10 ways to save money when traveling.

No matter where your destination is, if you know how to cleverly use some "techniques" to cut costs, you can still enjoy a vacation abroad at an acceptable price. Of course, cheap doesn't mean poor quality.

1. Flexibility with flights

A small change to your travel plans can save you a lot of money, especially if you're traveling with family. Flying mid-week instead of the weekend; flying with a stopover instead of a direct flight… can save you hundreds of dollars. You should use the website airfarewatchdog.com. The website will send you notifications when airlines sell cheap tickets. Two other search sources you can refer to are Kayak's Explore and Google's Flight, two browsers that allow you to search for cheap flights to any destination in the world from your city.

2. Think differently

Why are popular destinations so expensive? The answer is simple: Because everyone goes there. Want a beach vacation but Costa Rica is too expensive for your budget? Try Nicaragua. It may not be like Paris, but there are other charming and vibrant European cities like Budapest and Athens.

3. Skip the big hotels.

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

4. Off-season travel

Summer might 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 these times. Prices are lower, the weather is nice, restaurants and hotels are happy to see you, and there are fewer tourists on the streets. It might not be the warmest or sunniest time, but it's definitely the time with the best prices.

5. Free tours

You can certainly pay for standard guided tours. But in major cities around the world, free walking tours will show you more of the city's highlights and teach you about its unique culture. You'll also have the chance to meet friendly, helpful locals who will guide you through famous landmarks and interesting hidden gems at a much lower price than paying for a tour. You can use the Couchsurfing website to contact locals willing to act as guides in this way.

6. Travel by train

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

7. Book tickets at the last minute.

Booking last-minute flights can cost you a fortune. But booking a cruise or tour close to departure can easily save you 25%. Nobody wants an empty cruise ship or a tour with few passengers, so these companies always try to fill any vacant seats. The ideal time to book is 1 to 2 weeks before your departure date. Conversely, booking six months in advance can also save you a lot of money. Some websites that help you save a considerable amount on this are Go-today.com and lastminute.com.

8. Eat smart.

Unless your travel plan involves eating at every restaurant, you can save a considerable amount of money by eating smart. For example, eating at cafes is definitely much cheaper than eating at restaurants. Street food is inexpensive and allows you to experience local cuisine. Or, packing your own lunch is a great way to fuel up while saving money and avoiding having to stop halfway through exploring a national park or town to find something to eat.

9. Search for free tourist attractions.

Most major cities offer free entertainment options; you just need to invest a little time. For example, museums in London are often free, a dream come true for history and art lovers. In Paris, you can visit the Louvre for free on the first Sunday of the month. However, remember to arrive early or you'll likely face long queues, as many others are also looking for this opportunity.

10. Use inexpensive modes of transportation.

Always ensure you use the cheapest modes of transportation during your trip. Walking is the best method from a cost-effective perspective and allows you to truly experience a new city. However, when traveling to more distant locations, buses, subways, and trains are the options you should consider.

According to dantri.com.vn