Traveling on a budget: 4 tips for savers
Traveling on a budget: 4 tips for savers
Want to see the world, but only have a small budget? Don't worry, traveling doesn't have to be expensive! With the following money-saving tips, you can fulfill your vacation dreams even without breaking the bank. So pack your bags and get ready for new adventures!
1. Book early – be a few months ahead of the crowd
It pays to book early! From train and plane tickets to accommodations, those who plan early often benefit from lower prices. Many airlines and hotels offer early bird discounts that can save you a lot of money.
When booking flights, keep an eye on airline websites for special offers or sign up for newsletters or alerts to find cheaper flights. You can also use comparison sites such as Skyscanner to search for flexible dates and choose the cheapest time. By the way, a good day to book is Tuesdays from 6 p.m. – this is when many airlines publish their fares. Ideally, you should book your flights as early as possible, at least 3 months in advance.
Good arrival and departure days for flights and trains are Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday. Fridays and Sundays are not the best days to get a cheap ticket.
For train travel within Germany, you may be able to get Deutsche Bahn's super saver fares starting at 17.90 euros - these are available up to 6 months in advance. If you subscribe to the Deutsche Bahn newsletter, you can also find out about special offers.
If you are flexible with your transportation, you can also check out Rome2Rio – the search engine gives you tips on how to get from A to B worldwide.
A little tip: use your browser's incognito mode. This will prevent websites from using your search history to inflate prices.
2. Be flexible and get a bargain
Being flexible can often lead to better deals.
Keep an eye on deals sites like Urlaubstracker or subscribe to your favorite hotels' newsletters. As an employee, depending on where you work, you may be able to wait to submit your vacation request until you have found the ideal trip.
A good tip for traveling on a budget is to travel in the off-season. Not only will you save money, but you will also get the bonus of less crowded tourist attractions. Whether it's a winter trip to Italy or a trip to the Canary Islands, where the climate is mild year-round, there are many ways to travel cheaply and discover new places.
Like to be surprised on vacation? Then try blind booking! At blookery you can be inspired by a flight and hotel to a surprise destination. You will receive a non-binding offer and can then decide. This not only saves you money, but also time when planning your trip!
3. Stay cheap, cook for yourself
Tired of expensive, impersonal hotel rooms? If you're in the mood for socializing or nature, hostels and couchsurfing as well as camping offer cheap alternatives. Apartments or shared housing can also save you money on food if you have a kitchen and can prepare your own meals instead of eating out several times.
Another way to travel on a budget is through work and travel platforms. At holiday4help, you can specify what activities you can imagine doing and get a free place to sleep and often food as well. If you love animals or even have experience with pets, you can take care of them. If you have always dreamed of living in the countryside on a farm, check out platforms such as Workaway or WWOOF - an affordable option, especially for longer periods.
4. Cheap or free local activities
When you arrive on holiday, you can expect many exciting things to do, but also the odd tourist trap. Find out in advance what insider tips are available at your destination to make the most of your stay. Many places offer inexpensive or even free activities that will enhance your trip.
Many museums and attractions offer discounted or even free admission on certain days or for certain groups of people. In Paris, EU citizens under the age of 26 have free admission to the Louvre, and in Madrid, the Museo del Prado is free in the evening.
Many major cities also host free festivals or concerts during the warmer months, such as the Fête de la musique on June 21. Free Walking Tours are also a great way to see the surroundings in many places for a small fee.
With a little planning and flexibility, you can discover the world and have unforgettable experiences even on a budget. So what are you waiting for? The world is your oyster - even on a budget!