Tips On How To Save Significantly On Travel

expat network

Tips On How To Save Significantly On Travel

Research indicates that 78% of British holidaymakers overspend on their trips, losing up to £500 due to common travel mistakes. Travel experts at Ski Vertigo have shared detailed tips on how to save significantly on travel on your next trip, including seeking deals, being flexible with travel dates, and utilising travel rewards credit cards.

Book Flights Well in Advance: Airlines often offer the lowest prices for flights several months before the departure date. You can save up to 20-40% on airfare by booking early. Early birds enjoy significant discounts as airlines aim to fill seats well ahead of time.
Use Incognito Mode for Searching Flights and Hotels: Websites track your visits and might raise prices based on your search history. Searching in incognito mode prevents this, potentially saving you a noticeable percentage on bookings, as prices remain unbiased by your search history.
Travel During Off-Peak Seasons: Avoiding travel during school holidays, Christmas, or summer can lead to substantial savings on flights and accommodation, sometimes as much as 50%. Prices drop during off-peak times due to lower demand.
Opt for Indirect Flights: Though less convenient, choosing flights with one or more stops can significantly reduce your airfare, sometimes saving up to 30% compared to direct flights. This option is particularly cost-effective for long-haul journeys.
Stay in Apartments or Holiday Rentals: Opting for an apartment or a vacation rental over a hotel can save you a lot, especially for extended stays or group travel. Savings can range from 10% to 50%, depending on the location and duration of stay, as these options often offer lower nightly rates and the ability to cook meals.
Use Public Transport Over Taxis: Relying on public transportation, such as buses, trains, and subways, can significantly reduce travel expenses. In major cities, using public transport over taxis can save you anywhere from 50% to 75% on your daily commuting costs.
Eat Like a Local: Avoiding tourist traps and dining where locals do can not only enhance your travel experience but also significantly reduce your food expenses. Local eateries are often cheaper than tourist-oriented restaurants, potentially halving your dining expenses.
Take Advantage of Free Tourist Attractions: Many cities offer free attractions, such as museums, parks, and historical sites. Planning your itinerary around these freebies can significantly reduce entertainment expenses, saving you up to 100% on attraction fees.
Join Loyalty Programs: Airline and hotel loyalty programs can offer significant savings and benefits over time, including free upgrades, access to lounges, and complimentary services. The savings and perks increase with loyalty status, potentially saving frequent travellers hundreds to thousands annually.
Buy City Tourist Cards: Many cities offer tourist cards that provide free or discounted access to major attractions, public transport, and sometimes even dining discounts. Depending on your itinerary, these cards can save up to 50% on attraction entrance fees and transportation costs.

A spokesperson for Ski Vertigo commented on the findings:

“Smart travel planning, such as booking flights well in advance and opting for off-peak travel times, can make a substantial difference in costs, especially for those looking to enjoy their vacations more affordably. Choosing holiday rentals or apartments over traditional hotels offers potential savings and provides a more authentic and personal holiday experience, creating a home away from home where travellers can unwind after a day of exploration.

Utilising public transport over taxis and eating where locals do are not just tips for saving money; they offer deeper, more authentic travel experiences. These practices allow travellers to immerse themselves in the local culture, providing insights into the everyday life of their destinations. Focusing on free tourist attractions and taking advantage of city tourist cards can significantly reduce entertainment expenses, allowing for a richer exploration of the destination’s history and attractions without the added cost.

Embracing these travel hacks is more than saving money; it’s about enriching the experience. Travellers are encouraged to adopt these strategies to make their vacations more affordable and enhance their overall journey.”

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.