How to make your holiday as cheap as possible
Many overseas trips surpass their budget estimates even after everything has been planned meticulously. But fear not – here are plenty of holiday budget tips you can follow to ensure you get the most out of your trip without breaking the bank.
It’s all about timing – This is undoubtedly one of the most important holiday budget tips to consider. You should plan holidays during off-peak times to enjoy huge savings without compromising on quality. Making holiday bookings early also makes a huge cost difference since most people aren't on holiday. Use price comparison websites before you go but be careful on inclusions.
Bargain – Plenty of overseas retail destinations are based on bargaining as a trading culture, so don’t be shy.
Baggage – Weigh and measure your baggage and check any luggage limitations with your transport options before you go to ensure no nasty surprises on surcharges.
Organise a house swap –These days youcango a long way towards paying for your holiday by offering your house to tenants through sites like Airbnb and Stayz while you’re away.
Cards with incentives – Most credit card companies offer travellers incentives such as free international travel insurance. You therefore stand to enjoy huge savings when you use your Gold, Diamond or Platinum card to pay for your travel expenses.
Watch foreign exchange rates – You can also save a lot of money by ensuring you get the best exchange rates possible. Many international holiday travellers lose a lot of money by accepting the first exchange rate they get. Carry a currency convertor – there are plenty of apps available for your phone.
Research your trip in advance – It’s also important to learn as much information as possible about your holiday destination before travelling to identify saving avenues. You can visit travel websites and online forums to get tips on how and where to get the best deals. Sites like Trip Advisor and Yelp can help you find great attractions and places to eat which won’t break the bank.
Be inclusive – If your holiday destination/hotel offers complementary meals, accommodation for kids and so on, make the best out of it. Food and accommodation costs are a huge part of any holiday budget. You should therefore be very selective. For instance, it’s important to note that lunch meals are usually cheaper than dinner. Having a big lunch and small dinner can therefore help you enjoy significant savings. You can also consider options such as preparing your own meals while on holiday to cut on cost.
Utilise free internet connections – Use free internet/wi-fi instead of your mobile data when you can to save on international data roaming charges. It’s important though to ensure you use secure connections.
Focus on having free fun – Regardless of your holiday destinations, there will always be activities you can enjoy for free, from sightseeing to hiking to relaxing on the beach.
Don’t forget to utilise overseas tax savings – Take some time to learn about the tourist tax refund schemes for retail purchases for foreigners.