Improvisation is the wallet’s worst enemy when you go on a trip. Taking a taxi out of the airport to go to the first hotel you come across is the royal way to lose control of your expenses. Everyone has their little tips for saving money, but the most important thing is to prepare and plan your vacation.
First step: determine the place and date of the trip. From this moment, you should know that depending on the time of year, prices can go from simple to double, whether for the plane, the hotel or the tourist attractions. We don’t have the choice to go in high season? We turn to less popular or less known destinations. Please note: the low season period
The “all-inclusive” formula, which includes the flight, the shuttle service between the airport and the hotel, meals, drinks and activities, remains the best way to afford an inexpensive holiday in the sun destinations . But if you are looking for more originality, it may be advantageous to use a travel agent. It will often be able to offer lower rates for packages or airfare than websites like expedia.ca , exitnow.ca or travelocity.ca .
Here are some other tips for traveling on the cheap:
Transportation
* Before buying a plane ticket, we shop around. By comparing airline rates and changing the day and time of departure, you can save hundreds of dollars. We are also looking at discount carriers, such as Easyjet or Ryanair, which can offer prices as low as ten euros for connections in Europe.
* You should know that flights are often cheaper on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and that Wednesday is sales day with tour operators.
* We avoid night arrivals. Transport between the airport and the hotel costs more when the shuttles and buses are out of service. In some countries, taxis also raise their prices at night. We inquire before departure on the shuttles, the bus or the metro.
* In Europe, train cards (including the Eurail Select Pass ) allow you to obtain a certain number of travel days over one or two months in one or more countries. Others offer to combine train travel and car rental.
* Between the destinations visited, we opt for public transport instead of renting a car. Unless there are several to share the rental costs.
* In cities, walking is preferred to public transport or taxis. If the distances are too great, we get a bus pass for a few days or for the week. It is often more economical than buying tickets individually. We are also looking at self-service bicycles, which are increasingly popular.
* We pay attention to the price of taxis, especially in countries where meters are not widespread. It’s a good idea to ask the hotel reception what the ride should cost.
Accommodation
* Several hotel chains offer loyalty programs that provide savings. Membership is usually free.
* We stay several days in the same place. Hotels often offer discounts if you spend at least three nights there.
* By moving away from tourist places, you can make significant savings on the price of overnight stays.
* Avoid hotel services: carry your luggage, find your own taxi and use the public telephone.
* Want to meet new people? We turn to hosting exchange networks ( CouchSurfing or The Hospitality Club ). In addition to saving, we are entitled to the advice of people who know the city well and who can serve as guides. You can also think of a home exchange .
* Another way to make friends: hostels. Some offer, in addition to the traditional dormitories, rooms for two or four people as well as a kitchen for preparing meals.
Meals
* We avoid restaurants located in tourist areas and we turn to bistros frequented by the local population. The food there is more affordable and generally more typical. The neighborhoods surrounding the universities are often full of them.
* The ready-meal counters of supermarkets and public markets allow you to concoct charming picnics to enjoy or at the hotel, in the evening.
* If you want to try high-end restaurants, go there for lunch on weekdays, when many offer a fixed price menu for business customers.
* We choose a hotel that offers breakfast, ideally in the form of a buffet. We thus have a good meal and we take the opportunity to slip an apple and a croissant into our pockets for snacks.
* Choosing a hotel room with a kitchenette can save you money, especially if you’re traveling with children. A simple fridge can also be sufficient to keep fresh foodstuffs bought at the supermarket.
* If we stay a few days in the same place, we buy large cans of water (4 L) to fill the small bottle that we took care to slip into our suitcase. Better still, we use running water if it is drinkable.
Other travel saving tips
* We limit the number of luggage. Many airlines charge extra for those who are oversized or overweight. And since the spring of 2011, the majority of American carriers have imposed a $25 fee for all checked baggage.
* Before leaving, we do research on travel blogs and get a guide (Lonely Planet, Routard, Ulysse). The authors often suggest low-cost hotels, lodges and restaurants as well as free attractions. You can also order guides and maps offered free of charge by government tourist agencies. CAA-Quebec members are also entitled to a host of documents.
* On site, we do not hesitate to talk to the “locals”, to ask them for advice on places to visit and the best ways to get there.
* We avoid dressing and appearing like a tourist. In some countries, visitors are entitled to higher prices! This is especially true for taxis and in markets. We inquire with the population or at the hotel to know certain prices.
* Pick up tourist brochures. There are often discount vouchers for bars, restaurants or attractions.
* We monitor festivals and other free events and plan our itinerary accordingly. Note: several museums offer free days during the week.
* As most hotels offer it for free, internet access should have disappeared from the travel budget. Otherwise, just go to a cafe offering this service with your laptop or iPod.
* You pay for your trip with a credit card equipped with a travel insurance option to avoid taking out additional insurance.