Travel has become increasingly popular over the years with the travel industry continuously evolving to meet the demands and needs of its diverse travel population and entice prospective travelers. The result: an abundance of options. With a little practicality and creativity everyone can travel within their financial means.
How to Save Big on Accommodations
While hotels and dining are usually the bulk of travel expenses, there are ways to cut back. Consider that location, type of accommodations, amenities and travel dates are factors that contribute greatly to lodging costs. It’s a no brainer that the closer rooming is to a desired location (say, the Eiffel Tour) the more you’ll pay per night. A likely solution: staying at an outlying neighborhood just outside the city center. Okay, you’ll have to take a train. So, buy a pass; it’s still cheaper than an additional $200+ per night. An 8–10-minute metro ride is a small sacrifice for what you’ll be saving in hotel costs. I do this often, especially in Europe. This will give you a chance to familiarize yourself with the train system, explore interesting stops, and “live” among the locals for a spell. Who knows, you might stumble upon some kick ass street fest known only to locals.
More Accommodation Cost Factors
Be aware of major events like concerts, festivals and sports games; hotels prices increase astronomically. In Green Bay, our funky $80 room shot up to $350 a night because of a Packers game! Unless you plan on traveling for a specific event, try organizing your trip around them. Furthermore, weekends and holidays will raise room rates as well. Prepare to dish out, at a minimum, double. You can alleviate costs by traveling during off -peak tourists seasons. It’ll reward you with less crowds and reasonably priced airfare and rooms.
If you want a room with all the bells and whistles, be prepared to pay. Seriously, how much time do you plan on staying in your room? Do you really need a wet bar? Go on a pub crawl instead. We all want a little elbow room but how much room do you really need? Downgrading your room size and even reconsidering that room with a view might reap noticeable savings. How about swapping internationally known hotel chains with those that are lesser known and regional?
Unconventional Lodging
If your criteria for a hotel is based on cost or the absolute minimum, hostels come to mind. They’ve come a long way from the hippie reputation they once had and should not be easily dismissed. Hostels offer a variety of clean rooms from dorm style (coed or not), private rooms (1-2 person) or family rooms (4-6 persons) with shared bathroom (toilet and all) and private lockers for storage of valuables. Private ensuite will be up-charged. Furnishings consist of a bed(s) and maybe a small storage space. Expect common areas where television, kitchens (you can do your own cooking), books or board games, etc. are for everyone’s pleasure. While basic, the advantage in picking one hostel over another is amenities. Some hostels have small coffee shops where you can sit with an espresso and a freshly made baked goods. (Palmiers and pain au chocolat are my personal favorites.) Keep in mind that amenities offered, vary significantly between hostels. They’re commonly bare bones, basic sleeping arrangements. They’re more functional than luxurious and are a fraction of the cost of traditional accommodations.
A lesser known, alternative to traditional lodgings are short-term room rentals. A pensioner, or someone else, with a spare bedroom in their home will offer it for a daily rate that can include meals. This is similar to the concept of room and board, but for a few days. You’ll more than likely run into one of these on a stroll. Prospective landlords will either have a sign on a door or sitting next to a sign that advertises a room vacancy. Interested renters are shown the room on the spot. Be sure to ask questions and don’t hesitate to negotiate price if you’re open to this concept.
Sleeping arrangements are not one size fits all. Finding lodging within your budget is attainable; it may take some research and flexibility.
Budget-Friendly Dining: Street Food & Beyond
One of the joys of traveling is food! There’s nothing like experimenting with new flavors and local cuisines. Unfortunately, those restaurant tabs certainly add up and can put a serious dent in any vacation budget. Luckily, there’s alternatives to eating at restaurants multiple times a day. Some of the best food we’ve encountered while on holiday is “street food” – the little hole in the wall shacks or street food vendors who can usually be found near points of interest. Over the years, street food (vetted and recommended vendors) has become an economical and palette Godsend. For one, these meals could rival, no scratch that, put to shame widely known, traditional eateries. Secondly, the cost of meals or a la carte options can be reasonably priced.
Want to trim your dining expenses? A hotel mini fridge for storing essentials is a godsend. Turn to open air markets or grocery stores instead of eating at restaurants multiple times a day. Picking up a few ready to eat fruit and vegetables make handy snacks, even light meals. A freshly made baguette, cheese wedge, and just enough slices of meat make a memorable and picturesque lunch overlooking Santorini’s caldera. Picnicking or “brown bagging it” is affordable and practical. It’s also a break from dining out. Also, find out if your hotel includes breakfast, some do. When pricing rooms, take note that if breakfast is included there may not be that much of a price difference when compared to hotels that don’t. Plus, you’ll save time trying to find somewhere to eat first thing in the morning. Contrary to what people think, not all breakfasts consist of cold cereals or cellophane wrapped undesirables. To find out, read reviews or ask the hotel. The hotel I stay at in Athens has a killer breakfast. There was one occasion when I’ve regretted not getting up early to enjoy it. That won’t happen again.
When browsing dining options, happy hours and daily specials are worth a peek into. They routinely feature seasonal and local specialties at a price you can’t beat. You might even get the chance to try different foods- like rocky mountain oysters popular in Wyoming and Montana. In Spain, tapas are the rage and in abundance during happy hours. Let us not forget the drink specials that often accompany their edible counterparts. This is where you can dabble in small batch made house wine or locally produced spirits. Some are even custom made by the very same restaurant owners. All this and more at a cost lower than regularly priced menu items. Did I mention this is an excellent way to sample a little bit of everything on the menu?
Group Travel Discounts That Actually Work
If you can gather some family and friends, group travel might be of interest to you. Usually, a minimum of 8-10 people will qualify for a group rate. The benefits of group travel are overall rate reductions on packages, accommodations, air and possible car rental or shuttle services. Groups apply to independent holidays (where you do the planning) or escorted travel, cruises, excursions, etc. Also, if you’re interested in activities or tours, ask if group pricing is offered. Contact the companies you’re interested in and they’ll determine how many people qualify for a group. Be sure to make inquiries before you book.
Smart Ways to Book Attractions & Use City Passes
If you think you’re going to just traipse in at a top tourist attraction you’re wrong. Most of them have been sold out for months in advance because advanced ticket purchase is required. If you know prior to your arrival what activities you want to do or what landmarks to visit, reserved ticket purchases can save time, money and not being turned away. With advance purchase you won’t have to wait in separate ticketing cues.
Oh, don’t overlook city passes! They can be a bargain. Offering discounted admission to local tourist sites, city pass pricing is based on the number of attractions you want to visit within a specified time. Some even offer additional discounts on restaurants, public transportation, and shows. With some research into what the city you’re visiting has to offer, you’ll be surprised to learn that a number of attractions are free of charge. One such place is London’s National Gallery, it’s free for everyone. If the places that interest you aren’t free admission, find out if they offer a free admission day and plan accordingly. It could save you $.
Free (or Nearly Free) Experiences Worth Doing
Another cost saving alternative to traditional guides or walking tours are those conducted by volunteers. Sometimes known as “Greeters” these locals provide authentic cultural insight into the city you’re visiting with a personal touch. Think of them as long-lost friends who immerse you in all things local, you’ll forget you’re visiting. Form neighborhood hangouts to shopping to insider info and events only the locals know, just tell your host what you want to see o do and they’ll deliver. Again, these are volunteers and although most are free of charge, I suggest a tip or lunch in appreciation of their valuable time and service. Greeters accommodate a single person or a group no larger than four-six people. Compared to traditional guides, you could be saving an average $65 hourly.
Overall, it’s a good idea to plan travel as much in advance as possible to better ensure that your trips fall within budget. At times, cutting a day here or there from an itinerary (or modifying it) is sufficient. Other times, the suggestions I’ve provided may suffice. Your patience and resourcefulness will not only reward you with a well-planned and researched vacation, but, more $ savings. So, you see, everyone can travel. – Marcola, Capricorn Vacations