Travel is often great, but it gets expensive fast.
Luckily, there are tips that work to save money on your next trip.
With a little organization, you can easily eliminate unnecessary expenses and enjoy a much cheaper trip.
Here are 12 tips to save on your next trip:
The further back the travel date, the cheaper it is. And since cancellation in hotels and car rental companies is often free until the day of booking, it is better not to deprive yourself!
The earlier you book, the cheaper! Book your tickets as soon as you know your availability because the longer you wait, the more it increases. Find out here when is the best time to buy your plane ticket.
What's the point of paying for a cheap flight, if you have to pay €50 more to put your luggage in the hold? Before buying your ticket, check what is included to avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport.
You can save money by choosing smaller regional airports close to your destination. Car rental is also often much cheaper here. This rule is true in France but also in many countries in Europe and the United States. Remember to tick the "nearby airports" box when you use a flight comparator.
Prepare a bag with sandwiches and fruits like apples or bananas. It's much cheaper for you than buying food on the plane. And it's healthier than the meal served by the company.
As we can no longer go through security with bottles of water, it means additional expenses on the plane. The trick is to ask for a free glass of water on the plane. Know that they cannot refuse it, especially if you ask the flight attendants nicely. And that's it, no more buying overpriced drinks on the plane.
It will be cheaper than on site and you will avoid long queues. If you're taking the train, be aware that the Eurail Pass for Europe is discounted on their website if you book in advance.
In most countries, taxis are not cheap. You'll save a lot of money by taking the bus and metro instead. Walking from point A to point B is also a good way to discover the city quietly without spending a penny.
Even if it slightly increases the price of the room, it is often cheaper than having breakfast in a local restaurant. It is best to find out beforehand to compare the prices of breakfast at the hotel and in a restaurant in the area.
Pack cutlery in your suitcase, and use it to make a simple meal in your hotel room. For example, you can buy ready-made salads from the supermarket, or buy bread and make sandwiches with ham and cheese. If you have a mini-fridge in your room, buy cereal and milk for breakfast. Ask for bowls at the hotel reception;-)
Make lunch your main meal. Why ? Because lunch prices are often much cheaper than dinner prices. And if you are traveling alone, nothing obliges you to have 3 meals a day. Cereal bars can help you go longer without having to stop at a restaurant 3 times a day.
Before you go, call your bank to find out what their credit card insurance covers in renting a car. If you have a Gold card or an American Express, you surely have insurance already included. Considering the price of insurance, it's always a win.