Serene views of Santorini, the exciting nightlife in Bangkok and the milky white sand beach or Boracay--with all the promos and deals online, travelling to these famous travel destinations have become as easy as 1,2,3.
But the problem is, are you financially ready?
While not all trips are cheap, here are some ways to save money, so you reach your dream travel destination without breaking the bank.
Join online travel groups.
Travelling solo or with a friend? Try joining online backpacking tour groups and save big on your next local trip. By joining organised tour groups, you can save money on transportation, food, accommodation and even on entrance fees, especially of destinations that offer group discounts. This is also an excellent opportunity to meet new people and learn new things.
Travel during off peaks.
Airfares, accommodations and other travel fees are usually cheaper during off-seasons so be sure to subscribe to airlines, hotels and websites for flash deals and last-minute deals.
Go for free activities.
With a little research, you can find museums, exhibits, parks and other destinations that offer free or discounted admission fees. Visiting these places will surely help you save money plus you may also find interesting things and stuff here.
The Art of Haggling.
Haggling or negotiating is an essential skill that you can learn as a traveller. Whether you are buying food, clothes or souvenir items, negotiating for lower prices or promos can help you save money for your other needs.
Use Cash.
Instead of buying using credit cards or via online banking apps, it is always better to pay in cash so you can prevent extra or hidden charges.
Take Public Transportation.
Utilise public transportations such as trains, buses, boats, etc. instead of hailing metered taxis and TNVS like Grab & Uber. Some countries have a unified transportation payment card for various local riding options, and this is usually an effective way to get around the city without spending too much.
Choose Inns/Motels.
Budget accommodations such as inns and motels are great options, especially when you’ll be spending most of your time outside. While there are plenty of cheap accommodations available, go for the ones with clean rooms, comfortable beds.
Do as the locals do.
Skip the specialty stores and find where the people are cueing because chances are, the long lines lead to delicious yet affordable foods you must try. Also, shop where the locals shop like markets, food halls and shopping districts. Remember, Eat Local, Shop Local.
The BYOs.
Bring your own or BYO for short, are things that you must have when travelling. A pair of lightweight and reusable spoon and fork, straws, and bottles are some of the BYO must-haves so you won’t have to worry about them. Plus, carrying a reusable bottle that you can refill will keep you hydrated and save you a few dollars during your travel.
Use social media apps to stay connected.
Social media platforms and online apps are great tools not just for updating your Instagram feed but also for updating your loved ones at home. You can also maximise your trip by using them as navigation tools, currency converter and more.