A lot of people can be put off by the cost of travel. In my experience, though, it doesn’t have to cost a lot. It can of course, depending on where you go and how savvy you are when planning it. Some destinations are going to cost more than others. But the things you do when you are there, or the places you stay at, don’t need to. If going abroad isn’t for you, then there are still plenty of deals to be had when traveling in the UK. Here are just a few things that we do to travel on a budget.
Book Early
This is quite obvious, but you would be so surprised at how much money you can save. When we booked to go to Thailand last summer, we booked our hotel and flights in the December before we planned to go. At that time of year, planning a holiday is the last thing on a lot of people’s mind. As a result, we were able to get some bargains, on our flights. Relative bargains of course, it was flying to Thailand after all. We checked the flights a few weeks later, just out of interest. As more people start to think of holidays in the new year, the flights had, of course, gone up in price. So plan ahead and book things early.
Use Comparison and Deal Websites
It is rare that a hotel’s website is cheaper than a comparison site. It is worth checking the hotel’s website, but as a rule, you are likely to get a better deal elsewhere. Check for hotels discount with Hotwire or a different hotel comparison site. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save. This works for transport too. Make sure you check out a few airlines websites but also check comparison sites.
Collect Air Miles
One thing that I think everyone needs to do is to start collecting air miles. We have a credit card that means we earn air miles every time we use it. We budget accordingly and then use the card for our everyday things like fuel and groceries. The points add up quickly, and you don’t need too many points for a flight to Europe. In fact, when you take out the credit card and spend a certain amount on it in the first three months, you will earn enough for a flight. So using the card for things you will buy anyway, means some hugely discounted flights. Result!
Consider Self Catering
If you want to travel and it not cost a lot, another great way is to be self-catered. Whether that is at a hotel or a villa, it will cost a lot less than eating out each time. You would be buying food if you were back home. So you’re just buying the food somewhere else. We always meal plan before we go away, so we have a shopping list ready.
Do you have any tips that you could add for traveling on a budget?
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