After the depreciation of the ruble, summer vacations both in Russia and abroad have become a very expensive pleasure. And sometimes travel costs can go beyond reasonable limits. Introducing you top 10 tips for saving money on vacation in 2017.
10. Consider an all-inclusive option
An all-inclusive stay at the hotel (usually three meals a day, animators and a playground for a child, various entertainment events, the ability to use swimming pools, etc.) protects against additional spending on services that you are likely to need in vacation. So it's wise to pay a little more to get a lot more.
And don't open the minibar unless you know for sure if it's free or not. Minibar drinks are always more expensive than the bar of the same hotel (or local supermarket).
9. Some people like it hot
Monitor travel sites to find the right last minute deal. This is the name of tours with departures in the coming week. Prices for such trips are significantly lower than usual, because someone urgently refused to travel, or the demand for this destination is lower than the tour operators expected. Take advantage of cheap ticket search sites the plane and rest will become even more economical.
8. Turn on private browsing
Travel agents can see your browsing history over the Internet and can raise prices the next time you search for the desired tour. This can be avoided by searching with private mode enabled.
8. Travel by bike where possible
Renting a bike is much cheaper than renting a car. For example, renting a bike in Rome for a day costs about 13 euros. And the cost of renting a car in Rome for a period of 1 day is about 40 euros. If traveling by car is the only option available, choose the diesel model. Diesel engines use less fuel, and diesel is cheaper than gasoline, which means you can save a lot of money.
7. Locals are the best source of information
Popular tourist restaurants and bars tend to overcharge their services. Try asking the locals what cafe or restaurant they would recommend, and you will find that there is a place that serves delicious and inexpensive food to the side of the luxury restaurant. If you're not a fan of chatting with strangers, search the internet for reviews of good local restaurants before you travel. Avoid any places with a "tourist menu" or food pictures.
6. Local wines are cheaper than foreign ones
Local wines don't have to go through the same expensive shipping process as foreign spirits, which means you'll pay less to enjoy the fruits of local vineyards.
5. Better closer and more expensive than farther and cheaper
If you want to spend the most of your vacation sunbathing on the beach or exploring any attraction, make sure your accommodation is close to the desired location. Of course, hotels located away from the main attractions or hotels of the second and third line are cheaper, but you will spend more money on transport.
4. Save money on the guide
Use the hotel's free Wi-Fi to download maps of the city you will be traveling through. After downloading, the cards work without using the Internet, that is, you will not spend money on mobile traffic. We also recommend buying one of the the best travel guides to cities and countries in the world... They contain interesting information about all the more or less interesting sights and places for entertainment, as well as practical tips for tourists.
3. Fly on unpopular hours and days of the week
You can save a lot of money by choosing flight times during those hours when most people are still sleeping sweetly. Flying in the middle of the week rather than the weekend is one of the best ways to save money while traveling.
2. Weigh and measure your luggage
If you are traveling with a suitcase or carry-on bag, be absolutely sure that the dimensions and weight are below the restrictions imposed by the airline of your choice. It's better to weigh and measure your bag several times before heading to the airport than to pay extra for extra pounds or centimeters.
1. Don't tip too much
The advice that ranks first in the rating of practical recommendations for saving money for tourists may seem offensive to the general Russian soul. Many of our compatriots are very grateful for the good service. However, there are countries where service charges are included in the bill. Pay attention to the points of servis comprised in France, servizio incluso in Italy and servicio incluido in Spain. Tips are also included in the bill at restaurants in Singapore, Taiwan, Paraguay, Austria, Costa Rica and Croatia. You can add some coins on top if you like, but this is not necessary. And remember that in Japan, China, Sweden, Iceland and Australia it is generally not customary to tip.