27 Ways to Slash Your Travel Costs
For many of us, going on holiday or taking a longer trip abroad is an expensive undertaking. But it doesn't have to be this way. With a little determination and research, and by sacrificing a few luxuries, most of us can afford to get away. Here are 27 ways to slash your travel costs…
Fly with budget airlines
An obvious one to start with, but the flying experience doesn't really differ that much between no-frills and full-service airlines - but choosing the former could save you a lot.
Make sure your bag doesn't weigh more than 7kg
Only pack the items you really need, so you can fit everything into a carry-on bag. If you use budget airlines, you won't have to pay extra for stowed baggage.
Book ahead
Whichever airline you choose, you'll save big by booking in advance.
Join a travel rewards program
There are lots of travel reward programs that give you free air-miles and other goodies such as hotel stays - you've just got to be loyal to one or two airlines.
Research the cheapest fares
Take some time to research flights. Try a number of different flight search engines and don't forget, you may get cheaper fares by booking direct with the airline.
Opportunistically buy cheap flights
If you have a flexible work schedule or an understanding boss, take advantage of cheap flight deals. Even if you don't use them, you'll only have lost a small amount of money.
Watch out for flash sales on hotels and air fares
You could build an entire holiday around a cheap flight-and-hotel deal.
Try couch surfing
If you're a people person, why not try couch-surfing? You get to stay in someone's home for free - and meet someone new.
Try house-sitting
You could join a house-sitting program and look after someone's home while they are away. House-sitters are often needed by those with pets that need to be looked after.
Try house swapping
Got a house or flat? Why not temporarily swap your abode with someone in Paris, Berlin or the Costa del Sol?
Try AirBnB
Airborne lists private homes for rent around the world. These are often much, much cheaper than hotels - and you usually get an entire apartment or house to yourself. And if the place has a kitchen, you can cook for yourself too, saving you a lot on restaurant meals and takeaways.
Consider staying in a hostel
Hostels are of course much cheaper than hotels and you get to meet a lot more people. There are often women-only dorms and most hostels have kitchens, so you can cook cheaply for yourself.
Get a job - possibly for room and board
You could land a job waiting or washing dishes (assuming it's permitted). Many hostels give bed and board to people in exchange for a few hours of work (thereby bypassing any employment restrictions!)
Try WWOOFing
Another way to get bed and board is to work on a farm. World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms is one of the best known organisations for this kind of work.
Use your social network
Got a friend in Barcelona, Napoli or Sydney? Why not ask if you can visit, perhaps taking advantage of a spare room or a sofa?
Avoid restaurants, make sandwiches
Restaurants and takeaways can sap your finances quickly. Try to avoid them by getting low-cost provisions from supermarkets.
Stop drinking
Social drinking is a major part of many folks' holidays, but the costs can quickly mount up. Why not cut down or stop drinking altogether? If you like the odd glass of Sauvingon Blanc, buy from local stores and drink it on your hotel balcony or (if it's allowed) in the park.
Avoid taxis
iStock/claudio.arnese
Don't hail a cab unless it's really necessary. Try to avoid taxi drivers touting for business at tourist attractions, as they sometimes refuse to use the meter or otherwise charge inflated fees.
Research public transport deals - day tickets, rail passes etc.
Find out the cheapest way to get from the airport before you arrive. Find out if your hotel offers a free pick-up service (many do). Research public transport day tickets and national or international rail passes, as these can save you hundreds if you use them a lot.
Try blablacar
This growing car-sharing service can save you large sums - and is often cheaper and quicker than public transport. Plus, you get to meet some new people!
Hitchhike
While not everyone's cup of tea, this is a great way to get about for free and met new people. However, it may not be safe in every country - do yourresearch before you attempt it.
Walk
If you're able to, why not explore new places on foot - save cash and stay fit in the process!
Get city tourist cards
These are great if you want to visit as many attractions as possible, potentially saving you hundreds.
Never change money at an airport
iStock/tirc83
Airport currency exchanges offer notoriously bad rates. Either change your money ahead of time with a reputable exchange bureau, or take UK cash with you and change at your destination (local exchange rates are often very good).
Find a debit or credit card with low overseas transaction fees
Using you regular UK debit or credit card overseas often comes with large transaction and exchange fees. Get hold of a card designed for overseas travel. Many pre-paid credit cards offer very low fees.
Splurge wisely
Those sudden splurges can mount up. Do you really need that Balinese rug? Or that gourmet coffee every morning?
Search for free things to do
Most cities have some free attractions, even if only the odd museum or the public parks. Besides, one of the biggest pleasures of travel is simply sauntering around a new place, taking in the architecture and doing a spot of people-watching.
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