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10 ways to save money while travelling
1. Snip flight expenses
Booking online—especially on an aggregator site instead of the airline website—will be cheaper than doing it through an agent. Also, no matter what anyone says, don't wait for last-minute bargains; book at least 30 days in advance. Another money-saver tip is to book late morning or afternoon flights instead of the early morning or late night ones.
2. Slash costs on stay
When it comes to accommodation, reverse the rule for flight booking. Instead of going online, get in touch with the hotel directly since you will invariably land better discounts. Also try to opt for budget hotels or apartment rentals, which will be cheaper.
3. Travel off season
Travelling to a popular destination during off-peak months is a smart decision that will result in the highest cost reduction. Not only will you get cheaper flights and hotel stays, but can also cut down on sightseeing expenses and shopping cost. The best bit is that you will get lesser crowds, better treatment and more upgrades. 8-10% is the typical hike in air fares in May-June, according to Subhash Goyal, chairman, STIC. So avoid this peak period to cut your costs.
4. Be food wise
Food can eat into your spend in a big way. Cut it by opting for local eateries instead of the hotel fare. You can also stock up on water from supermarkets, and simple, readymade items from local bakeries to make your own meals in the hotel. Also, never use the minibar in the hotel because all the items will be expensive.
5. Smart sightseeing
If you've planned your own itinerary, go online and check for coupons and discounts to tourist hotspots. You can also pick up multiple passes, which combine several popular attractions and are cheaper. You can even check with the hotel concierge if there are any 'free' visiting days.
6. Commute costs
Another simple trick to crunch your travel bill is to use the local transport like metros and buses, instead of taxis, which can be very expensive. You can also opt for a centrally located hotel, which is close to popular tourist sites. Another option is to hire bikes or cycles to cut down on your travel expense.
7. Be a savvy shopper
Never buy too many souvenirs, especially from touristy spots because they will cost the earth. Pick them up from local markets instead. In fact, you should carry out most of your shopping from the markets that are not on the tourist circuit. Also make sure you don't buy too much stuff otherwise you'll end up paying baggage fee at the airport.
8. Chat cheap
If you are vacationing abroad, a good way to talk on the move is to buy an international SIM card, which lets you chat across countries, or the local SIM in the country you are visiting. Activating the roaming facility in your mobile phone will be the most costly option, so avoid it.
9. Kid comfort
If you are travelling with kids, you can easily reduce your expenses by carrying diapers, toys and baby food, which can be costly in a foreign country. Also, opt for hotels which allow free accommodation for kids, and tourist attractions that have no or low charges for children.
10. Carry the basics
Remember to pack basic stuff like ready-to-eat meals, salt, sugar, milk powder, etc. The other essential things would be soap, detergent and medicines, because all of these are likely to be expensive outside and will also save you unnecessary trips to the market in a new place.
10 ways to save money while travelling - The Economic Times
1. Snip flight expenses
Booking online—especially on an aggregator site instead of the airline website—will be cheaper than doing it through an agent. Also, no matter what anyone says, don't wait for last-minute bargains; book at least 30 days in advance. Another money-saver tip is to book late morning or afternoon flights instead of the early morning or late night ones.
2. Slash costs on stay
When it comes to accommodation, reverse the rule for flight booking. Instead of going online, get in touch with the hotel directly since you will invariably land better discounts. Also try to opt for budget hotels or apartment rentals, which will be cheaper.
3. Travel off season
Travelling to a popular destination during off-peak months is a smart decision that will result in the highest cost reduction. Not only will you get cheaper flights and hotel stays, but can also cut down on sightseeing expenses and shopping cost. The best bit is that you will get lesser crowds, better treatment and more upgrades. 8-10% is the typical hike in air fares in May-June, according to Subhash Goyal, chairman, STIC. So avoid this peak period to cut your costs.
4. Be food wise
Food can eat into your spend in a big way. Cut it by opting for local eateries instead of the hotel fare. You can also stock up on water from supermarkets, and simple, readymade items from local bakeries to make your own meals in the hotel. Also, never use the minibar in the hotel because all the items will be expensive.
5. Smart sightseeing
If you've planned your own itinerary, go online and check for coupons and discounts to tourist hotspots. You can also pick up multiple passes, which combine several popular attractions and are cheaper. You can even check with the hotel concierge if there are any 'free' visiting days.
6. Commute costs
Another simple trick to crunch your travel bill is to use the local transport like metros and buses, instead of taxis, which can be very expensive. You can also opt for a centrally located hotel, which is close to popular tourist sites. Another option is to hire bikes or cycles to cut down on your travel expense.
7. Be a savvy shopper
Never buy too many souvenirs, especially from touristy spots because they will cost the earth. Pick them up from local markets instead. In fact, you should carry out most of your shopping from the markets that are not on the tourist circuit. Also make sure you don't buy too much stuff otherwise you'll end up paying baggage fee at the airport.
8. Chat cheap
If you are vacationing abroad, a good way to talk on the move is to buy an international SIM card, which lets you chat across countries, or the local SIM in the country you are visiting. Activating the roaming facility in your mobile phone will be the most costly option, so avoid it.
9. Kid comfort
If you are travelling with kids, you can easily reduce your expenses by carrying diapers, toys and baby food, which can be costly in a foreign country. Also, opt for hotels which allow free accommodation for kids, and tourist attractions that have no or low charges for children.
10. Carry the basics
Remember to pack basic stuff like ready-to-eat meals, salt, sugar, milk powder, etc. The other essential things would be soap, detergent and medicines, because all of these are likely to be expensive outside and will also save you unnecessary trips to the market in a new place.
10 ways to save money while travelling - The Economic Times
