Here are some useful travel tips to help you save money, and travel like a pro!
1. PLAN YOUR TRIP
Choose your destination. Research online before you plan your trip. There are numerous websites that can help you do that. If you are traveling on a budget, always look for off-season deals, that’s when you can get great discounts when booking accommodations and can obtain cheapest airfares, when flying. By booking flights and accommodations together, you can often get great deals on both. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the cheapest days to fly, while July and December are the most expensive months.
2. PACK LIGHTLY
Packing for a trip can be overwhelming. Therefore, make a list of the most important things you need to bring with you. Be flexible. First, and most importantly, don’t forget your passport when traveling abroad, or your driver license when traveling domestic. If you have prescription medications, pack them in your carry-on bag is the safest way to ensure you’ll never miss a dose. Use travel-sized containers for your shampoo, body wash, or your perfume. The maximum allowed size to carry on board is 100 ml.
3. DO YOUR RESEARCH
Make a list of what interest you the most. Write down the places you want to visit, including restaurants, museums, malls, or other places of interest. Have a map or a tour guide beforehand. Try to familiarize yourself before you go. Learning some basic phrases in the native language will also help you significantly in any foreign country. A simple “Hello” or “Thank you” will mean a lot. Try it!
4. GETTING AROUND
After a long flight, arriving in a foreign country, the best option is to have a pre-booked airport transfer already waiting for you. Some hotels offer complimentary airport transfers. If your hotel is far from the airport, try the subway or the metro to get around, however if you’re not comfortable or you’re afraid of getting lost, you can always take a taxi. Taking a taxi is always the safest choice.
5. BOOK SIGHTSEEING TOURS
If you are planning to visit a new country or a new city, I would suggest the HOHO option. HOHO stands for “Hop-On Hop-Off”, which is a Sightseeing Bus Tour, that is available in all major countries across the world. You can get on and off the bus at any of the designated stops to explore all that city has to offer. The stops are located strategically throughout the city, enabling you to move around easily and visit the most popular attractions. That’s the best way and the cheapest way to visit any city.
6. TAKE WALKING TOURS
There’s no better way to explore a new destination than by foot. These walking tours can be short, that can last under an hour, while longer ones can take in multiple sites and last few hours, even a full day. Visiting landmarks with a rich history, listening to authentic tales, and discovering hidden gems only the locals know. There are many free walking tours offered around the world. There’s no pressure to pay anything, however it’s recommended to tip the guide at the end of the tour.
7. EAT LOCAL
Do some research on the types of cuisine your destination is known for, its local ingredients and its most known dishes. Avoid dining at restaurants near tourist attractions, try local restaurants instead. Also, don’t shy away from street food! Street food are cheaper, however, if you’re skeptical – don’t risk it! You can also sign up for a food tour or a cooking class. Here you can obtain great tips directly from a local guide of the must-eats in a city.
8. SAVE YOUR MEMORIES
Traveling is all about experiencing new things, getting away from the everyday routine, enjoying your trip and living in the moment. Make sure you take lots of photographs and videos, make cheerful memories whether traveling alone, or with family and friends. This will make your trip worthwhile. Smile more and go places and forget about the everyday routine back home. Enjoy!
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