If you’re like me you’d prefer more travel bang for your buck, rather than spending more on a shorter trip. In the past I was never great at budgeting for trips, but in the last few years my passion for travel has gone through the roof, so I’ve had to learn how to make my money last, and as such, I’ve learnt a few ways to save money while I travel. These tips may take a little more effort, but it could mean the difference between a weekend or week away – and I know which I’d prefer!
Here are my 6 ways to save money while you travel.
Book As Early As You Can….Or Ridiculously Late
It may sound like a no brainer, but booking early really can save you a lot of money. Sites like Expedia and Skyscanner have great deals if you can book at least two months early, and most airlines offer cheap flights anywhere from six to three months before your trip.
Shop around to find the best travel insurance too. Make sure that the policy you choose meets your requirements, there’s no point in wasting money on an annual travel insurance policy if you’re just going for a short city break!
If booking early isn’t an option, then try booking as last minute as you can – this doesn’t really work for planned trips, but if you’re looking to take a spontaneous weekend away and don’t mind the destination then you can bag yourself some amazing deals. Travelzoo often list some great bargains, as do LastMinute.com.
Budget Like An Economist
If you’re going on a long trip, or one that you expect could end up very expensive, then it pays off to be aware of what your budget is, and exactly how much money you have to spend. I admit to being a little bit of a nerd with this, but in the past few years I’ve probably saved myself thousands of pounds from being organised, and sticking to my budget. Sure, there’s going to be blow-outs here and there, and that’s Ok – after all, travel wouldn’t be half as fun if you didn’t allow yourself to go on that last minute day trip, or take some extra snowboarding lessons – just make sure you budget for these extras and try to stick to your plan. Also make sure you get the most out of your budget by getting the best deals on foreign currency.
Be A Deal Hunter
There used to be stigma associated with finding the discounts or coupons for purchases or holidays, but in this ‘time of austerity’ being a deal hunter is pretty much a prerequisite! I’m always looking on sites like groupoun, KGB deals and vouchercodes looking for attraction or restaurant deals for when I travel – and let me tell you, there’s plenty of bargains out there, you just have to find them! If you are looking for cheap holiday deals in particular, check out Direct Holidays.
Learn To Love Picnics
Saving money while travelling doesn’t have to be boring – you have to have fun with it and be creative, and that’s why I love picnics so much! They are a brilliant way to save cash, and when you’re in a foreign country I think its one of the best ways to get to know the local cuisine and wine by heading to a market or deli and picking up some bread, meat and drinks for a lazy lunch in a city park or on the beach.
Identify Your Bottom Line
It’s all about knowing your financial limits when you travel, and being aware of your spending – there’s nothing worse than coming home from a trip in debt that could take months to pay off – it’s far better to be organised up front and spend in moderation. That way your next trip will come sooner, rather than later.
Be honest with yourself, and don’t feel pressure to do certain things just because your friends might be. I’ve taken holidays when I knew I couldn’t afford to do some things, and sure I missed out on a few outings here and there, but I come home knowing I hadn’t blown all of my savings, which meant I could go on another trip in just a few weeks.
Don’t Be A Binge Drinker
Drinking is the number one budget killer while travelling – and it makes it even worse that after a few drinks your inhibitions come down, meaning it’s virtually impossible to say no to buying another round of £10 cocktails and spending the rest of the evening drinking and dancing! This of course is loads of fun, and has to be done when you’re on holiday, but if you’re on a tight budget then try to drink at your hostel or hotel before you go out which will save you a lot of money! Otherwise, try to pick the nights out when you let yourself spend more, and then keep it reigned in the rest of the week to save money. Again, its all about planning and knowing your limits.
Photo Credits – Thanks to eqphotolog and Scott Robinson (Attribution License)
Previous Post – How To Teach English Overseas
Next Post – How To Live Like A Local: A Guide To Short Term Apartment Rentals Around The World
I love this article – especially about picnics…never thought of that.
I think it is probably so so so beneficial to identify your bottom line. Unfortunately, this one is a bit tricky for me!
Even if I have a travel budget that allows for me to spend a bit more in places or not eat at bottom-of-the-barrel joints, the budgeter in me can’t help but scrimp along!
I’m truly convinced that when I am 45 years old, I will still be travelling the way I did in University. That could be a good thing though, right?
Haha, there’s nothing wrong with that! You’ll be the coolest 45 year old around I’d say! : )
I am glad you didn’t encourage travelers to skimp on food. I was forced to eat cheaply and less deliciously in Italy when I stayed with a group of girls trying to save money. In stead of hunting out the markets we went to a grocery store called Pam where bread was as hard as rocks and the seafood was frozen (I ate some kind of seafood medley that was 1 euro GROSS) on the other hand wine was as cheap at 2 euros for a bottle! And it was good.
Next time I plan to go to the butcher shop, the cheese shop, a specialty store for oils, wine, etc. and I may stop by the Pam for my favourite 3 euro bottle of Bardolino wine. I shalt never again sacrifice the integrity of my taste buds!
The Wanderfull Traveler
I’m with you 100% Murissa! The best thing about travel is the food, so you have to live a little! : )