Simple ways to spend less on a trip
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Now that the coronavirus pandemic is slowly coming to an end, the travel euphoria is growing! Bearing in mind that summer is here soon and that prices have risen, you are probably wondering if it is possible to spend less on travel this year. Check out our short but effective tips below and get ready for a crazy vacation!
Avoid the most popular places.
Capital cities and top tourist destinations are the most expensive, and there is little chance that you will spend less money there. If you can, choose less well-known destinations.
Popular places are places where there are many tourists and where the competition for accommodation and food is great, so the prices are competitive and high. If you want to spend your holidays in the Maldives and save money, choose a less popular island. The island will be almost as beautiful as the most expensive one, and you will spend less money.
Share your space.
You can save money when traveling with another couple or if you’re fine with staying in a dorm or a hostel with shared rooms. Wherever you travel, hostels are always cheaper than hotels. In addition, if you share a room and bathroom with several people, you can save a lot of money. Multi-bed rooms are always the cheapest option, but you run the risk of someone waking you up by snoring.
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Search for all the free things to do or try in your chosen destination.
Many people give money for various tours and sightseeing during the trip, and these can be very expensive. Instead, search for all the free things to do or try in your chosen destination.
The best example of this advice is New York. New York City is one of the most expensive cities to live in or visit in the United States, but did you know that you can do many things there for free? You can take the Staten Island Ferry, watch movies under the stars in Bryant Park, watch the US Open live, or visit Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which is open to the public on a "pay what you can" basis from Tuesday to Friday from December to February.
So buy less stuff.
Buying fewer things will save you money. It sounds obvious, but it is one of the most effective ways to spend less while traveling. Of course, it's okay to buy some souvenirs, but do you need discount shoes for every possible trip? It is smarter to save money and visit more places than to buy clothes and unnecessary things on every trip.
Avoid renting a car.
Wherever you travel, there is the option of renting a car. On the other hand, there is the option of using public transport, taxis, or even free tourist buses. So, try to figure out a place’s public transportation before traveling. If you need to rent a car, you can share the cost with more people.
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Explore the internet options.
Unfortunately, today it is unthinkable to go on a trip without the internet. Unfortunately, many destinations charge extra for the internet or do not have access to it at all, so you have to manage. Buying a local SIM or internet card is a less expensive option than paying the hotel $20+ per day for the internet. There are also cool gadgets called "pocket WiFi" available in places like Europe and Japan. They cost a low per-day fee and will save you from international roaming charges.
Visit during the off-season.
Most destinations have a prime time to visit, which means higher prices and more tourists. Traveling during the peak season may cost you a fortune. To save money, try visiting during the off-season. Trips are typically more expensive during the holiday season, with exotic destinations being the most expensive based on the season.
Fly during unpopular hours.
As a general rule, you will pay less if you book a flight well in advance. However, that is not enough. If you travel on certain days or hours, you can spend less on a ticket. Flights are more expensive at the weekends because more people are free to travel. Flights between Tuesday and Thursday are much cheaper. Also, late-night flights, or those early in the morning, are much more affordable.
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Call the hotels directly.
There are many options for booking hotels on the Internet, and even sites that find you the best deals. However, you may be able to get a better price by calling the hotel directly and asking for a discounted room. Calling a hotel directly means that there is no intermediary between you and the price, which can be lower.
Bring your snacks and drinks.
You'd be surprised to know how much money people spend on bottled water, chewing gum, coffee, or chocolates while traveling. The airport is the first place where you can spend a lot of money on these things.
According to the Wall Street Journal, some of the products (especially water) that fill the shelves at your airport's own Hudson News are up to 300% higher than "street prices." Many travelers pick up a bottle of water on the way to their gate for $2.50 to $5!
If you spent money at the airport, the last thing you want to spend money on when you arrive at your destination is bottled water or small chocolate bars. If you can, bring your food, some snacks, and a suitcase. If possible, make coffee and tea in the room. You don't have to pay $5 for coffee at Starbucks every day, do you?
Walk.
Walking is the cheapest form of transport; it costs nothing. Take a look at the destination map and find out where you can get there on foot. Maybe you don't need a taxi for a few miles at all. For some sights in the city that are far from your home, you can rent a bike or call Uber. It is important to know that there are alternatives to saving money on transportation.
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Use a credit card.
If you are traveling to another country, it means that you will have to exchange money. During the conversion, a certain percentage of money is often lost. It is more practical to use a card, but does yours impose foreign transaction fees? Fees for transactions abroad are typically around 3% on cards that charge. Consider applying for a card that won't cost you extra to use on your trip.