Tips to Saving Money on Travel
Keen to stretch your travel dollars as far as they will go? Taking a holiday, visiting somewhere new, retracing old steps – these are some of the great pleasures in life and there’s no point wasting an opportunity to get out there. Here’s a few tips and tricks from Expedia’s experts on how to get the most bang for your buck on holiday.
1. Bundle for better rates
Book your flight and hotel together and you will actually save some money. No this is not about fixed package holidays – you can pick and choose exactly what flight and exactly what hotel you’d like to put on your itinerary. Expedia’s Out There study shows 78% of Kiwis may not be getting the best deals, missing out because they’re not booking their flights and hotels together in a bundle.
2. Travel off peak
Europe may be cold in winter, but in some destinations you’ll stay for a fraction of the summer prices. And the snow-covered cities have a charm of their own.
3. Sign up for email newsletters
Deal alerts and subscriber sales are a great way to get a holiday discount
4. Know the baggage rules
If you’re only taking carry on luggage, check your bag will pass the airline restrictions. You don’t want to hand over your spending money before you’ve even boarded your flight. Find out more about airline rules here.
5. Pack snacks
On long haul flights avoid airline food that’s stodgy and will leave you feeling lethargic by bringing healthy snacks like nuts and protein balls. You’ll save money this way if you’re travelling on low cost carriers where snacks are not complimentary.
6. Do your research
Arrive in a city with some idea of what a few items cost – the major landmarks, bottled water, a sandwich, breakfast, beer. Use these as a barometer to make sure you’re not falling into any tourist traps. You can find this information out on blogs like Expedia’s Out There Starts Here.
7. Free days
Find out when popular attractions have free days or discounted entry tickets. Some museums offer entry by donation, others are cheaper when purchasing the various city tourist passes you’ll find online.
8. Events and eating out
Sometimes you’re travelling to a city for a specific concert, festival or event. Yes flights and accommodation can cost more during these popular peak periods, but often restaurants around the city will put on special meal deals to encourage patronage. Check on the event’s website for affiliated restaurant partners.
9. Go local
If you’re keen to cut down on food costs, pop into a local supermarket for a picnic lunch. In France, the cheese aisles are astounding. In Italy there’s often salami hanging from the ceiling. Checking out local chocolates and sweets is also part of the fun.
10. Stay connected
Look into getting a local sim card if you’re staying in one country for a while. Making local calls and using the Internet will be cheaper. If you have a smart phone, keep an eye out for cafes or stores with free wifi.
More Articles With Experiences
Everything seems to have changed over the last few months though two things remain the same. One – parents are equally, if not more, busy as they were before, and are looking for more and more creative ways to entertain and educate their children at home. Two – even though we’ve had a lot more… Continue reading At-home Activities for Little Explorers
Oahu. A land where swaying palm trees and aquamarine beaches meet fine dining and five star hotels. Where surfing, smoothie shacks coupled with road trips to meet dinosaurs are part of the everyday. Where honeymooners dance under the stars and couples curl up on the beach in cabanas. It’s almost too easy to turn on… Continue reading Oahu – the easiest romantic holiday ever
Are you looking for a romantic getaway that’s big, bold and beautiful? If you want to take things up a notch, and go way beyond the typical honeymoon, anniversary or couple’s getaway, you need to make a beeline for Hawaii Island. Here’s why: Size First off, yes, there is a reason Hawaii Island is known… Continue reading Why we love Hawaii Island
If you ask anyone who has been to the Hawaii Islands to describe Kauai, it’s always the same. Untouched wilderness. Magical sunsets. Pristine beaches. Lush rainforests. They say it with awe and tell you to go there, immediately. When it comes to raw natural beauty, Kauai will sweep you off your feet and whisk you… Continue reading Couples, get ready to get caught up in Kauai
‘Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly…’ drifts up to our balcony, but it’s not any version of the song I’ve heard before. Instead, the strings of a ukulele and a low voice take this song back to basics – add in the backdrop of crashing waves and the wind gently moving through the palm… Continue reading The magic of Maui – how one island captures your heart