Being a travel blogger, I have an insatiable appetite for information. Whether it’s about destination, hotels or activities, there are always new resources to explore and tips to pass on. But what I love most about travelling is being able to show my friends and family how much money we save on our trip. Sharing our experiences and recommendations has been one of the best parts of being a blogger as well. That’s why I’m writing this article to share some money-saving secrets before you go. It might seem like common sense but checking your supplies list, booking your flights early and budgeting properly could save you thousands!
Research your destination first
No one ever said going on a trip to a new place would be easy. No matter how much research you put into your travel plans, things will usually go wrong. The sun will set on a new culture a little early, your hotel will have guests on its first day and you will have a bad experience in a new city. You have to research your destination thoroughly to make sure you have the right expectations. You should ideally do this before you pack your bags. Look around your neighbourhood, find out what kind of guests you are and get an idea of what your experience will be like.
Have a budget
The first step to saving money on your trip is to decide what your budget is. Now, don’t get me wrong, everyone’s budget is different so don’t stress if yours is different from everybody else’s. However, you should aim to save a small amount each month so that you have some extra money to pay for your trip. A budget can help you stay focused and motivated as you plan your trip. You might decide that having a budget of $800 for your trip is too low. You could make an offer on the trip that includes more services than you had originally budgeted for, or you could increase the budget to fit your specific needs.
Lock in your accommodation
The first step to saving money on your trip is to decide where you want to stay. You can’t go to a city you’ve never been to before and expect to know everything about it. You should research your destination and find out as much as possible about your surroundings. However, don’t lock yourself into a certain type of accommodation. If you like five-star hotels but have a budget of $500 per night, you might want to keep that in mind while planning your trip. You should be able to change your mind about where you want to stay at any time. You don’t have to stay in your first hotel or resort that you book, even if it’s the only one in the area. In fact, you’re unlikely to be happy in any of them.
Check out tour operators
If you’re interested in seeing a certain culture, you might want to look into hosting your own tour. This way, you won’t be stuck on a specific route or group of guests. You can choose the ones that interest you the most or that have the best reviews. Look into renting a car as well. This will allow you to explore a new area or sight on your own. It may also help you save on gas costs as you drive around taking pictures and looking for Things To Do.
Save on food
You should always try to eat where you’re staying. This way, you won’t have to waste money on snacks, meals and drinks you might not want to consume on an otherwise perfect vacation. If you’re staying in a hotel, you can always ask for room service. However, do your research and book a local meal or two. You will have such a better experience and save money in the process. You can always return home with your “best friend”, even if you’re only staying for a short time. Plus, you won’t have to spend an arm and a leg.
Stay safe and save money on insurance
As a blogger who plans her vacations months in advance, I get it when people say, “Why didn’t you say something was dangerous?” Dangerous things happen. All the time. Whether it’s a traffic accident, a plane crash or a medical emergency, many things could happen on your trip that would keep you from going to your desired destination. You need to be careful about how you spend your money. Always have travel insurance in case of an emergency. How you fund your trip should be your number one priority. Make sure you have adequate health insurance and travel insurance before you go. Besides, if something were to happen, who would be responsible for medical bills or lost wages? You! That’s where travel insurance comes in. It would have saved me a lot of money if I had it last minute.
Conclusion
Well, you’ve put a lot of effort into planning your trip and you’re right on the cusp of booking. Now, it’s time to save some money. There are ways to make your trip more enjoyable, cheaper and more secure. Lock in your accommodation, research your destination and have a budget. Stay safe and save money on insurance. Stay aware of what is happening in your surroundings and always stay hydrated. And last but not least, have some FUN while you’re on your trip!
