Tips on Travelling for Less
Taking a vacation early this year? Good choice! One of the cardinal rules to cutting travel costs is to go abroad during the off-season.
Still, it’s easy to overspend when you’re in “vacation mode.” There are many hidden holiday costs, beyond the fixed prices of flights and accommodations, whether you’re traveling in style, or you’re on a backpackers’ budget. Saving money while you’re on the road can be tough, especially when you don’t speak the local language. Here are some helpful hints to get the most out of your time off:
1. When in Rome (or anywhere else) – Eat the local food. If you eat in “American-style” restaurants, you are sure to be overcharged. Not only that, but you won’t get a true taste for the flavor of the place. Another cuisine-related idea: Spend on dinners, but grab quick grocery items during the day. It’s not only a great way to save on food costs and precious holiday time, but it gives you an additional window into the local culture by shopping at “regular” stores. Besides, eating gourmet three meals a day can get tired, pretty quickly…
2. That’s the ticket – Opting to take public transportation rather than taxis is a great way to reduce your internal touring costs. Buses and minicabs are axes of adventure. Riding them is also a great way to get a “cultural snapshot” of the people whose home you are visiting.
3. Save on Souvenirs – Avoid the high-pressure scenario of “compulsory souvenir shopping.” Rather than dropping a ton on overpriced tokens (which usually end up gathering dust on a back shelf somewhere) why not get friends and family back home a present they’ll actually remember, like a framed photo of you at your favorite place?
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