From luggage tips to flight and accommodation tips, here are some precautions that will save you money when you book your vacation.
Are you booking a holiday but the prices seem crazy and you don’t know where to put your hands to try and save some money? Here, in the meantime, take a deep breath: with a few tips, you will definitely be able to spend less.
In the meantime, try to plan your trip in advance: this will give you an advantage in searching for different solutions on multiple sites and portals. Check the official websites, but also aggregators (such as Skiscanner and Google Flights) or sign up for an annual flight subscription, which some companies now offer. And then do the same with accommodation, also thinking about the type of holiday you are organizing: if you are looking for an apartment, consider bungalows for camping, if you are on the road, consider renting a camper instead of a car (they pay for individual accommodation).
And again: you can also save on insurance. And if it’s a vacation or weekend, opt for a backpack instead of a suitcase: low-budget companies don’t charge extra for hand luggage placed under the seat, while for the one in the luggage compartment, on the other hand, yes.
So here are seven travel hacks, including destinations, to save money.
Where should I go?
If your goal is to save money, cross off the notoriously expensive destinations. Greece? Not Santorini, Mykonos, Paros and more famous islands, which you can discover in the off-season (and without thousands of tourists on their heels, they will probably be even more fascinating).
Yes, instead, to the Peloponnese peninsula, Halkidiki or the lesser-known islands.
Spain? Near Barcelona, the sea is wonderful and you spend less than in Ibiza and Formentera. And again: Albania is (still) a cheap destination, as are some smaller places in Croatia. If you don’t travel in summer, go and discover lesser known cities where tourism is not yet mass tourism.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that the most famous destinations are also the most beautiful, really. While they are certainly the most expensive.
When (and how) to book flights
Plan your trip in time and track flight prices by searching official airline websites and portals such as Skiscanner.
With a little flexibility (in days and times), you can certainly save some money. Also look at airports that are a little further from the main ones, as long as the cost of transportation to the stop to the final destination is not too expensive.
Some companies are also working on MultiPass solutions: WizzAir recently launched it. It is a European subscription plan to fly at a fixed price even during the season (starting from 37 euros for a one-way ticket, 74 even for a return ticket).
How to save on accommodation?
Don’t stop at the first portal. Look through everything and when you’ve identified the accommodation that suits you, compare prices and cancellation policies on different sites, including official ones (if it’s a hotel, for example). It is a great idea to contact apartment owners and hotels directly in order to get a lower price, at least for the percentage they give to the big sites that sell their facilities. With a few more clicks, you can save a lot.
In general, you prefer a solution that allows you to cancel if necessary without losing money. Also evaluate the location carefully: a structure outside the historic city center could cost you more in terms of travel.
Finally, pay attention to the breakfast option: in some cases, having a very rich breakfast in the hotel can be better than outside.
Accommodation? Try the ones in the camps
If you are looking for accommodation, try looking at campsites: in addition to pitches for campers and tents, campsites also boast bungalows or lodges equipped with a kitchen, one or more rooms, hot water, and an open yard.
It could be an ideal solution if you need an apartment, but you don’t want to go too far from services such as restaurants, markets, the possibility of organizing excursions. In Italy, one of the main chains is Club del Sole.
Traveling? Opt for a caravan
If you’re thinking of traveling, consider renting a camper (or van) instead of a car.
This will allow you to not have to spend for a car, fuel and accommodation.
In addition, you could have a kitchen at your disposal: another advantage, looking at your wallet, because you would take care of your own meals, shopping and avoid going to a restaurant several times a day.
Multi-trip insurance
Savings are good, but travel insurance is definitely one of the things that shouldn’t be missing when you go. If you are a “serial traveller”, opt for an annual solution (such as Multiviaggio Light from Europe Assistance) that protects you during several holidays during the year: this way you will save money instead of buying individual policies.
Traveling with a backpack is possible
Well yes: just be well organized. The goal is not to pay for extra baggage to carry in the cabin or for check-in, if the airline you choose to travel with does not ensure that you can bring in at least one small suitcase for free. For a weekend, even a long one, or for a summer destination, it is not so impossible.
In the meantime, choose a backpack that respects the dimensions set by the company, school size, so to speak.
On the web you can find ad hoc and very organized, with many internal pockets. Think about what you’ll wear day-to-day and pack items that go well together in your luggage so you can mix and match outfits.
Avoid wrinkled clothes, bring a sturdy bar of laundry soap, minimize your make-up bag by using ready-made samples or tubes (so you’ll have room for a souvenir when you get back). A sweatshirt — because “you never know” — you already wear it on the plane.
Source: www.sitoireseto.com
