Time constraints and the high budget required for a trip are all reasons that prevent some people from going on vacation often. However, there are many tips that allow you to enjoy every moment of your trip at a lower cost. SO, how to save time and money when going on vacation ?
#1 Optimize your visits by booking and letting yourself be guided
The main purpose of vacations is to relax, have fun and discover a region or a country through outings and sightseeing. It is therefore essential to optimize your time and money to get the most out of it.
Reserve your places
Once at your destination, so as not to find yourself in a long queue When purchasing tickets for your activities, the ideal is to reserve them online. This tip allows you to save time, but also money. Reserving tickets for tours and activities is often cheaper than purchasing tickets on site. In addition, this allows you to avoid missing the activity if there are not enough places available when you arrive.
To make this reservation, simply consult the sites specializing in tourism which offer these services. For example, you can book online with them:
- excursions to different cities around the world,
- musicals on Broadway or in London,
- football, rugby and basketball matches.
You will also find on this type of platform guides to different cities which will help you plan your holidays in New York, London, Paris, Venice, Rome, Barcelona… There are many advantages to booking your tourist activities on Hellotickets, a site thanks to which you will be able to plan your vacations and visits all over the world. In the case of a roadtrip or a visit to several cities and countries, you no longer need to consult several platforms. All the information you need to have great experiences is in one place.
Enjoy a guided tour
Who better to tell you the history of a city or building than a tourist guide? Prefer the option with guide for your activities visiting tourist places. You will benefit from the knowledge of your guide. He will be there to tell you about the customs, legends and characteristics of castles, towns, churches, monuments, etc. that you want to discover. Opt for guided tours is also a time saver. This allows you to avoid getting lost, getting scattered and going in circles. With this type of tour, you won't think about logistical constraints and you will simply enjoy the view and landscapes.
#2 Book your plane ticket and hotel
Airfare and accommodation are the biggest expenses when you decide to go on vacation. To reduce costs, it is advisable to make your reservations at a time when prices are falling. This is usually possible in the low season, when the number of travelers decreases and the climate is less favorable. So, even if you want to go on vacation during the peak tourist season, book your hotel and plane ride 4 to 6 months in advance, when prices are more attractive. You can use online price comparison sites based on your travel dates to find the best deals. With this method, you will pay less for transportation and hotels, and will be able to do more activities during your vacation.
When you want to choose your hotel, make sure that it is close to the different places you want to visit. This will make it easier for you to get there and travel costs will also be reduced. However, hotels are not the only places you can sleep when you go on vacation. You can :
- stay with locals,
- sleep in a tent,
- book in a youth hostel,
- do “housesitting” and/or “petsitting” (having a free roof over your head and, in exchange, doing the cleaning and/or looking after the hosts’ pet).
#3 Choose a cheaper country for your destination
The cost of living is cheaper in some countries, while higher in others. When you have a limited budget, it is best to look at countries with a lower standard of living. Among these “low cost” destinationswe find India, South East Asia, Nicaragua, China, certain countries in South America… Choosing to go on vacation to one of these countries will allow you to save money, but also great discoveries. Although they are cheaper, you can do great activities there, visit beautiful places and sights.
Please note, however, that the price of the plane ticket will be higher for certain distant destinations.
#4 Choose the right means of transportation
Travel is also a significant budget when you go on vacation. It is important that before your departure, you find out about the prices of different means of transport. In case you have booked accommodation, you can request this information from the hotel staff or your host. This will help you make your arrangements better. Maybe then it will make more sense and less cost to rent a car. In this case, also find out about the different routes that lead to the tourist sites from your accommodation. This will prevent you from falling into the trap of unnecessary detours which make journeys longer and more expensive, in addition to wasting time.
#5 Control your food spending
You must know control your budget food, but without depriving yourself of the essentials. To do this, you should avoid going to big restaurants. Instead, opt for bistros and snack bars, where you can have sandwiches, taste local dishes, etc. You will save money and you will also discover the culinary specialties of the region or city you are visiting. Plus, eating in this kind of place takes less time. You will then be quickly served and you will be able to continue your tourism activities.
#6 Exchange currencies before you leave
When you need to travel to a country that uses a different currency, you must exchange currencies. Avoid doing this at the airport, as you could lose money there. To make it profitable, the ideal is to make your exchange in town, a few days before your departure. You will thus be able to compare the rates applied by the different exchange offices, in order to choose the one which will allow you to have a better margin.
#7 Plan a budget to manage
Planning a budget for your vacation allows you to better control your spending, so as not to exceed the limit. For this, there are travel budget management applications, which allow you to have an idea of the prices of the different services offered in the destination country. You then have the opportunity to anticipate and plan tips to save money. Some of these apps also allow you to set and track a daily budget.
You must also take into account the possible money withdrawals that you will have to make during your vacation. Even when setting a budget, it is advisable to travel with little cash on oneself. You will then need to make withdrawals or card payments as soon as necessary. You will need to check how much these operations will cost you in the country chosen for your vacation, depending on your bank.
