Budget Travel Webpage

Travel is getting more expensive every day as the price of fuel increases and transportation carriers raise their fares. Here are a few tips that can help you to make ends meet.

Bottled Water

It is wise to avoid the local drinking water wherever you travel. However bottled water can be expensive. If you are a frequent traveler, buy some reusable water bottles and fill them with water from home before you leave. Pick up sufficient supply of bottled water as well from a local department store.

Exchanging Money

When abroad, never exchange money in local stores. Go to a bank - or use your credit card or bank card. You will get the best exchange rates that way. Purchases made with a credit card will also result in an easy-to-reconcile statement of charges when you return home.

Baggage Weight Allowances

It can be very expensive to go over your baggage weight allowance. Airline regulations vary. Do your research and weigh your luggage carefully - twice - before you leave for the airport. Going with a group of family members allows the family to bring a little extra as luggage contents can be spread out accordingly. 

Travel Timing

Flights and accommodations always cost more on weekends and at peak travel times. Arrange your travel for mid-week and off-season whenever possible. If you’re not exactly sure when ‘off-season’ is at your destination, find a few bed and breakfast websites. They usually post off-season rates with a date range.

Saving on Meals

While you’re investigating off-season dates at a bed and breakfast website, why not consider staying there instead of at a hotel? Bed and breakfasts provide breakfast for a reasonable price as part of their rate structure as compared to exorbitant hotel rates. Not having to pay for one meal every day can save you a considerable amount of money.

Save even more on meals by purchasing nutritious food for lunch at a local grocery store. Purchasing bread, cold cuts, salad and cheese will do the trick. Bananas can also keep one full. Alternatively, look out for local take-aways or eat-in non glitzy places that offer reasonable meals. 

Save on Air Travel

Do your research on the internet to find the cheapest airfares for your intended destination. Make printouts of what you find. Then, pick the most economical website or call the airline directly and ask them to match the price. (Refer to ‘Online Travel Booking Tips’)

Student and Credit or Cash Discounts 

If you can submit valid proof to a hotel or inn that you are a student, a corporate executive, business owner, etc., they may offer a corporate discount. Alternatively, some hotels offer discounts on certain credit cards used. Paying with cash at smaller lodging establishments may also result in a cash discount, because the innkeepers don’t have to deal with credit cards. Always ask what discounts are available when you make your reservations. Do the same at places of interests or museums or galleries. Such places offer discounts for senior citizens and students.

Public Transport 

Check on discount fares for public transport in the city or suburb you are travelling. It is cheaper to buy tickets in bulk than singly. Check to see if they offer special deals for tourists on a one day comprehensive trip. Carry a map of the city and check out places on foot and on the public transport. Be wary of pick pockets when you do so. You can also sign up with a local group tour of the city if you are not comfortable in exploring the city alone. The local city walk-about tour will not cost much as compared with those commercialised ones offered by tour agencies. 

Always look for ways you can save while travelling. You don’t have to splurge to have a good time.

Tags: budgeting, save money