Travel Costs: 12 Tips to Travel, Save Money & Explore

Preparing for a travel holiday can be an exciting task, researching destinations, reading reviews and stepping onto the plane for your take off. Whether you are preparing for a weekend getaway, business travel, family vacation or a one-way ticket then there are a number of tips & tricks to ensure you enjoy your holiday to the fullest whilst saving money.

We’ve outlined 12 tips to start saving today;

1. Flexibility – If you are flexible with your travel dates then you are sure to get the best deal on transport including flights. Sites like Skyscanner compare flight prices throughout the month to give you the best days to travel on. Off-season travel can equal huge savings compared to prime time.
2. Read Reviews – Reviews are the #1 source for travel recommendations we can trust, always consider reviews of hotels, travel operators and guides before booking. Weigh up the pros and cons before doing so to ensure you’re getting the best price and best service. Tripadvisor is a recommended website for travel destinations, or alternatively, Oyster for hotel reviews.
3. Money, Money Money – If you are traveling out of the country, take into consideration money exchange services and how to keep your finances safe & secure. Avoid using credit cards or ATM machines abroad to cut service fees, and it’s often recommended to use exchange cheques which you can use to get a better rate of return once you arrive. Check with your debit/credit card provider to see any associated costs.
4. Travel Insurance – When traveling alone or with a group, be sure to look for the best rates of travel insurance. Comparison companies can often give you the best quotes by comparing other companies. Just be sure to fill in any medicals, and don’t void your cover by making any silly mistakes.
5. Skip data roaming, go local – If you are a heavy cell phone user, then be sure to turn off your data roaming to avoid high costs and buy a local sim card to save a small fortune during your stay.
6. Weigh & Measure your luggage – Read your airline luggage guide & restrictions to avoid leaving luggage behind or paying extra fees. Prepare your luggage yourself, and have the right size and weight bags.
7. Eat & Shop Local – When traveling abroad, enjoy the local food & shopping experiences. You can save, whilst finding some rustique treats and enjoy the local living in your area.

   Many markets, street food vendors and stalls are a great day out.

8. Save on Bookings – Use comparison sites such as CarRentals.com, Expedia, Hotels.com and more for searching for your next destination. With regular discounts & coupon codes available for more savings. Regular customers can often earn more back through reward programs.
9. Plan your Own Tours – Sightseeing & tours are exciting, with so many popular attractions. Look to plan your own travel and excursions for more savings and adventures. If you are looking for arranged tour guides, Contiki has many destinations across the Globe.
10. Use Frequent Flyer Programs – Accumulate points on your flights, to redeem for future upgrades or discounts. Shop around for the best deals, and start saving! Download the Frequent Flyer app, or visit FlyerTalk the #1 community for frequent flyers.
11. Bundle & Save – If you are looking for a stress-free solution for your vacation, bundling your vacation with one company can equal more savings. Book your flights & hotels, for extra savings and less paperwork to worry about.
12. Do Free Stuff – Never underestimate the free sights and hot spots. Whether it’s a walk up the mountain, a stroll to the beach, bike ride or street fair. The Google Destination Guide is a great place to find ideas & inspiration for things to do.