Don’t let your limited bank account mean that you and your family don’t get to enjoy the vacation that you deserve. Here are 30 easy tips to ensuring that you get to have a real break without breaking the bank:
Travel:
- Do plenty of research regarding travel tickets online and then book early to benefit from advance-booking discounts.
- Extending the duration of your flights by opting for connecting flights often means lower fees. Consider whether it would be worth it to have a longer trip to save on funds.
- Do not allow your luggage to exceed the weight limit as this will cost you more in penalties.
- Return tickets are usually cheaper than one-ways, so make it a matter of habit to book returns.
- If travelling by car, service the car ahead of time to reduce excessive fuel consumption caused by flat tyres, exhaust pipe holes and other machinery-related issues.
Food:
- Do online research on restaurants at your destination ahead of time. This will familiarise you with budget-friendly eateries that are suitable for the whole family.
- Cook and pack your own meals.
- Take the food that you don’t finish at the restaurant home for breakfast or lunch the next day.
- Avoid costly hotel breakfast buffets. They just aren’t worth it.
- Opt for large lunches and light dinners – lunch menus are, generally, cheaper.
Destination Transport:
- Car rentals are very expensive. If absolutely essential, do plenty of research and compare prices thoroughly to find the best deal. (for example South Africa Car Hire)
- The bigger the car, the more petrol or diesel it requires. So, while your mode of transport must be comfortable and safe, don’t choose a car that is larger than you need.
- If you will be travelling a lot within your destination, find out about travel passes that allow you to use busses, trains and subways at a reduced fee. This works out far cheaper than buying a ticket every time you use public transport.
- Consider alternative modes of transport. For example, a train trip may take a lot longer, but is usually cheap, safe and very scenic.
- Avoid taxis.
- Walk around as much as possible. You will see more of your destination and will save on local transport costs.
Currency:
- If you are looking for an affordable getaway, opt for a place that has a favourable exchange rate. You may find that you discover untouched treasures in this way.
- Shop around for a centre that offers the best exchange rate.
- Use the local version of websites and pay online as it may work out cheaper in terms of the ever-changing exchange rate.
Accommodation
- If you are visiting a popular tourist hotspot like Cape Town, accommodation there will likely be expensive. Rather, consider staying in a smaller, quieter town nearby.
- Better yet, try to go to places in which friends or family stay so that you are able to stay with them (even if only for a portion of the holiday) to save on accommodation.
- Consider swopping homes with a family at your destination.
- It’s worth asking your accommodation provider if they are willing to give you a discount. Sometimes it just takes asking.
- Try to choose a bigger room with extra beds instead of separate rooms for children.
General:
- Take advantage of the duty-free shops at the airport.
- Get creative when deciding on a holiday destination. Sometimes, the tourist hubs just aren’t as exciting as they’re made out to be.
- Buy local. These are cheaper as there is no import costs involved.
- Travel out of season and during the week for special rates.
- Investigate travel packages as these, generally, offer lower rates.
- Sign up for rewards programmes.