Does the sound of waves crashing along the shoreline have you longing for a getaway? Are you eager to explore new cultures and immerse yourself in unfamiliar surroundings?
We hear you. Travelling is a lot of fun, but it can also leave a burning hole in your pocket by the end of the trip. But did you know that it’s possible to take some shortcuts and travel more affordably with some top money tips for travelling?
Whatever your travel dreams may entail, booking that plane ticket and making it all happen doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. With a little bit of careful planning and some savvy financial tips, you can plan your next holiday and turn it into a reality.
So, here are some top money tips for travelling to help get you started.
6 Top Money Tips For Travelling
#1: Travel During Shoulder Seasons
One of the main culprits of expensive holidays is school breaks. Everyone wants to get away during this time, which drives up the prices of flights and accommodation.
To avoid this, consider travelling during the shoulder seasons instead. This is the period between the high and low seasons when the weather is still good but there are fewer tourists around. In Australia, shoulder season is typically fixed from February to April and September to early December.
By travelling during this time, you can often snag cheaper flights and accommodation deals than if you would in peak season. You can also expect fewer crowds in the places you plan on visiting, which can improve your overall holiday experience.
#2: Check For Flight Deals
When it comes to booking flights, it’s important to find the best deals to save money. One useful trick to get better prices on flights is to use a residential proxy server. It allows you to access websites through a different server, which can give you access to different deals and prices that may not be available in your location.
It can be a useful tool for finding better flight deals, but it’s important to use caution and research before doing so. Make sure to also subscribe to airline newsletters for promo announcements, and consider other factors such as booking in advance and traveling during off-peak times to save money on flights.
#3: Stick To A Travel Budget
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but there are so many instances where people go on holiday and spend way more money than they intended to.
When you’re planning your trip, sit down and work out a realistic budget. This should take into account your airfare, accommodation, food, transport, shopping and activities while you’re away.
Once you have a number in mind, commit to sticking to this budget as closely as you can. Whatever excess money you have left over can be used for souvenirs or other incidental expenses. This will help ensure that you don’t overspend while you’re away.
#4: Opt To Cook Meals In
Food is often one of the biggest expenses you’ll face while travelling. And it’s easy to see why – you’re in a new place and want to indulge in their one-of-a-kind cuisine.
While your stomach would be more than happy to oblige, your wallet may see things differently. Eating out for every meal can quickly add up.
To help offset this cost, consider cooking some meals at your accommodation. For breakfast, for example, you can make a simple sandwich or have some fruit and yoghurt. For lunch, take advantage of any kitchen facilities your accommodation offers and whip up a simple dish.
Dinner time can be your opportunity to explore the local cuisine. But rather than going to an expensive restaurant, try finding a more budget-friendly option or grab some takeaway instead.
#5: Take Out A Personal Loan
If you’re planning to embark on a stress-free family holiday but would rather not touch your personal savings, taking out a personal loan may be a good idea.
Personal loans can be used for a wide range of purposes, including holidays. One of the most useful aspects of a personal loan is how you already know how much you’ll need to repay each month. This can give you a clear idea of whether you can afford the loan, ultimately helping you budget better for your trip.
Before taking out a personal loan, make sure you shop around for loans with the best interest rates. This guide can give you a good idea of what to expect when taking out a personal loan.
#6: Find Low-Cost Tourist Attractions
Finding low-cost alternatives to tourist traps can be a great way to save money on your trip.
On your next trip to Japan, for instance, instead of paying an entrance fee to see the skyline from the Tokyo Tower, consider visiting the free Shinjuku metropolitan building instead. You get to enjoy practically the same view without spending a dime.
The same philosophy holds true for other tourist destinations around the world. Do some research on free or low-cost activities in the places you’re visiting. This can help you save a considerable amount of money while still enjoying your holiday.
#7: Go To Cheaper Cities
Just because you want to travel, it doesn’t mean you have to go to an expensive city. If your budget is tight, look for cheaper alternatives instead.
Smaller cities and towns typically offer more affordable accommodation and food options than big cities. And you’ll be surprised at the number of activities and attractions they have on offer as well.
By visiting the roads less travelled, chances are you’ll still fulfil your wanderlust—just without having to spend a fortune to satiate it!
We hope this top money tips for travelling help set you up for a wonderful, stress free and affordable vacation. Safe Travels!
