Contributed Collaborative Post
Travel is a wonderful thing, and it’s something that everyone should try and do more of where they can. However, travel, like many things nowadays, is expensive, and what was once a wonderful treat has become more of an unaffordable luxury for most.
With that being said, there are still ways to beat the system and save money. Here are some helpful tips to save money and time on your next trip.
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Book flights strategically
Flights are something you want to try and book strategically, where possible. There are going to be some deals to be found if you’re flexible on your travel dates, especially if you consider traveling mid-week.
It’s good to sign up for alerts on travel and to utilize travel apps that track flights specifically going to and from your vacation destination.
Utilise these flight comparison sites and also consider flying into or out of nearby airports if the fares are cheap enough to warrant the effort. You can also get unlimited data with Holafly, which will help save more money whilst you are away!
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Find affordable accommodation
Affordable accommodation is definitely something that you can find, but it will likely take a bit of deep diving. Comparing prices across different booking sites is helpful and a good way to explore the options beyond the typical hotel setup.
There are some hostels for those who want a budget-friendly option and don’t mind sharing with strangers, to vacation rentals, or even house/pet sitting, where available.
This sort of flexibility in accommodation can save you a lot of money, too, so it’s worth spending the time to book it.
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Don’t forget about parking
Parking is imperative to book early, especially when you’re looking to save money. It’s also helpful to have a car to drive to and from the airport, especially on the way back when all you want to do is get home.
That’s why it’s a good idea to look at platforms like Parking Up, which makes airport car parking easy to manage and book ahead of time. Usually, the further in advance you book car parking, the more money you save.
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Eat like a local
Eating like a local is a great way to save money because you’re not going to end up eating in overpriced, tourist hotspots.
Explore the local markets and food vendors where they exist for an authentic and budget-friendly option.
You should also look to take advantage of any cheap eats or complimentary breakfasts at your hotel or accommodation.
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Enjoy free or cheap activities
To get ahead with the planning and the itinerary itself, look at free or cheap activities that you could book in advance or add to your to-do list once you’re there. It’s good to plan out and research these opportunities so that you know where to go and what to see during your time on vacation. It’s also useful to ask locals for advice and guidance.
With these tips, you’ll be able to hack your travel plans this year and beyond to save money and time.
This is a contributed collaborative post
