How to save money on travel
With the cost-of-living squeeze and interest-rate fluctuations, we’re all a bit spooked when it comes to spending money. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need a holiday from time to time. Here are five ways to save a buck on your next getaway.
1. Shoulder the cost
For most destinations, travelling in the peak season (July to August and mid December to mid January) means big crowds and high prices. If you plan your trip for the shoulder season instead, not only are there significant savings to be made on travel, accommodation and attractions, you’ll also avoid the high-season hordes. Italy’s Cinque Terre can be a heaving rat race in summer, while the milder weather of October means lower costs and fewer holidaymakers.
2. Cook like a local
Sure, if you’re travelling in Vietnam it’s unlikely you’ll want to knock up dinner in your hotel. First, there’s a bounty of tasty treats just outside your door, and secondly, the cost of dine-in food is so much cheaper than at home. But if you’re travelling in more expensive regions, like western Europe, a kitchen in your lodgings can be a real money saver. Go to a market or supermarket and shop like a local. You can also prepare a packed lunch for the day’s tour of countless castles and cathedrals.
3. Get ahead of the pack
Big-ticket travel items are usually much cheaper if you book well in advance. This includes airfares, train travel, accommodation, cruises and major attractions that can be pre-booked. An added bonus of booking early is you’ll have more choices before the ‘sold out’ sign goes up.
4. Spending money
Shop around for credit or debit cards that offer the cheapest transaction and ATM fees for overseas use. Standalone travel money cards allow you to load a range of currencies at a locked-in exchange rate, and offer the safety of not being linked to your bank account. However, there may be fees for reloading, inactivity and cashing out when you return. When paying by card, always choose the local currency option if it’s offered, rather than the more expensive option of pre-converting to your home currency.
5. Lighten up
Low-cost airlines have cheaper fares because they exclude all the trimmings, like free food, movies and comfortable seating. You’ll also save money if you don’t check in luggage. The free limit for carry-on is usually about 7kg, plus a handbag or laptop. This may not be enough if you’re summiting Everest, but for a quick jaunt to warmer climates it might do the trick. You can also mix it up, with one family member checking in the bulk of the luggage and the rest carrying on.
