Travelling around the world to unforgettable holiday destinations doesn’t have to cost a fortune, if you know how to watch your budget. Here’s some tips to help plan a holiday on a budget.
1. Always have a plan
If you’re lucky to have time and money to spare, impulsive traveling is fun, but if you’re working on a budget, the first thing to do is come up with a plan. You don’t need an hour-by-hour itinerary, but you should have an idea of how long you’ll spend in each city or country, and know the route that your travels will take. Leaving things unplanned means you’ll incur unexpected expenses because booking last-minute flights and accommodation are often more expensive.
‘…Leaving less unplanned means less unexpected expenses…’
2. Choose the best time to visit
Research or check with your travel consultant the best time to visit your intended destination, ask about ‘shoulder season’ and then travel just before or after these dates. Hotels and airlines lower their prices during this time. You’ll still have a wonderful trip but maybe the sun won’t shine quite as brightly and it won’t be quite as hot.
‘…ask about ‘shoulder season’ then travel…’
3. Pack Appropriately
Try to pack everything you need so you don’t have to over-shop while you’re away, except for a few souvenirs. No matter where you’re off too, take at least one pair of jeans, a warm hoodie and a waterproof jacket for unpredictable weather.
‘…take at least one…’
4. Book far in advance
Book flights in advance, specifically return flights! Working on a budget in a foreign country, without a guaranteed ticket home is never ideal. Airlines ‘release’ their flight seats up to a year in advance and the closer you get to your departure date, the more the prices increase, especially in the last month.
‘…a foreign country, without a guaranteed ticket…’
5. Fly Smart
Choose to travel on a Tuesday, prices are lower compared to weekend flights and you’ll breeze through shorter queues at airport check-ins and security. Fly economy, the money you save can be spent on food or entertainment. If you’re planning a short trip, try to pack light and use only hand luggage, saving yourself a bit of money on hold luggage.
‘…you’ll breeze through shorter queues…’
6. Eat Clever
Lunch can be bought in a supermarket or a local fresh food market, rather than in an overpriced cafe or restaurant. Stroll around before choosing a place to eat dinner, if you just pick the first restaurant you see you won’t know if you’re overspending. Some places of accommodation have access to a kitchen if you want to save a little money by cooking yourself.
‘…you won’t know if you’re overspending…’
These easy tips can help you plan a holiday on a budget, your travel consultant will also have more helpful budget saving ideas to share with you.
Have you travelled on a budget? Tell us, in the comments all about your experiences.
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