deals from local carriers. Pay attention to the ranking by time of day: flights in the morning and during the day are usually more expensive, while in the evening and at night the same flight can cost half as much.
Transportation
Once you arrive at your destination, leave the taxi option for emergencies. Find out in advance how to get from the airport or train station to the city or ask at the information desk. Use public transport: a bus or metro ticket to the city can be at least ten times cheaper than a taxi ride.
When traveling between cities, don’t forget about ride-sharing, trains, and intercity buses. As practice shows, the latter option is the most budget-friendly. Don’t be shy about asking – locals know exactly how to get there cheaper and where to buy tickets. If you’re traveling in a group, consider renting a car.
Nutrition
Food is an essential expense that you can’t avoid. But you can cut it down and do it in a way that benefits you. Instead of going out to dinner, try going to a small cafe or canteen that serves local cuisine. Choose places where locals eat, and take a closer look at street food. This way, you can save money and experience another side of traveling – the gastronomic one. If you plan to live in an apartment, choose an option with a kitchen and shop in supermarkets away from the tourist center.
Services
A tourism expert recommended not to buy something that can be obtained for free. Firstly, this concerns transfers or the Internet. Check in advance whether the hotel provides such a service as meeting guests. If so, write a letter to the receiving party before booking and clarify the details.
When you arrive at the airport, don’t rush to buy a local SIM card. If you only need a phone number to access the Internet, use free Wi-Fi. In most countries today, there are many places where you can easily use this service for free: the airport, the metro, or any cafe. In some large cities, “city Internet” is available right on the street, and at the hotel, they will definitely tell you the Wi-Fi password and you won’t have to pay for it.
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