Vacation time is coming to a head. And those who have not yet decided how and where they will rest are probably looking for high-quality and at the same time affordable options. Experienced travelers claim that almost any part of the world can be enjoyed at an attractive price if you know the tricks.
Summarizing the advice of experienced, we have compiled our own Top 10 Ways to Save Money on Vacation.
10. Plan your trip yourself
Even basic knowledge of a foreign language is enough to independently choose and book a hotel and tickets, apply for a visa and draw up a travel itinerary. True, this does not apply to such massive destinations as Turkey and Egypt - here the prices for tickets and hotels from tour operators are 25-30% lower than with self-booking.
9. Travel off-season
A trip to Europe between October and December will cost a third less than in summer. You can save money on a trip to the UAE in September. And it's a budget to visit Thailand at the end of April, however, the air temperature will be about 40 degrees, but the most beautiful period of flowering of tropical plants begins.
8. Register on discount sites
Discount coupons and special offers are pretty easy to find. However, the conditions of the tour should be studied very carefully. Often the coupon is not possible to choose a hotel or an inconvenient departure time is offered. Before paying for the coupon, it is advisable to call the travel agency that posted the discount offer and find out the details.
7. Shop at local stores
Buying souvenirs, groceries and clothing near hotels and attractions can ruin any tourist. All the same, bought in a local supermarket or shopping center, will cost at least one and a half to two times cheaper.
6. Take a closer look at hostels and rented apartments
For example, in the center of Istanbul, you can rent a three-bedroom apartment for the price of a hotel room. You just need to book online 2-3 months before the trip. Hostels are also an attractive option for a sightseeing tour, because here you will only spend the night, spending time on sightseeing.
5. Buy passes
The pass allows you to significantly save on public transport. For example, in Paris, a special discounted travel pass is offered for city guests. It is worth paying attention to Big Bus Tours - a ride on a double-decker bus with stops at all city attractions. Big Bus is available in Dubai, Las Vegas, Paris and 10 more cities.
4. Save on communications
For local calls, you should use the services of a local operator. You can use Skype for free video calls. By the way, this service also provides an opportunity to simply call any numbers at an affordable price. It is also beneficial to use the Sipnet service for calls to Russia.
3. Eat in local establishments
Restaurants on the main streets are for tourists.Finding out where the locals dine can save a lot. True, in Asia, it is sometimes difficult for locals to visit establishments - waiters do not always speak English, and the menu can present a lot of surprises. By the way, in many large supermarkets there are microwaves and boilers for heating and preparing semi-finished products.
2. Plan your own excursions
Guide services and transfers are not cheap. The traveler is assisted by electronic maps, GPS and mobile Internet. Therefore, you can safely think over the route and hit the road. By renting a car, you can cover many more attractions. By the way, you can save on parking by leaving your car in the parking lot near shopping centers.
1. Save on air tickets
Promotions and discounts on flights are offered almost all year round. True, you have to buy cheap tickets in advance, and it is almost impossible to return them. You can save a lot by using the services of budget companies (low-cost airlines). Help pick up cheap tickets and metasearch engines, which we have already written about. If you prefer large proven carriers - start accumulating miles that can be spent on a flight.