The cost of travelling can add up, so read on to find out tips on how you can reduce the cost of your upcoming holidays. After visiting over 55 countries, read on to find out my top tips to save money whilst travelling:
Flights
There are many tips you can follow to save costs when booking flights, here are some of my favourites:
- Price comparison sites are your best friend when it comes to searching for flight prices. Skyscanner, Kayak and Google Flights are my favourite
- Be flexible – sometimes being flexible with travel dates and the airport you fly into and out off may result in cheaper flights. For example flying into and out of different cities may result in a cheaper price compared to flying in/out of the same airport
- Low cost airlines – we are super lucky to live in London and my spoilt for choice when it comes to airlines. EasyJet and Wizz Air are my favourite low cost carriers, and fly direct to some destinations that are not available on premium carriers. Be careful when booking, as costs do tend to add up, such as adding luggage, but I really do like Wizz Priority, which allows you a holdall bag and priority check-in / boarding at a small additional fee (I paid £8 for this when I travelled with them a recently)
- Packing light will allow you to save costs on purchasing checked baggage costs
Plan Ahead & Research
Saving money whilst abroad can happen prior to arriving. Good research and preparation prior to your trip could save you money when you arrive. For example, finding out low-cost alternatives for restaurants or activities or evening booking things in advanced could save you money.
Moreover researching via online blogs, people you know who have visited and even better – talking to locals can often provide useful recommendations.
Go off the Beaten Track
Sometimes the best and cheaper places are away from the main touristy attractions. This includes restaurants and in my experience, entire cities and countries. More so activities, dining out and accommodation tend to be a lot more affordable in of the beaten track locations!
Aka – staying away from tourist traps for not only better experiences (fewer hoards of tourists and a more authentic experience) but also better value for money.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will cover you in case anything goes wrong whilst your are away, such as cancelled flights, medical emergencies or an event beyond your control.
Do read the small print before purchasing, to ensure you know exactly what you are buying and what is / is not covered. Moreover, if you are planning to do a few trips over the year – purchasing annual multi-trip travel insurance may work out cheaper compared to buying travel insurance for each trip.
Accommodation
If you have read through my website, you will know I am a big fan of solo travelling and therefore staying in hostels. Alongside staying with family / friends and couch surfing, hostels often provide the cheapest choice of accommodation option, and can be very centrally located and well as a sociable experience.
However, if hostels are not your preferred accommodation option, here are some tips for getting cheaper accommodation when abroad:
- AirBnb often provide a unique array of accommodation (from entire islands, tree houses and barns) and often with more amenities compared to a hotel. They also are great if you plan to spend a week or more in the same place
- Travel hacking to get credit card points in exchange for hotel nights. Some booking websites, such as hotels.com also have a loyalty programme in which bookings can result in a free stay
Snacks and water
Grocery shopping abroad can often be a fun experience in itself (esp European bakery aisles!). It also allows you to stock up on dinner and breakfast instead of eating out in restaurants all the time – this was especially useful in pricey Switzerland!
Moreover not only good for sustainability, but taking a reusable water bottle will cut costs as you just need to refill it, instead of purchasing bottled water. Most airports now provide water refill taps past security!
Whether your next trip is a weekend long break, or a month long trip, hopefully the tips above will allow you to save money whilst travelling.
Happy travels 🙂