Whether you are planning a city break, a lads/girls weekend away, or a summer holiday, trying to get your trip as cheap as possible is vital especially if you are a student on a budget.
There are lots of ways to save money on your next trip and here’s our advice for how you can travel cheaply.
1. Timing is Everything
For the best flight prices either book early when there is plenty of availability or at the last minute once airlines have slashed prices to fill seats.
When you holiday is just as important: while you should be prepared for an expensive trip if you’re set on going away over the New Year, if you don’t mind going over the low-season you’ll be able to spoil yourself a bit more.
For example 2 weeks in Ibiza in August will almost be double the cost of going in October or May. During the school summer holidays prices shoot up.
Also if you can be flexible flights are generally cheaper if you fly Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, compared to Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Money.
2. Have an Open Mind
When you start looking for holidays you might have an idea of where you want to go. Be open to the possibility of different, cheaper destinations and you’ll not only bag yourself a bargain, you’ll be able to experience something unexpected.
For example, a weekend in Budapest will be much cheaper thank a break in Paris. This also goes if you want to take a gap year, countries like Australia and the USA are much more expensive than backpacking south east Asia.
3. Hostels Over Hotels
Staying in hostel dorm rooms are usually much less expensive than hotels, especially if travelling solo.
4. Consider Accommodation with a Kitchen
Eating out is undoubtedly one of the most expensive parts of any holiday. By getting an all-inclusive package, going self-catering or Airbnb/renting an apartment can eliminate this cost.
5. Consider the Extras
Whether you’re booking your holiday online or through a travel agent you’ll probably get offered extras such as car-rentals. If you don’t need them make sure you’re not paying for them. However, if you do need a rental car you’ll often find that booking it at the same time as your holiday can save you money
6. Book Everything in Advance
If you want to carry on saving money don’t stop planning once you’ve arranged your transport and accommodation. Booking your train tickets to the airport or parking spot in advance can give you a considerable saving.
Similarly, booking tickets for any attractions you want to visit in advance will also save you a great deal, and could even stop you having to queue on the day
7. Share the Cost
Travel with a friend, or a group and split the cost of accommodation. This can really help to keep costs down.
8. Get Travel Insurance
Okay, this might seem like an added unnecessary cost to your trip, but make sure you are covered just incase of any medical emergencies or as the result of theft of an accident. Not having insurance can be really problematic, especially in some destinations when the cost of medical treatment is expensive. Or for example, if someone steals your phone or laptop, you’ll be able to claim the money back if you are insured.
9. Find Discounts and Use Cashback Websites
Throughout the year travel companies including low cost airlines, tour operators and hotel booking sites have special offers with cheaper prices and flash sales. Sign up to newsletters, download apps or follow companies on social media to stay up to date.
10. Discount Cards
If you’re a student make use of discount cards to grab special travel offers. If you have an ISIC card this is one way to help make travel cheaper, or if you have graduated and no longer a student check out the International Youth Travel Card instead.
11. Travel Light
This is more a general travel tip, but if flying, don’t check in a bag or choose your seat, and the price of your ticket will be much cheaper.
12. Get a Job
Surely working gets in the way of travelling, right? Well if you apply for certain jobs, you can get paid to travel. For example, a popular option with students for summer is to work at a summer camp in America, you’l get paid, and also get lots of free time to travel. Another option is to get an online job which gives you the freedom and flexibly to earn move whilst on the move.
One Last Tip
Last but not the least, not a money saving tip, just some general travel advice, respect the culture of the place you are visiting.
Travelling with an open mind and a clear understanding of the differences in people’s way of thinking and lifestyles not only helps you in exploring of new ways of life but also helps you in showcasing the uniqueness of your own culture.
Keep your prejudices, preferences and tastes at home and have an experience truly enriching!