We all love to travel, don’t we? What we don’t love though is the rising costs of organising trips abroad. The prices of accommodation, flights, meals, tourist attractions and entertainment can all add up to give you a headache. Although it may seem easier to just give up on the idea of travelling until the economy improves; as you will see from the following article, there are plenty of tips and tricks you can use to lower the cost of your holidays so you can afford to get away somewhere nice.
Book during Off-Peak Season
You can actually save a considerable amount of money off the bat by scheduling and booking your travel and accommodation during the off-peak season, than choosing to go during the more popular times. Different locations have different off and on-peak seasons, so it’s sensible to look at when the places you are interested in travelling to have theirs and book then.
Monitor the Exchange Rate
It can be a good idea, if you really want to tailor your holiday to your budget and save as much money as possible, to look at the exchange rate. Check how Australian dollars exchanges for the currency of the places you are interested in. Ask yourself if you would consider going to a place, knowing that you could get more for your spending money there than if you went to another place, even if it means opting for your second or third choice?
Look For Hotels That Offer Free Meals
Regardless of your circumstances and reasons for travelling, it is always a good idea to check out hotels that offer free meals as part of the cost of their rooms. If you get free breakfasts or kid’s meals from the restaurant, this can be a great way to save on eating out at somewhere more expensive.
Buy Your Own Food
Another idea is to book a hotel room that comes with a kitchenette or a selection of kitchen facilities. This means that you can save the money you might have spent on expensive meals out at city restaurants, cafes and onsite hotel eateries, by purchasing some or all of your own food at the local grocery store.
Consider All-Inclusive Packages
Surprisingly, one of the best ways to ensure there are no hidden or extra costs added on top of the price you think you will be paying for your accommodation is to book an all-inclusive package deal. Although the outlay cost can seem a bit higher, you will save in the long run and it means you will not have to bring as much spending money.
Buy a Discount Card
Many of the world’s larger cities often offer various discount cards which offer tourists savings on accommodation, shopping, activities and even the popular attractions and sights. It’s a good idea to check this out well in advance of you travelling because some have to be ordered in advance, while others can be ordered while you are over there.
As you can see from the above, there are many tips and tricks you can use to slash the cost of your holiday and travelling bills. One of the best ways to see what is available is to simply go online and compare deals.