So, you’ve decided that you want to travel, but understandably, you don’t want to go over your budget or end up spending more money than you need to. The good news is that there are several things that you can do in order to cut down the amount that you spend on your trip. Whether you’ve decided to fly, drive, or take public transport across the border, being savvy with bookings and timing it right can make a huge amount of difference to your total expense. We’ve put together some top money saving travel trips that actually work, to help you save money on your dream trip.
Tip #1. Be Flexible:
If you’re flexible with time when it comes to your trip, you’ll be able to save even more. This is especially true if you’re planning to arrive by air as the price of flights can vary greatly depending on the month, day, and even time of day that you plan to travel. So, it’s a wise idea to take some time to do your research and make sure that you are getting the best price. It’s a good idea to book your flights and accommodation first before taking time off work; booking your holidays first leaves you with little in the way of flexibility when it comes to getting the best deals. Of course, it’s wise to check with your boss beforehand to make sure that your vacation isn’t denied! Check out various flights to Ottawa from a site like Fly Porter; for example, compare weekend to mid-week flights to see just how much you can save when you avoid flying towards the end of the week.
Tip #2. Broaden Your Horizon:
You want to travel, but you’re not sure where? If this is the case, it’s a great recipe for saving money. When it comes to travel, some countries and cities are cheaper than others, both to get to and in terms of expenses once you have arrived. Skyscanner is a great tool to use if you want to find the cheapest destinations; their ‘fly everywhere’ option brings up prices for every destination imaginable, and you can order them starting from the cheapest options to give you some ideas of where’s best to go for less. Don’t forget that you can also search flights throughout the entire month too, rather than narrowing it down to specific days. This makes it easier for you to find the best times to fly.
Tip #3. Travel During Low Season:
Everybody knows that traveling during peak season will always cost you more. If you have the luxury of being able to avoid traveling during peak season, then it’s certainly worth grabbing it. For example, prices will jump up considerably during the summer holidays, Christmas time, and spring break. Wherever you go, traveling out of season will usually mean that you can save a considerable amount of money. Not only will flights likely be cheaper; you can usually find better deals on hotels and even cut prices for tourist attractions and activities.
Tip #4. Pre-Book Parking When Possible:
If you plan to drive to the airport and leave your car there for the duration of your trip, this can be a handy way to streamline your travel to and from your destination. However, anybody who’s done this before will know that the cost of airport car parking can quickly add up, but the good news is that there are several things that you can do to drive the price down. The easiest way to do this is to pre-book your parking space as early on as possible; usually you can find cheaper tariffs available when the car park isn’t filling up, which is often the case when booking last-minute. Bear in mind that many airports will also have alternative, cheaper long-stay parking options nearby, which can be a better alternative to using the official airport parking lot.
Tip #5. Be Creative:
If you are not in a rush to reach your destination as quickly as possible, being creative with your journey can help you save money along the way. For example, considering a flight with a stopover along the way can help cut down the total cost. Search for indirect routes to your destination as well, to see if you are able to get a better price. It’s also worth looking into flying in and out with different airlines or traveling from and to different airports. Even if there’s an airport close by to where you live, don’t rule out the fact that it might be far cheaper to travel to one further afield even when you factor in the cost of traveling there.
Tip #6. Travel Light:
Unless you’re taking a long trip, save money on baggage fees by traveling light and only taking a cabin bag along with you. Don’t forget that you can always wear your extra items instead of cramming everything into your case; a luggage jacket might be a great investment for saving money now and in the future by wearing as much of your luggage as you can. Don’t forget that you can always take extra items off once you’re comfortably boarded and in your seat. In addition, when you do take luggage, make sure that you weigh it before you set off from home to avoid the risk of having to pay additional charges at the airport.
Tip #7. Save Money at the Airport:
Airports can be notoriously expensive places, but the good news is that there are several things that you can do in order to cut down the cost. For example, you are allowed to take certain foods through security, so if you have to wait for your flight, take a packed lunch with you instead of paying steep prices at an expensive airport restaurant. Most airports today will have water stations free of charge to passengers, so it’s a good idea to take a refillable water bottle with you. Well-known coffee shop brands such as Starbucks will also give you a small discount if you take a reusable coffee cup along with you rather than purchasing a disposable one from them.
Tip #8. Book in Advance:
When it comes to tourist activities and attractions, booking in advance is often a great way to save some cash. TripAdvisor is a great app to have if you’re looking for the best prices on things to do once you arrive at your destination. Booking in advance not only means that you can often take advantage of cheaper prices, it’s also a great way to enjoy a more hassle-free trip once you arrive, as all tickets will have been taken care of.
Tip #9. Be Savvy with Location:
When it comes to picking your accommodation, it’s a wise idea to try and avoid staying in the middle of a city centre, as this will always be the more expensive option. If your hotel room has city views or overlooks some of the main attractions in the city, then it’s likely going to be tiny, for a very high price. Instead, it’s often a much more sensible and cheaper option to book accommodation outside of the city and travel in using public transport.
Did you find these tips useful for your next trip? We’d love to hear your feedback!
