Budget Travel Webpage

When we buy air tickets, we tend to compare prices don’t we? What is the secret to  buying air tickets at low prices? The secret is the ability to be flexible. Last month, I managed to buy a one way ticket from Singapore to Sydney for just $480 inclusive of tax. That was such a good buy as other flights offered a whopping average of $600 for a one way ticket.

The best way to shop is to check out all online sites such as expedia.com, zuji.com, kayak.com, orbitz.com and trevlocity.com as well as major airline sites. Invest time to compare prices and choose the one that suits you. You can also check out this useful site that offers reviews of such online ticket-purchasing sites: http://online-travel-sites-review.toptenreviews.com/

You will notice that cheap flights involve indirect flights in the sense that you have to put up with being in transit at another airport or two before flying to your final destination. When I shopped for my ticket then, I had two concerns in mind – to buy cheap and to reach my destination on the same day. I found a cheap flight that involved a two-hour transit in Perth. In most instances, purchasing a cheap ticket comes with inconvenience. Of course there are times when tickets for direct flights can be bought cheaply on offer. Anyway, I had to be transferred to the domestic terminal in Perth that was 15 minutes away by shuttle bus and then lug my heavy luggage (a huge travel bag and an overnight bag as a hand carrier) out of the bus to the check-in counter to get through customs again. Unfortunately, there were no trolleys in sight. I then had to put up with another hour of waiting till it was time to board the Sydney bound plane. On top of that, there was a fifteen minute delay. When I retrieved my baggage at Sydney domestic airport and plopped onto the back seat of the taxi, I breathed a sigh of relief. Putting up with aches in my shoulders and arms for some days was part of the package, I guess.

So you see, you pay for what you get. If you are flexible with dates and are ready to put up with some hassle and little bit of an adventure, you can save $200 or more on plane fares. Look carefully at the flight itinerary online before committing to purchase the ticket. Be clear about your objectives and weigh out the pros and cons. Indeed, if you are travelling with your family, saving more than $200 goes a long way!  

Bargaining is common in markets and stalls in many parts of Asia as well as in South America and Asia. It is an advantage to have an idea of how to bargain in order to avoid being cheated as well as strike a good deal. 

Bargaining should be done with goodwill so that neither party’s integrity is undermined. It is indeed an art that has to be mastered. Use smiles and good humour.  Beware of the fact that the business of bargaining can be brutal! 

Here is how I approach a bargaining process:

A vendor starts quoting a product for, let’s say, $20.  I say ‘No, too much.’  The vendor then says, ‘OK, $15.’

I say, ‘No,no. I will take it if you sell it for $10.’

The vendor says, ‘Oh, too low. $13?’

I say ‘$11. I have to go soon because my bus is waiting. If you don’t give me I will have to go.’

The vendor says, ‘No no. $13 or I cannot break even.’ 

I say ok, I will take it for $12. I have to go now if you can’t give that to me.’ 

Voila! A deal is struck. That’s a 60% price difference!

In such cases, I get to buy two of the same items such as souvenirs by asking for $24. Doubling the items will be a win-win situation for both as the vendor gets to sell more at one go.

Shopkeepers have a healthy tourist margin built in and will always aim high, taking full advantage of a good profit from the unsuspecting shopper.  I try to say no gently but firmly and laugh with them and quote a lower price.   

In many cases, I tend to successfully strike good deals by getting a price for 60% less than the original. If I am lucky, I get to buy an item for 50% less. Bargaining can be fun and satisfying when a good price is struck. It may not work with everyone but it takes some practice to be good at it.