10 ways to save money when traveling

No matter where your destination is, if you know how to cleverly use some cost-cutting techniques, you can still enjoy an overseas vacation at an acceptable price. Of course, cheap does not mean bad quality.

1. Be flexible with flights

Small changes to your travel plans can save you a lot of money, especially if you’re traveling with your family. Flying midweek instead of on the weekend; flying with stops instead of direct flights… can save you hundreds of dollars. A good place to start is airfarewatchdog.com, which will send you alerts when airlines are offering cheap airfares. Two other sources you can check out are Kayak’s Explore and Google’s Flights, which allow you to search for cheap airfares to any destination in the world that has flights from your city.

2. Think differently

Why do popular destinations cost so much? The answer is simple: Because everyone goes there. Want to go to the beach but Costa Rica is too expensive? Try Nicaragua. It may not be Paris, but there are other European cities that are just as charming and vibrant, like Budapest and Athens.

3. Skip the big hotels

Big, expensive brands are for the rich. There are so many better alternatives available. Why spend $150 a night when you can get the same luxury benefits for $50 or less.

4. Off-season travel

Summer can be the best time of year to visit Europe and winter is great for the Caribbean. But it’s best to go before or after. Prices are low, the weather is nice, restaurants and hotels are happy to see you and there are few tourists on the streets. It may not be the warmest or sunniest time of year, but it’s definitely the time to get the best deals.

5. Free tours

Sure, you can pay for a standard tour. But in major cities around the world, free walking tours will show you more of the city’s highlights and teach you about the culture. You’ll also get to meet smart, fun locals who can show you around the city’s main attractions and hidden gems for a fraction of the cost of a paid tour. You can use the website Couchsurfing to connect with locals who are willing to be your guides this way.

6. Travel by train

Train tickets in Europe are up to 50% cheaper when booked two weeks or more in advance, and are so flexible that you can buy them on the national rail company's website. Traveling by train can save you hundreds of dollars, especially if you use high-speed, overnight or long-distance trains.

7. Book tickets at the last minute

Booking a flight at the last minute can cost you a fortune. But booking a cruise or tour at the last minute can easily save you 25% on your trip. No one wants an empty cruise ship or a deserted tour, so companies are always looking for ways to fill the empty seats. The ideal time to book is one to two weeks before your departure date. However, booking as early as six months in advance can save you a lot of money. Some websites that can help you save a lot of money on this are Go-today.com and lastminute.com.

8. Eat smart

Unless your travel plan calls for eating at every restaurant, you can save a lot of money by eating smart. For example, eating at cafes is much cheaper than going to restaurants. Street food is inexpensive and allows you to experience the local cuisine. Or packing your own lunch is a great way to keep your energy up while keeping costs down and avoiding having to leave a national park or town halfway through your exploration to find food.

9. Look for free tourist attractions

Most major cities have free entertainment options, if you just spend a little time. For example, museums in London are often free, which is a dream for history and art lovers. In Paris, you can visit the Louvre for free on the first Sunday of the month. Just be sure to arrive early or face a long queue, as there will be many other people “hunting” for the opportunity like you.

10. Use cheap means of transport

Always make sure you use the cheapest means of transport for your journey. Walking is the best method from a cost perspective and allows you to really experience a new city. However, when it comes to travelling further afield, buses, metros and trains are the means of transport you should consider.

According to dantri.com.vn