Saving money and getting to see the world are not as mutually exclusive as you think. With some clever planning, you can go anywhere you like for a much better price - and in this guide, I’m going to give you the tips to do it. Let’s take a closer look at some fantastic ideas I have picked up over the years (and on the web!).
Book early--
If you follow this guide to the T, the vast majority of your costs are going to be on flights. However, it is possible to save a lot of money by booking nice and early. Keep an eye out for special deals from airlines, and snap them up as soon as you see them - you will rarely get a better deal. Also, think about taking a different route than the obvious one, because popular flights are expensive for a reason. You can fly somewhere less glamorous and hire a car for much cheaper to take you the rest of the way.
Stay in B&Bs--
AirBnB can be a great option for anyone looking for a cheaper way of seeing a country. But, don’t forget about the traditional bed and breakfast places, either. Find a good one, and you can expect all the top comforts of an expensive hotel for half the price.
Avoid English-speaking restaurants--
Of course, you will need to know the local lingo to do this, but it will save you a lot of spending money. When you are abroad, you will often see restaurant signs that state they speak English. The trouble is, you will pay a hefty premium as they know they can charge tourists more. Instead, eat where the locals eat. You will have a more authentic dining experience, and it will cost you far less.
Shop where the locals shop--
Avoid tourist shops, too. Even if you are stopping off for basic supplies, it can cost a small fortune. A good way of saving some money is to use local supermarkets - so keep your eyes and ears open. Let’s say you are heading to Spain. If you pick up things like a Hipercor Catalog, you can use it to compare prices with the tourist spots. Don’t underestimate how much you can save by shopping where the locals shop because it can give a real boost to your spending money!
Use family businesses--
As is the case everywhere in the world, family-run businesses can offer you a much better deal. How? Simply because they have lower overheads regarding paying staff. It means they can offer their customers a lot more for their money, and it’s something thrifty travelers can take advantage of.
Buy a guide book--
One essential purchase that you have to make is to buy a guide book. It will save you so much money because it tells you how to get around, where to go to save, and where to avoid. For the sake of a couple of dollars, it can save you thousands.
Do you have any more tips? Feel free to share them in the comments section!
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