Travelling is incredible, extraordinary and exhilarating, but also…expensive. If you strive for full time wanderlust like me or immersive long voyages, then you need to learn how to cut the costs. Saving does not mean depriving yourself of things you want to see and do. If you save in routine areas like laundry and bookings, then you can splurge in exceptional areas like jumping off the STRAT building in Las Vegas! Here are my top tips for how to preserve your funds to have more fun!
Now, you may have heard some of these before but I am listing all the nifty tricks that I have personally tried, tested and have proven worthy.
1. Saving on Breakfast
The most important meal of the day they say, but it might end up being an expensive one. Eating out in cafes for breakfast with views of the Eiffel tower is liberating, but it will start to add up. Still splurge on those boujee breakfasts, but consider buying a bag of apples or cereal to reduce costs on the other days.
2. Checking hostel and hotel sites
Hostelworld and booking. com are elite in finding great places to stay, still, always check the hotel or hostels personal website. Occasionally, they will offer promotions or discounts when booked directly. At the time, when I booked directly with Whole Wide World Hostel in Zagreb, Croatia, I discovered if I turned up with my underwear on the outside of my clothes, I would receive 10% off but if I sang at reception (which, of course I did) I got 20% off.
3. Facebook events
Sweet and simple, when arriving at your new destination check the Facebook events to find interesting new activities close by. Not free all the time, but they will show you activities that are unfamiliar and cultural.
4. Student Saving
Pretty much worldwide you can find deals and discounts for students. So, if you are a student and can prove it, always ask for a ‘student discount’. If you are not, always double check ticket options. In Rome, you can get cheap coliseum tickets if you are under 26 regardless!
5. Free activities
This might seem obvious, but search for free activities! I’m not going to tell you it is easy, because for some destinations you really have to dig, but it is worth it. Just a little extra research could pay off big and you could be kayaking with a Statue of Liberty view for free!!
6. Volunteer
If you plan to stay in an area for a while, lots of hotels will let you stay in exchange for 4/5 hours work 3-5 days a week. This still leaves you lots of time to explore but lifts the burden of accommodation costs.
7. Refillable water bottles
Water is often readily available, especially on the cobbled streets of Europe. Always having water with you will prevent impulse liquid buys from expensive street stalls and cafés. Obviously, water is no substitute for alcohol, but having a water bottle will help save money throughout the day. Other places for refills
– Hostels
– Gyms
– Outside public toilets
– Street fountains
– Restaurants (if you’re feeling cheeky)
8. Saving on accommodation
Saving on accommodation? How about free! House and pet sitting is a great way to stay for free, meet many little fur babies and see the local area. Read more here.
9. Staying out of season
This is not always beneficial as some tourist areas will shut down and you may find yourself with little to do or nowhere to eat. I had this problem in the Algarve during January. However, some places are exhilarating out of season. You can get photos, avoid the crowds and most importantly…massive discounts on tours and activities. Try Thailand during Rainy season. I bathed with elephants, kayaked in emerald waters and visited an island of piggies, all for half the price!
10. Saving on Laundry
It may be tempting to use the laundry service and have your clothes perfectly folded and waiting for you on arrival after a jam packed day. This is fine for a holiday, but for long term travellers, it is an expense you can live without. Try doing your own washing in laundromats or if you’re feeling like a scout, wash it by hand!
11. Airport snacks
Airports are notorious for overpriced food. It doesn’t matter if you dine in or opt for a meal deal, it will still cost you more than the average. Airports are also infamous for being a place where ‘Money isn’t real’ or ‘you’re on holiday’. Do not fall into the trap. Especially if you travel often, by taking snacks and packed lunches you could save £20+ per visit. This really adds up and could be the difference in being able to afford a cool guided tour at your next destination.
Remember it is never about restricting yourself from once in a lifetime opportunities. Try asking yourself..Can I do this at home? You can do your washing at home, so why pay triple the cost for it in France or Japan. Save your money on mundane tasks, so you can afford to spice up your Monday with outrageous experiences instead!
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