Affordable Travel Tips

When making travel plans there are a number of areas which if managed well can make travel affordable. Consider each of the areas below carefully.

When To Go
The time of year and the popularity of the destination at that time can make a huge cost difference. For example a sunny destination during February/March is likely to be significantly more expensive than in October.

To achieve affordable travel select a lower season or accept that the higher season will cost more and find other ways (see tips below) to make travel more affordable overall.

Getting There
Which mode of transportation will be used to get to the destination? Will it be air travel, car, train?

Consider the options and determine which option is more affordable for the selected destination. Also consider the options within the selected mode of transportation such as class of travel (economy versus business) and companies (major scheduled airline versus charter) etc.

Another point to consider is how to get around while at the destination (see more below). Driving to the destination may be the most affordable option but will it be affordable to have the car at the destination? In some cities driving and parking are cost prohibitive. All the savings achieved in getting to the destination could be lost at $25/day hotel parking. On the other hand, renting a car at the destination can also see costs escalate. Consider these factors before booking transportation to the destination.

Staying There
What type of accommodation will be selected at the destination? Will it be a hotel, rent a flat/apartment, stay with friends or family?

As with transportation, considerations for accommodation include the class (one star or four star hotel)?

Where will the accommodation be located, inside the core or outside? Will it be in the tourist area (likely more expensive)? When considering the location, how will you get around? Staying outside the core will likely be less expensive but is there a cost efficient transportation method to get around?

Staying with friends or family will likely be the least expensive but also consider if this is too much of a personal sacrifice.

Renting a flat/apartment or staying with family/friends can be a good option to save on other costs such as meals/beverages and laundry.

Consider accommodation options carefully as this is likely the biggest cost component of affordable travel. A savings here can go a long way to making the trip more affordable.

Entertainment
What will be the entertainment at the destination? What are the costs of the entertainment? Are there any free entertainment options? Are there discount seats, nights etc.? Are there tourist passes/discounts that can be obtained?

Do research in advance of going to be educated on the options and potential savings.

Eating/Drinking
This is another areas that can have significant impact on the affordability of the trip. Consider how the locals eat and drink. Is the main meal breakfast, lunch, tapas or dinner? Are there better value options for eating at one time of a day or another? Again dining in tourist areas versus outside of these areas can reduce costs.

Consider eating simple meals in the hotel room or in the flat/apartment or with family/friends to reduce costs.

Consider making a picnic (or picking up a simple sandwich from a bakery) instead of eating in a restaurant. Not only is there potential to save on costs but also eating outside in front of a view can be priceless.

Eat and drink the specialties ordering local specialties are often more affordable than imported foods/wines.

Getting Around
What are the transportation options at the destination? Is there an affordable public transit system? Is there a visitor card that can be purchased for public transportation? Do the math to make sure it will be used enough to pay back versus buying one off tickets.

Can the destination be visited on foot, bicycle etc. What are the taxis costs?

Figure out the most economical system and use that for most of the getting around the destination.

Tours
Shop around for various tours, compare prices and inclusions. Make sure to compare apples to apples.

Consider a mp3 (or similar) guided tour instead of the touristy group guided tour.

If taking a tour is there a group rate, maybe others staying at the hotel would join in to make a group and get a discounted rate.

Shopping
Know the specialty of the destination, these things will often be very affordable in comparison to home. On the other hand, don't plan on buying sunscreen at an all inclusive resort, take plenty from home, otherwise sticker shock may set in quickly. Know what to take and what to buy at the destination to avoid unnecessary surprises.

Where to shop makes a big difference as well. Shopping in a tourist area is likely to be significantly more expensive (and less authentic) than in a residential area. Plan to shop outside of the tourist areas.

Remember affordable travel means balancing options. Don't compromise on the things that are most important but be flexible on those that are less so.

Happy travelling!