Travel
in the off season
The most expensive single item when travelling is airfares and accommodation and
both get cheaper in the off season. There will also be fewer tourists about and
you might even glimpse the locals!
Research
the neighborhood you’re staying in before you leave
Print out a Google map, and have a look on street view. If you’re travelling
by taxi you will be less likely to be ripped off if you know exactly where you’re
going and what your hotel looks like.
Keep
track of your budget
The best way to save money is to know what you’re spending every day. Work
out your budget, convert it into the local currency and keep track of how much you
have to spend each day. Buy a journal and write down everything you spend –
if you’ve overspent one day, you’ll know that it’s time to be
a little more frugal.
Plan
your sightseeing
if you want to see a range of things during the day, start with the one furthest
from your accommodation and work your way back. Walk between some sights, catch
some public transport and end up close to where you’re staying. You’ll
save yourself time, money and energy travelling in just one direction rather than
trekking all across a city.
Stay
near a University
Not only will you find cheap accommodation during student holidays, but there will
be heaps of local shops, bars and restaurants used to discounting for the student
population so you’re more likely to get good prices. Universities are also
served by good public transport that will go begging in the off season.
Wander
through a park
Outdoor travel is always cheaper than indoors, so go for a walk in a beautiful garden
and save some money.
Travel
light
Airlines charge a fortune for excess luggage. If you’re staying away for a
long time, consider sending some of your clothes home when the seasons change –
that way you won’t have to pay airlines to transport clothes you’re
not wearing anymore.
Don’t
use your mobile phone except in emergencies
Mobile roaming charges can be enormous and you can be charged for receiving calls
while you’re overseas. Take an old handset with you and buy a pre-paid SIM
when you get to your destination.
Do
your own laundry
A packet of washing powder and a few minutes in a laundromat can save you a packet.
Even better, try to stay in hotels, hostels or apartments that have washing machines.
Research
festivals and free activities
Many cities have a festival for a week or more where the city lays on free entertainment.
Not only will you get to see a city at its best, you’ll have free sights to
see instead of paying.