If you’re planning a trip, you could be forgiven for assuming you need thousands of dollars in order for it to be “Instagramable.” But it is possible to have an amazing trip without breaking the bank. Here are some ways you can save money while travelling:
Do your homework
When you’re planning your trip, spend plenty of time doing enough research on your destination that you know which tourist traps to avoid. If you don’t have your heart set on a particular destination, choose a city or country where you get the most bang for your buck. There are often free days for tourist sites and museum, so be sure to check these websites before you go to see if they offer discounts or free visiting hours.
Travel slowly
If you’re taking a vacation, it’s easy to feel like you need to travel rapidly and see as much as you can. But if you can save up those holiday days or wait until you’re between jobs before you travel, you’ll have much more time up your sleeve. Travelling slowly allows you to really get to know a region. When you’re constantly catching flights and taking train journeys and bus trips, you’ll notice that not only will your budget suffer, you’ll feel continually exhausted.
Use the apps
Smartphones have made life so much easier. Gone are the days of guidebooks or tracking how much you’ve spent in a notebook. Now you can browse top cashback apps or stay on budget with a free apple money organizer or the best travel expense tracker app. Along with helping your wallet, there are a number of great apps that simply make travel easier and keep you organized. Check out TripIt, Skyscanner, Gate Guru, and more.
Use reward points
Depending on the benefits and program for your credit cards, you may be able to use credit card points for frequent flyer points and accommodation costs. Many credit cards also offer a large sign-up bonus with points and miles, and you can earn extra points by using those particular cards to book your travel.
Eat local food
When you’re travelling long-term, you’ll eventually crave a taste of home and it’s natural to grab a burger and fries. But if you’re on vacation, stick to delicious local food. This is particularly true in places like Southeast Asia where local food will be much tastier than any “Western” food, and you can eat like a King for just a few dollars.
Learn to negotiate
While negotiating can feel awkward, in certain parts of the world it’s expected. If you’re staying somewhere for a week or longer, you may be able to get a cheaper rate or upgrade when checking in. If a group of tourists plan to take a tour, you can often negotiate bulk pricing.
However, keep in mind that in many parts of the world, you may save a couple of bucks but that could mean a lot to the person you’re negotiating with. Be smart and respectful.
Are you planning a trip? What are your top tips for saving money while travelling? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.
