With today's economy going down, essential things getting more expensive and salaries not increasing accordingly one can't afford holidays unless finding clever ways of saving. You have to be on the outlook to make your Rand, Euro, Pound or Dollar go further to be able to travel and still enjoy your holiday. Here are a few ideas which may just be the solution to your dream holiday
Ideally book on a Sunday, 3 months prior (or as far in advance as possible) and for off-season in your place of departure and destination
Look at online comparing sites to get the best rates for your needs and always check for 2 or 3 different start and end dates. There can be upto 50% difference in price for the same service. Travel-window.com offers you to compare flights, hotels and more all conveniently in one place
Have your return flight after having stayed at least one Saturday night, ideally there should be 7 to 21 days between your outbound and return flight
Book flights with multiple stopovers as it is sometimes cheaper than direct flights and can be a cost-effective way to see many cities
Mention your voyager miles to get better pricing options in some cases or use your credit card if linked to your frequent miles.
Paying with your credit card often avoids you having to take out a travel insurance.
Choose a big airport as destination as often flights are cheaper and more frequent
Read thoroughly terms and conditions of your booking. Some fares are ONLY valid in conjunction with hotels and car rentals. You also want to know about cancellation fees and stopover regulations.
Inform yourself about the time-zone for the arrival city, the rules about foreign currency, baggage allowances (weight and regulations of what is allowed or not on board) and policies regarding passports and visas. This will avoid you having to pay unnecessary additional charges or having to leave things behind
If in remote areas take all necessary medication with you
Ensure you know rules about traveller cheques for your travel destination. However often it may be cheaper to rather use ATMs to get your money.
Avoid surprises on your return and alert neighbours to keep an eye on your place
Investing in a good travel guidebook can save you a lot. Rick Steves series, Globetrotter and Lonely Planets are a good starting point to find great places at cheap rates
In places like Europe, the public transports and train system are well developed, in general safe (avoid travelling at night in remote areas) and often cheaper than inter City flights, car rentals and especially taxis. Additional you learn more about locals, see more of beautiful sceneries and make new friends
Eurail or similar passes are usually cheaper if travelling to several places in Europe
Have a self catered meal a day from the market or super market with fresh bread, a slice of local cheese or sausages, a fresh fruit and some bottled water or local wine. Enjoy your pick-nick in the park or on the beach
Tourist discount cards or city passes usually offer great value and include lots of extra savings such as free public transport, meal vouchers etc. Just ensure to take the right one for your needs and duration. Booking in advance or taking it in a less frequented place makes it cheaper and quicker to get
Some museums, theme parks or other tourism attractions have discounted rates at certain times of the day or week. Good planning can save you enough to pay for your meals. Local tourist centres and websites can tell you more. Also consider seeing free attractions. Churches, cathedrals, a small local museum or a park are a great start and often provide a cool place during hot summer months
B&B's, self-catering houses or apartments, holiday homes, semi-private cottages or a room in a hostel can bring down your accommodation cost by a lot if you do not need the usual hotel amendments.
Enjoy the wonderfulness of being able to travel in style but spending less than most.
Have a great trip
Andrea Gastaud
www.travel-window.com
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