In today’s economy, we all want to save as much money as we can. This is easier said than done, though. Especially when it comes to travel. Most of the money you can save while travelling, without compromising the trip itself, is quite small. It’s by saving in lots of areas that you can see the real difference. In the post, you’ll find some common travel pitfalls, that raise the cost of any holiday.
- Plan Ahead
Of course, like most things in life, with travel; you need to plan ahead. Book flights and hotels long in advance, and use comparison sites to save money. If you spend a week looking at the prices of holidays going up and down, it will give you a better idea of the best value.
- Avoid The Travel Agent
Travel agents can be great, but they usually cost a fair bit more than other means. With a few quick searches, you can find loads of holiday comparison sites like Expedia.com. Be aware that you might find a better deal in-store, so keep your eyes open.
- Don’t Spend On Duty Free
It can be tempting to waste time in duty free shops, while waiting for your outbound flight. But, although you can get a better deal than in a high street store, you’re probably on your way to a cheaper country anyway. You can shop online much easier! Chaco offers some great specials!
- Avoid Expensive Parking
All airports trap you and charge a premium for their parking, so it’s best to avoid. Instead, Google searches like “Newark airport parking” will yield dozens of alternatives. A lot of services like this will even give you a ride to the airport just in time for your flight.
- Car Hire Magic
This is the one area that you don’t want to plan. You can book your car hire from home, through a big multinational company, and pick up the car upon arrival. But, if you wait until you get there, you will usually find much better deals from local companies. A lot of hotels will have a rep you can talk to in the lobby.
- Package Deals
Certain holiday companies, like First Choice and Thomas Cook, offer package deals. These deals include the flight, the hotel and even food & drink. It will often work out cheaper doing it this way, and it means that you don’t have to spend hours doing everything separately.
- Food and Drink
With a package holiday, you usually get some food and drink included. If you’re on a trip like this, it’s best to avoid eating out. After all, you’ve already paid for dinner! If you do need to get your own food, look for local restaurants, instead of ones aimed at tourists. This way, you’ll get a more authentic taste of the country, and you’ll likely save some coin.
These are all small savings, but when put together, they add up to a whole lot. Think about every aspect of your holiday, while you plan. Be creative in finding new ways to save money, and don’t be afraid to haggle. But, most importantly of all; have a great trip!
