The key to having a great holiday is careful planning. While it is possible to book flights and accommodations at the last minute, many veteran travellers would say that it is better to plan as early as possible and book as early as possible too. This is especially true if you are planning a trip abroad, and in places that attract a horde of visitors and tourists. Foreign cities like Paris or New York can cost a pretty penny, but they are not out of reach if you learn how to budget and strategize your vacation planning. You don’t need to shell out so much money just to enjoy your dream vacation.
Here are some tips you can follow to have your vacation without burning a hole in your wallet.
Bargain – you may be thinking that it is impossible to bargain when it comes to the travel industry, but that is not true. You can actually get cheaper flights and accommodation. This scenario works well when you are booking at the last minute. Flight seats, for example, that have not been sold, can be cheaper. The same is true for some accommodation. But don’t always leave booking at the last minute. Sometimes you can get perks and discounts when you also book early.
Travel during low season – unless you are eyeing a particular season in the place you are going to, why not plan your holiday when the city is not teeming with tourists? There’s no denying that during the peak season, all prices surge up, but you can go for a budget vacation if you book during the off-season. One good thing about visiting such cities during the off-season is that you will not have to deal with the many tourists visiting the city at the same time.
Look for discount coupons online – if you were not able to book early or bargain with your tour operator, there are still ways to get a discount. There are websites that offer amazing perks and discount codes so that you can book that holiday on a budget. They have discounts on everything from flights to hotel accommodation and even to car rental. Check out this Opodo discount code and see which ones you can use for your vacation holiday.
Consider flying indirectly or arriving from a different airport – if your priority is not time but budget, do consider booking flights that have stopovers as they are considerably cheaper than direct flights. Another tip you can try is to land at a different airport. Some major cities usually have another airport aside from the main one that is used. Flights landing there are cheaper, but of course, you need to consider the price of the train or taxi that you will need to take to arrive at your destination.
Consider booking private rooms instead – if you’re used to staying at a hotel, why not try and book private rooms instead? Sites such as Airbnb has a directory of people who offer their homes for travellers. You can check them out and see if they suit your taste and budget.
‘Contributed Post’