Travelling on holidays can be a great way to relax, explore new places and have fun but it can also be expensive, especially if you don’t plan ahead and look for ways to save money.
Fortunately, there are some budget-savvy travel tips that can help you travel smarter and cheaper, without compromising on quality or enjoyment.
Read on to explore some of these.
Currency Exchange Rates
One of the first things to consider when planning your holiday is where to go. Some destinations are more expensive than others, not only because of the cost of living but also because of the exchange rate.
If you want to stretch your budget, look for places where your currency is strong and where you can get more value for your money.
For example, if you are travelling from Australia, you might want to avoid countries in Europe or the US where the dollar is weaker and opt for destinations like Bali or New Zealand.
Finding Cheap Flights
One of the biggest expenses when travelling is the airfare and finding the best deals can save you lots of money.
Many websites are out there to help you search and compare prices from different airlines. They can help you find the cheapest flights for your destination and dates.
Some examples of these are:
Take advantage of their email alerts which can notify you when prices drop or when special offers are available.
Make Use of Free Stopovers
If you are flying long haul, you might have to take multiple flights and spend hours waiting at airports. This can be boring as well as exhausting. It can also be an opportunity to visit more places on your trip.
By taking advantage of free stopover programs offered by some airlines, you can visit another city or country on your way to your final destination, before catching your next flight. This way, you can see more on your trip without paying for additional flights.
For example, you can visit Dubai on the way from the UK, or Hawaii on the way from the US. You can see more of the world and have a mini-holiday within your holiday.
Accommodation
Accommodation is another big expense when travelling, but there are many ways to reduce it.
One option is to look for alternative types of accommodation, such as hostels, guesthouses, couch surfing, homestays or camping. They are usually cheaper than hotels and can also offer more opportunities to meet other travellers and locals.
Visiting websites like the following can help you book and find these:
Another option is to skip booking a place to sleep for a night and take an overnight bus, train or flight instead. This way, you can save money and time by travelling while you sleep.
You will save on both transportation and accommodation costs, while also maximizing your time at your destination. As this might not be very comfortable or convenient, make sure you are prepared with earplugs, eye masks, pillows and blankets.
Pack Smartly
Packing smartly can help you save money in several ways.
First, by packing light, you can avoid paying extra fees for checked luggage or overweight bags.
Second, by packing carefully, you can avoid buying unnecessary items on your trip, such as toiletries, clothes or souvenirs.
Third, by packing wisely, you can be prepared for any situation, such as weather changes, emergencies or special occasions.
Some tips to packing smartly are:
- Make a list of what you need and stick to it
- Use a backpack or a carry-on suitcase that fits the airline’s size and weight limits
- Use packing cubes or compression bags to organize and compress your clothes
- Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and prevent wrinkles
- Wear your heaviest and bulkiest items on the plane
- Pack versatile items that can be mixed and matched
- Pack layers that can be added or removed depending on the temperature
- Pack a reusable water bottle, a travel mug and some snacks to avoid buying expensive drinks and food at the airport or on the plane
- Pack a travel adapter, a power bank and a multi-USB charger to keep your devices charged
- Pack some entertainment, such as books, music or games, to keep yourself occupied during long journeys
Eating Out
Eating out can be one of the joys of travelling as well as one of the biggest drains on your budget.
To save money on food, you need to know where to eat. This means:
- Avoid eating at touristy places that charge higher prices and offer lower-quality food
- Eat at local places that serve authentic and delicious food at reasonable prices
- Eat street food or market food that is cheap and fresh
- Eat breakfast at your accommodation or buy some groceries and make your own meals
- Eat lunch as your main meal of the day, as it is usually cheaper than dinner
- Eat dinner early or late, as some restaurants offer discounts during off-peak hours
- Eat vegetarian or vegan food, as it is usually cheaper and healthier than meat-based food
- Drink tap water or refill your bottle at public fountains instead of buying bottled water
- Drink alcohol sparingly or buy it at supermarkets or liquor stores instead of bars or restaurants
Sightseeing
Sightseeing is the fun part of travelling, but it can also be costly if you don’t plan ahead.
To save money on sightseeing, you need to do your homework prior.
- Look for free things to do in your destination, such as museums, parks, gardens, monuments or festivals
- Take advantage of free walking tours that offer a great introduction to the city and its history and culture
- Buy a city pass or a museum pass that gives you access to multiple attractions for a discounted price
- Visit attractions during off-peak hours or days, as some of them offer lower prices or free entry
- Use public transportation or walk instead of taking taxis or tours to get around the city
- Use apps or websites like Google Maps, TripAdvisor or Lonely Planet to find and plan your sightseeing itinerary
Overall travelling on holidays can be affordable if you follow these budget-savvy tips.
By finding cheap flights, choosing affordable accommodation, packing smartly, eating smartly and sightseeing smartly, you can enjoy your trip without spending a fortune.
Remember, travelling is not about how much money you spend, but how much fun you have.