By John
You might plan it as a budget trip, but by the time you have arrived back on home soil, it would be fair to say that your travels just haven’t turned out like this.
Unfortunately, staying on top of your finances during a trip away is easier said than done. Temptations often get the better of us and we return home with much lighter pockets.
Today’s guide isn’t going to answer all of your prayers in this regard. However, we have listed a few quick tips which can allow you to get the most from your travels, without spending huge amounts.
Booking in advance is crucial
First and foremost, long before you get anywhere near the airport, make sure that you book in advance.
While we don’t have any hard and fast statistics to hand, last-minute deals are rarely going to save you big sums. Sure, some people might strike lucky, but on the whole you need to plan months in advance (or longer, if you are traveling at one of the peak times).
It’s not just about flights and hotels, either. The same rules apply with attractions and to make sure that you are given the best deal, always try and book online first. You’ll be given a preferential rate and save a surprisingly large amount.
Be shrewd with your packing
Next, when you do venture near the airport, be really careful when it comes to your bags. There was once a time where we may have been able to throw everything, including the kitchen sink, in there. Now, airlines have started to clamp down on this and have very tight baggage restrictions.
It means that you have to do everything in your power to pack smartly. This might involve wearing your bulkier clothes, or simply not being as precious about taking so many items. Just remember, most destinations will have shops and in the worst scenario, you can just buy the item you are missing out on. It’s probably a lot cheaper than overpacking for your flight!
Never wander around on an empty stomach
You may have secured a cracking deal on a first hotel and flight, but it all goes to tatters with your spending money. Food can be one of the biggest expenses in this regard and if you are exploring a destination on an empty stomach, you’ll find yourself falling head over heels with all of the touristic restaurants and street food vendors that tend to line these areas.
Instead, fuel up on a hearty breakfast. It’s probably not going to keep you going all day, but it will give you enough energy for a few hours so you don’t have to dip into your pocket.
Sometimes it’s about futureproofing
Finally, sometimes it’s about foreseeing expenses. Let’s take travel insurance as an example. Many of us will try and save money by not purchasing this, but in the long-term this could cost us a lot more. This is especially true if you have any sort of underlying medical condition. If this is the case, you should strongly consider travel insurance for medical conditions as one option when booking your travels. They cover a wide range of travel destinations which makes it even easier for you to stay covered. Whilst some do not include travel insurance as an essential, it can provide you with peace of mind which ultimately will make your travels even more enjoyable.
