How to save money while on holidays
To save money while on holiday, focus on planning in advance, being flexible with your travel dates and destination, and making budget conscious choices regarding transport, accommodation, and food. Let’s look at what you can do before you travel and then some tips to save money during your holiday.
Before you travel
Book in Advance & Travel Off-Peak: Booking flights and accommodation months ahead can secure better prices. Traveling during the shoulder or off-season, when demand is lower, will significantly cut costs and result in fewer crowds.
Be Flexible: Being flexible with your travel dates and even your destination allows you to take advantage of the cheapest available deals. Use flight comparison sites and consider flying on mid-week days or at less popular times, like very early in the morning or late at night.
Use Rewards Programs: Maximise your credit card rewards or frequent flyer points to cover flights or hotel stays, effectively earning travel from your everyday spending
During your holiday
Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodation: Opt for alternatives to expensive hotels like hostels, homestays, or vacation rentals with kitchen facilities. House-sitting or home exchanges are also great ways to secure free lodging.
Eat Like a Local: Avoid expensive tourist trap restaurants. Instead, explore local markets and street food vendors for authentic and inexpensive meals. Cook some of your own meals in your accommodation's kitchen to save a significant amount on dining out.
Use Public Transport: Rely on buses, trains, and trams to get around, which are much cheaper than taxis or ride-sharing services. Many cities offer tourist passes for unlimited travel, and walking or biking are great, free ways to explore.
Pack Smart: Pack light to avoid costly checked baggage fees from airlines. Bring a reusable water bottle to refill for free and carry snacks to avoid paying inflated prices at tourist spots or airports.
Track Your Spending: Keep a running tally of your expenses using a budgeting app or a simple spreadsheet to ensure you stick to your pre-determined budget.
We hope some of these tips will help you save some money on your next holiday. If you have any questions please contact me paul@congdonfuzi.com.au