How to save money while travelling
When a “staycation” won’t cut it anymore, you’ll find its time to start planning your next holiday. Whether it’s across Australia or across the world, there are thousands of places to go and things to see, so as you sit down to dream up your trip, it may be a little overwhelming. A similarly overwhelming part of planning trips is seeing the prices for all the different parts (think accommodation, food, entertainment, travel, etc.) and realizing what you’re committing.
One of the best ways to ensure you don’t overspend is to set a strict budget for your travel so you have realistic expectations for what you can and cannot do. Fret not, though, as there are tons of tips on how to get the most out of your budget break from day-to-day life. Here’s youGo’s list of tips and to-dos so you can plan ahead, spend smartly and get the best experience for your investment.
Be flexible
Perhaps the most important characteristic to have that will save you money is your ability to be flexible. Whether it’s with the dates that you travel, or where you end up going, the more open to ideas and changing schedules you are, the more likely you are to be able to take advantage of a great deal. Start with an idea like “I want to go somewhere warm” and then look for locations based off of that idea. The Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii will all be priced very differently, and some will be significantly less expensive than others. If you are flexible, you can choose the spot with the lowest cost and not be disappointed with where you’re headed because your initial goal of being warm will still be met.
Travel off-season or during shoulder seasons
This one is a no-brainer. There are peak travel times during the year where the crowds are pressing, the accommodations available are limited, and the costs for everything from a café to seeing a show skyrocket. Instead of competing with everyone and their brother, opt to travel during the shoulder seasons or even off-seasons. Prices are significantly more reasonable, your options for where to stay are broader, and you will have more control over how much money you spend on entertainment instead of just jumping at whatever is left.
Skip chain hotels
In today’s interconnected world, there are so many accommodation options beyond staying in a chain hotel. They tend to be high-cost, low-value. Instead of going with a chain, check out locally-run and owned hotels in your destination on sites like TripAdviser for more listings and honest opinions on the lodging.
If you don’t want to use a hotel at all, there is a burgeoning business around apartment rentals and home sharing. Check out apps like AirBnB, VRBO, HomeAway or TravelMob. They offer up spaces that are run and operated by individual people—not companies. When you go this route, prices plummet and you get more value while you save money.
Take free tours
Once you arrive at your destination, there are likely going to be landmarks and experiences that you want to have. If you’re in Paris, maybe it’s climbing the Eiffel Tower or touring the Louvre. If it’s Rome, then maybe you want to visit Vatican City or the Coliseum. Wherever you land and whatever you want to do, always check to see if there is a free tour of the city to help save money. They are often run by enthusiastic and knowledgeable locals who want to make sure you see their city in the best light possible, and you will get more value for no extra cash. Talk about a cheap way to enjoy the city’s most notable sights without paying through the nose for the privilege.
Get a travel insurance policy
One essential item you should get if you are travelling with money in mind is a cheap travel insurance policy. With youGo Travel Insurance you can pick and choose what kind of cover is included in your policy so you are only paying for the parts you will use. No excess fluff means lower prices with the same great quality cover. Check out the different plans today, and you can start working to create your personalized and perfect budget travel insurance policy.