Raise your hand if you really want to travel more this year, but don’t really have the money to make it happen.

You want to travel around the globe, but there is one key factor pulling you back…Money! Actually, travelling doesn’t need to be very expensive though, if you know how to budget properly. Thus, I had summarized for you the ways to save money on your travel by separating to three parts: Flight, Accommodation, and also Food, Transportation and Currency. If you are interested, read through to find out how you can do simple things to save money on your vacation next time!

 

1. How to save money on flights?

 

i. Travel at the cheapest times.

The price of flights varies considerably depending on the month, day and even time of travel. Air Asia lets you compare flight prices across a whole month meaning you’ll be able to see the cheapest days to fly, saving you a potential packet. Avoiding the weekends can make a huge impact on the price of flights. Other than that, Air Asia always providing flight ticket’s promotion and discount as well, so you can buy your ticket when the promotion is running.

 

ii. Use price comparison websites

Don’t mind where you go as long as you can get there cheaply? Then use Skyscanner’s “search everywhere” option which lists the cheapest flights from your local airport in price order.

 

iii. Travel in low season

Travel during off-peak season is another great way to save a lot of money. Certainly, the plane tickets will be much cheaper during the off peak season. And most of the times, the airlines will have some promotions as well. So, do remember to avoid travel when summer holiday, Christmas, New Year and more.

 

iv. Avoid unnecessary frills.

Charges for seat selection and priority boarding can vastly inflate the headline price of a flight. But you don’t need to do so. If you check in for your flight in a good time, whether online or kiosk checks in, you are virtually guaranteed to be sat together with your family or friends. So, don’t worry about it and save your money on other things.

 

v. Weigh and measure your luggage.

Some of us get to the airport to find we’re over our baggage limit and end up paying puffed up charges. Avoid this by weighing your bag before you leave home and take out any unnecessary items if you find you’re over the limit.

 

vi. Bring your own food on board.

Yes. As long as the foods aren’t liquid (soup, humous, yoghurt), it is fine to bring snacks and sandwiches on airplane. This will also save you a significant buck compared to the in-flight menu.

 

2. How to save money on accommodation?

 

i. Avoid hotels as much as you can.

Hotels will charge you very high for your short stay there. Instead, you can opt for apartments or if you are a backpacker you can opt for a dormitory for a fraction of the cost of the hotel. But ensure to read the reviews online and make sure those cheaper alternatives are convenient, check the availability of the food and amenities and most importantly the safety.

 

ii. Vacation home.

If you are staying at a destination for at least a few days, consider a vacation home instead of hotels. They are often are more comfortable and your cost will probably be cheaper.

 

iii. Staying in a town next door.

Sometimes the smaller towns close to where you are going have hotels that are much less expensive. If you don’t mind the 15 minute ride, you might just save that bundle.

 

3. How to save money at your destination?

 

i. Don’t worry – be “appy”

In the era of technology and gadgets, your smart phone can be a handy money-saving travel buddy. There are apps on the market for everything including: travel guides, maps, phrasebooks, and even torches! Download these and you’ll save not only a wad of cash on paper travel guides, maps and phrasebooks but also a lot of space in your case meaning less chance of excess baggage charges.

 

ii. Eat like a local.

Rather than eating at expensive ‘international’ restaurants in non-Western countries, it is better to follow the locals to the places they eat. Street food and small single-dish restaurants have tastier, much cheaper food and if there’s a line of locals out the door, you’ve much less chance of getting sick than when you’re the only person in an empty hotel restaurant. Try out their signature foods and street foods of that country; you can also share food with your friends so that you don’t need to spend so much money to order one, each for yourself.

 

iii. Don’t over order your food.
Do not over ordering your food = saving your money! Travel in a country and try out their foods, enjoying the different cultures, different taste, and different lifestyle; so it is unnecessary to over ordering your foods even though it is delicious. As long as you had already tried, the memories and the taste will keep it forever.

 

iv. Save on foreign currency exchange.

Withdrawing money abroad can cost a lot in charges. Although using a debit card can be cheaper than a credit card, be aware that most banks will charge for each cash withdrawal on top of a commission fee. Best practice is to take out larger sums so you’re charged less frequently, only take care and don’t keep all your money in the same place. Getting your currency before you arrive at the airport is also a way of securing the best rate you can and works out a lot cheaper.

 

v. Be wary of car rental pricing.

The pricing of hire cars has become more and more problematic recently as companies try to keep the advertised cost as low as possible, and then catch you out with extra charges during the booking process or on arrival. Compare bottom-line prices rather than headline prices.

 

vi. Avoid taxis and welcome public transportation.

Tourist usually take taxis since it’s the laziest way to get from point A to B. You can consider taking the subway or buses because it is not only a great way to save money, but it’s also the best way to see a country and get up close and personal with its people.

 

vii. Tourist spots may not be that hot.

Many countries have tourist spots that aren’t really the most interesting places to go to, not to mention that everything is more expensive around that area. If you’ve been to that place already, there’s no point seeing it again and again. Instead, go to local areas and observe life. It might just spice up your vacation.

 

viii. Walk around

If your destination isn’t that far away, you can consider asking the locals directions and walking to there. It’s a great chance for you to see the city and take pictures.

 

ix. Talk to the locals.

Be friendly and chat with them. Sometimes, they will tell you where to eat and some may even offer you to stay over (works best in small towns).

 

x. Student & membership discounts.

Many attractions like theme parks, museums and others have discounts for senior citizen, children or students. If you are traveling, remember to take your student ID card and membership cards.

 

xi. Group discounts.

We all know there are group discounts everywhere. To take advantage, team up with a few friends and go to the same destinations together. You can even set it up so there are no obligations to be everywhere together.

As long as you can follow all of these, I’m sure that you can make your travel dream comes true! Do not think that travel is expensive, everyone have their own ways to go for a travel; even though we are traveling in low budget, but we are still exploring the new view sight in a different country!