Travelling the world on a budget is not always easy but it is entirely possible if you know what you are doing. Many people are able to get out there and enjoy what different cultures have to offer by simply planning their trip in a cost-effective way. To help you achieve this, we have put together some tips on how you can make your next big trip cost-effective. Keep reading to find out more about this.
Compare Prices
We’re always told to compare prices on things like insurance and cars, but do you compare the prices of travel? First, you need to remember that flying is not the only way to see the world, you can travel by boat, by train and many more forms of transport. Of course, flying seems to be the most convenient way but it doesn’t need to be the most expensive option. Plan your trip well in advance and compare prices of flights as well as hotels. Do you need to go during peak season? If not, opt for the inexpensive flights and you should save a little money.
Try Airbnb
It can be tempting to book a hotel with 5* when you don’t know much about the place that you are going. Of course, this can be extremely expensive and can mean that you are spending a huge chunk of your budget on your accommodation. To combat this, consider trying Airbnb which lets you stay in other people’s homes by either renting a room or a whole apartment. This site has so many options and it is often much more cost-effective than staying in a busy hotel. You’ll have your own space and might even find a hidden gem!
Airport Parking
One of the hidden costs of travel can actually be getting to and from the airport. Many people opt for the Heathrow Express or get a taxi, but this is not always the most cost-effective way to travel. If you have a car, you can drive it to the airport and have them look after it in the car park until you are ready to drive home again. Parking at Heathrow airport might sound expensive, but you will find that if you book in advance you can save as much as 60% of the cost! Look for more information on parking here if you’d like to save a little more money.
Get A Local Map
Travelling in a cost-effective way is not just about the cost of your flights and where you are staying, you also need to think about how you’ll get around once you’re there. Jumping into a taxi every time you don’t know where you’re going can be extremely expensive and is not the best use of your budget. This is why you should think about investing in a local map or an app on your phone which can tell you where you need to go. This way, you might realise that the place that you are looking for is in walking distance and you will save more money in the long-run.
Book Tickets In Advance
Want to make your next big trip more cost-effective? Think about booking tickets for any big attractions well in advance of your trip. These sites often have package deals where you can buy a few tickets in a bundle and save some money. On top of this, you’ll save yourself time queuing when you get there, and you’ll be able to see more of your destination. Compare prices across these different sites and you should find that it is a lot more cost-effective.
Cook Your Own Food
If you are going to be staying somewhere that comes with a kitchen, then you can save yourself a lot of money. Although you might not want to have to cook your own meals when you are travelling, you will save on the cost of three meals a day, and you can always treat yourself a few times throughout your stay! You should be able to find local produce easily enough and you could even cook up some of the local cuisine to make it more interesting. This is also a great idea for those travelling with children who might not be interested in trying the local food. You’ll save money on eating out and have more to spend on sightseeing and souvenirs.
Final Verdict
Travelling on a budget can be extremely enjoyable as long as you save money on the important things. If you spend time planning your trip carefully and book certain things in advance, you can save some money and spend it on what you’d like. Think about cooking your own meals, comparing prices and booking airport parking in advance to make your next big trip cost-effective.
