The season of summer is around the corner and many of us have already started planning our vacations. Because it’s such a popular time to travel, summer vacations don’t come cheap, especially if it’s spent abroad. However, there are many ways to save on your vacation if you find the right approach to planning. Read on to know how you can enjoy your summer vacation on a budget.
How to Save on Plane Tickets
- Always buy airline tickets at least a few months in advance. You will get the cheapest price for plane tickets if you book them seven months in advance, which can usually save up to 12%. The least budget-friendly option is if you purchase tickets right before departure – this usually means they are 15% more expensive than an average price.
- Start your search from airline ticket aggregators. Sites like skyscanner.com, momondo.com, and kayak.com collect offers from hundreds of airlines and ticket agencies, sort them by different criteria (price, time of departure, etc.), and then redirect you to the sites of the corresponding airlines. This shows you a full picture of what is offered on the market.
- Fly on working days. If your flight is from Monday to Thursday, you can usually get some good deals. Flying on Friday and Saturday is normally 25 – 30% more expensive.
- Arrange your vacation to be a little bit in the off-season. We all love the summer, and it’s obviously the best time to spend your vacation. However, if you are strapped for cash you should think of moving your trip to either late spring/early summer or late summer/early fall. According to Skyscanner.com, if you visit resorts in the second half of September, tickets will cost 18% less compared to the average price. You can also get a bigger bang for your buck if you fly in the second half of March and October.
- Opt for connecting flights. These tickets are usually 30% cheaper than direct flights. However, you should pay attention to onward connecting time. Do you have a couple of hours at the airport? It may be a good time to stretch your legs. A long waiting time can even give you the opportunity to check out your connecting city for a few hours. However, long night transfers are not a good option – you will only spend more for a hotel.
How to Find a Budget-Friendly Accommodation
- Travel with company. A price for a single room is almost the same as for a double one but you’ll end up splitting the expenses in half. If you’re traveling with a group, it’s even cheaper to rent apartments with two or three bedrooms or a whole house (bungalow, cottage). Before deciding where to go, see if any of your buddies are interested in going at the same time.
- Don’t be afraid of accommodations located far from the city center. Hotels in remote districts are often much cheaper. On top of that, you can get some great deals in restaurants and cafes, and you’re more likely to see and visit more local establishments.
Besides hotels, you might want to try out some other money-saving options. For example, apartments, hostels, guest houses, and airbnb usually offer very attractive prices. Don’t have much money at all? With plenty of couch surfing and house sitting options, you won’t have to spend much at all.
How to Save on Food
- Don’t turn away from street food. In countries like Thailand or Vietnam, street food costs pennies. In Europe, street food is clearly more expensive, but definitely more affordable than eating in a restaurant. You can go for turkish kebab in Berlin, pizza in New York, indian food in London, and crepes in Paris. You may also be able to find some healthier options popping up, especially at food trucks, as they are in greater demand these days.
- Visit restaurants in the morning and in the afternoon. They will generally have fewer visitors and often have discounts on menus or offer business lunches.
- Cook for yourself. Food in the supermarket is always cheaper than restaurant dishes, and this way you can plan exactly what you want to eat for the rest of the day. You’ll also have healthier options as you’ll get to choose the foods yourself. Just make sure you’re staying in an apartment or a hotel with a refrigerator and even a stovetop.
Other ways to Pull in Your Horns on Vacation
- Be careful when you pay for something with a credit card while abroad. Some banks have hefty currency conversion fees. Try a no fee bank or make sure to take out plenty of cash to have on hand.
- Try not to buy souvenirs at train stations, airports, or shopping streets as they will be much more expensive. You’ll usually be able to find the same souvenirs just a couple of steps away from the busiest places.
- While abroad, don’t forget about tax-free shopping. You may be able to return up to 10 – 13% of your purchases.
By following these simple steps, you will ensure that your vacation doesn’t break the bank. All you need to do is a little planning ahead and bit more attention to your spending habits. Wishing you a fun and relaxing vacation!