Travel can be expensive at times. But there are ways to travel on a budget. We might think that traveling is for those with cash to spare. Not necessarily. You don't have to overspend every time you decide to take a trip. Traveling during ideal times and redeeming the reward points or miles are some ways to save money. Let's try to know more ways to save on the cost of the trip.

A few wise decisions can help you save money while traveling. How you look at things can make a huge difference. All that you need is to plan the trip in advance. Last-minute planning leads to unnecessary stress and adds to the cost of travel that is easily avoidable.

5 tips and tricks for saving money while traveling

1. Take public transport, walk, and find things you can do for free:

• You can walk instead of taking a cab whenever possible. It's the best way to know the place you’ve decided to explore, feel the vibe of the place, and the culture.
   
• If walking isn’t possible try taking public transport. Often it's cheaper than taking a cab. Find out about these options.
  
  
• Also, find out if there are things you can do for free. Enjoy activities that are free for visitors. There are centers for arts and architecture, museums, or parks where entry is free. Make a list of things that can be enjoyed for free and save money while you travel.

2. Avoid traveling during peak season:

• The demand for travel tickets, hotel bookings, local stays, etc. is high during the peak seasons. The travel industry earns high revenues during the holiday season when everyone sets out to travel. All the prices are hiked. The best way to save money is to not travel during this season.

• During the off-season, the crowd is smaller. Thus, you will enjoy your vacation a lot more. The lines at the airport and booking offices are also short. 

• The weather is pleasant with moderate temperatures, and you can enjoy outdoor activities for a long time since only a few people are waiting for their turn. 

• Also, the services offered during the off-season are much better and more personalized. Each destination has a particular peak season when most people visit it. Know the season when prices will be inflated, and enjoy your holidays at a reasonable cost by choosing to travel during the off-season.

   

3. Choose hostels and service apartments:

• Hotels these days provide all facilities but, tend to be expensive. Some offer discounts, but getting a discount during peak season takes time and effort.

• Set your travel budget and avoid hotels. Probe for other alternatives like budget or service apartments. They are comparatively cheaper. 

• Service apartments are the best choice if you are traveling with a big family or a group of friends. Hostels are the best choice if you have a smaller group and decide not to stay long. 

• These choices cost almost a fraction of the hotel's charges. There is a service called Couchsurfing where homestays are available. But be careful when you couch surf, with strangers. Now couch surfing is no longer free but it comes at a lower cost. 

• Homestays are also a good option for backpackers as they offer a bed and breakfast.

• Get in touch with Facebook groups of travelers that give information about various destinations. They can share some valuable information on budget stays. Groups that belong to a particular city or place you are visiting can guide you not only about various budget hotels, and families who welcome tourists at their places but also about local eateries. 

   

4.  Booking in advance:

• Last-minute rush will surely hike your travel cost and you will be forced to pay more. You might be forced to extend your holiday despite being low on cash. The wisest way is to plan your entire travel well in advance – the journey, flights, transport, accommodation, and other services you plan to avail throughout the trip. 

• Saving money becomes easy when you book in advance.

• Airlines offer heavy discounts when booking flights weeks and months before travel. Thus, you can save the high transaction fees and high exchange rates during peak season. Also, you can enjoy a hassle-free trip, save on time, get the best deals, and travel easily without worrying too much. 

• You have to keep looking for special discounts and offers that will help you save a lot of money. All you got to do is plan your journey well in advance to save. You can also talk to a travel agent before making the reservations. 
  
  

  5. Choose to eat local food; it's tasty and economical:

• Eating at the hotel can be expensive. Breakfast is complimentary at the hotel, but dinner and lunch can be costly, even if it's a buffet.

• If you wish to taste the local flavor and experience the taste of its cuisine, choose to have them at a local eatery. That is the secret of saving money and tasting inexpensive regional cuisines. 

• Visit the local markets and city centers where the environment is abuzz with local people. You can talk to them and ask for their recommendations. Asking your Destination Management Company about the markets and city centers will be wise as they are well acquainted with this information.

• Also, check for websites and read the reviews of different eateries. Instead of overeating at restaurants, try having street food as well. It's easy to experience the local culture, and always appreciate having street food as its healthy because it's being cooked in front of you, rather than in a concealed place. 

• In fact, when you stay with local people eating food cooked by them saves money and you get the taste of authentic food. 

• These are some wise and easy ways to save money while traveling and enjoy your journey. Planning is the key to saving money. 

• Also, talk to friends and family members to get the best deals and know about economical places to stay.

• Surf the internet since that is one of the best ways to learn about various destinations, the peak period, homestays, service apartments, local food, and much more.

   

Also, talk to your tour operator, who can customize your travel package. Travel agents and tour operators are aware of local food and eateries and can brief you about the local markets. 

ETOS offers apt travel management software to ease destination management and development and the sales lead management process. It also helps in giving price quotations to your clients.
 

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