Basic Tips for Cutting your Travel Budget

For employed people, holidays are often limited by a three-week annual allowance. For the last few years I’ve been making the most of not having a permanent job, by travelling a few months every year. The only way this is possible is by keeping costs extremely low. Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you to start hitchhiking, but I will tell you not to change money at the airport! Here are some easy ways to cut your travel budget.

Flights

You probably already know that booking early is generally a good idea. But even better, is to be flexible. There can be some random days when flights are much cheaper than others. Websites like googleflights and skyscanner offer suggestions of cheaper dates to fly, and compare all possible airlines. If you are as keen as I am to save money, then take your flexibility to the next level by changing your starting or ending airport based on price. For example, by flying out of Montevideo instead of Buenos Aires.

Accommodation

For years I used couchsurfing, a fantastic website that offers free accommodation all over the world. I slept on many sofas, and offered my own to travellers. Today, looking for a little more privacy, I often use airbnb. On this website, people offer private rooms in their houses or entire apartments to rent, often at prices much lower than hotels.

If I fancy a hotel, I search on booking.com and use the ‘lowest price first’ option. One of the best things of living in this globalised age is never having to stay in a bad hotel. You can easily look at the reviews and rating to find a place that is both economical and good quality.

Remember also that timing makes a big difference; a hotel room in Lisbon is likely to cost four times as much in August than in February.

Transport

I love travelling by public transport. I find it the best way to get to know a place, and make journeys more interesting.

Sometimes, however, the odd taxi is necessary. Whenever you take a taxi without a meter, always ask how much a journey will cost, to avoid any unwanted surprises.

Food

One great advantage of staying in apartments is the use of the kitchen. Eating out can be one of the most expensive parts of a trip, and having the ability to make yourself one or two meals a day within your accommodation can drastically cut your costs; especially if you are away for a long time. Also, I find supermarket shopping a rewarding cultural experience!

Nevertheless, trying local food is an unmissable part of travel. I recommend avoiding restaurants in the most central touristic spots, which will always charge more despite not necessarily producing better quality food. Sometimes, a short walk away from the centre you can find not only better value, but also a more authentic dining experience.

Enjoy

No one wants to ruin their holiday by constantly thinking about prices, however, I feel that (as in life) spending more is not likely to give you more satisfaction in your travels. In fact, most of my favourite things to do when getting to know a new place are free; walking extensively, relaxing at a good view, and finding hidden backstreets where home cooked food fills the air. And, unlike what we learned at school, it is a great idea to talk to strangers!

Bon voyage.