When planning to travel on a budget while cheap traveloptions such as cheapairplane tickets, cheapfares, cheapdeals, discount hotel rooms, cheap auto rentals, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages canprove invaluable, there are additional steps you can take to ensure that you donot end up spending way more on vacation than you expected.
The following are money saving tips to consider whenplanning your next vacation, according to Ashley Rossi:
Bookyour flight and/or accommodation strategically by making your reservations inadvance, be open to booking a stopover, and be willing to travel midweek. Many hotels offer up to 20 percent off foradvanced bookings. Approximately twomonths in advance is when you should reserve your airline tickets. There is no guarantee, but earlierreservations tend to be cheaper.
If you will be flying overseas, be awarethat you may be able to take advantage of a stopping at a secondary destinationat a much lower cost. Several topairlines offer free stopovers.
Most destinations can be visited cheaperif you avoid weekend travel. Airfaresare often the cheapest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Thereare many ways to reduce travel costs or trade a service for accommodationsincluding couch surfing and house sitting. Hostels are a low cost option. New higher-end hostels such as Safestay and Generator Hostels offerhotel like amenities. If you are willingto sacrifice a little comfort and amenities, couch surfing, staying in auniversity dorm, and KOA camping are other budget friendly alternatives.
WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities onOrganic Farms) offers a way to travel and stay for free in exchange for work ona farm. Pet or house sitting in exchangefor accommodations is offered by Trusted Housesitters. House swapping (HomeExchange) or nightswapping (NightSwapping) are other options
Choosingthe right bank and credit cards is important since otherwise you will likelyface high transaction and ATM fees abroad. Travel with a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees,which often run about three percent. Using a bank card that is part of the Global ATM Alliance is one way toreduce ATM fees overseas. Considertaking out larger quantities of cash a few times during your trip to avoid feesthat quickly add up as a result of multiple smaller withdrawals.
Walkingis usually the best way to see a city and has the additional benefit of beingfree. By walking and reserving accommodationsclose to the sites you want to see, you will reduce your transportationcosts. Many cities offer free walkingtours.
Takeadvantage of discounts that range from AAA cards to student and seniordiscounts. Websites such as Groupon andLiving Social offer major discounts on restaurants, activities and travelgear. Many U.S. tourism boards areexcellent places to find discounts, offering coupon books, maps,recommendations, hotel discounts and trip planning services. Students and seniors tend to qualify foradditional discounts on transportation, museums, and attractions.
Packstrategically so that you only have to travel with a carry-on and avoid checkedbag fees as well as save time at airports. Make a checklist that includes all of your necessities, particularlymedicine, first aid kit, other essentials and toiletries. Certain items tend to be much more expensiveabroad or at an airport.
Avoidpurchasing anything at the airport. Packan empty water bottle in your carry-on and refill it after going throughsecurity. Bring your own snacks,purchase any books and magazines that you will want to travel with prior todeparting for the airport.
Planahead and spend a few hours researching your destination. Figure out if you can rely on walking, asubway, or taxis. It is often wastefulto assume that taxis are your preferred mode of transport. Make a budget before departing so that you willbe more likely to try not to spend more than a set amount on dinner or set a limiton daily expenses. Identify freeattractions in advance and determine what other sights are worth spending moneyon.
To be able to more realistically budget destinationexpenses check out Expatistans Cost of Living Index to get a general idea ofprices of destinations around the world.
Prepareyour phone prior to departure so that you do not get slammed with outrageousdata roaming charges. Many travelersfind that it is unrealistic to rely solely on Wi-Fi. Usually unlocking your phone which can oftenbe done by visiting a phone providers local branch and getting a foreign SIMcard is the best and cheapest way to use a phone abroad.
Saveby cooking your own meals, especially breakfast and lunch. Granola bars often works for an on the gobreakfast. Try to find accommodationsthat include a kitchen, or microwave and/or small refrigerator. Make certain to check out local grocerystores.
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