How to Save Money When Traveling this Autumn

Do some research beforehand

Plane in the skyOnce you know your intended destination, it is always worth heading online to plan your journey and explore what options are available to you. This can help alleviate a lot of the usual costs by finding cheaper deals for your transport and accommodation. Flights can be one of the biggest travel expenses, which is why you should be comparing multiple airlines and travel sites to get the best prices. There may also be flights departing a day later or earlier than your first choice of date at lower costs. One source to help you find the best prices is https://www.mattsflights.com/  where savings of up to 90% on domestic and international flights are offered. Another potential money saver is looking into all-inclusive City passcity passes intended for tourists at your destination. Many of them include free attractions and limited use of the public transit system or can provide discounts for selected activities and/or restaurants. https://www.citypass.com/ offers top attraction bundles with a savings up to 50% in participating cities.

 

Explore local travel options

Public transport busPublic transport is usually very efficient in cities and is a much cheaper mode of travel compared to Uber or taxis. Look at the metro systems and bus routes in the area to see if there are any travel passes you can take advantage of.  You should also be walking about as much as possible and save money along the way. Travel money jar sitting on a mapMany major attractions end up being close together or can easily be found by just following the central walking routes through the main cities. Cycling is another option for easy travel that is already utilized by many locals. Renting a bike to use for your whole stay is likely to be more cost effective than hiring them from pay-as-you-go stations for short distances, just be sure to bring strong security locks.

 

Travel offseason

While summer months are appealing, prices will be the most expensive due to the high demand from tourists. Some cities receive similar higher pricing levels for footfall in the early winter, so spring and autumn are recommended as the seasons for planning your trips. Travelling in the summer will also impact your accommodation options and visiting attractions, as they are more likely to be booked up or packed with crowds. Try to choose times that will avoid the summer holidays and busy tourist seasons.

 

Another point to consider is that you are likely to get a more authentic experience during the fall season because there will be more locals around to interact with than during other times of the year and weather is likely to be far more comfortable.

 

Eat like a local

Avoid unnecessary restaurant charges by sourcing your meals from cheaper options. Cooking in a hotelGrocery stores are abundant and offer many different options, including pre-made sandwiches and meal deals, that are perfect for tourists. Find the freshest ingredients by visiting local food markets, either on select days of the week or in a permanent location. This is a great way to become immersed in the local culture as well, especially in destinations that take their food very seriously. You could also consider staying somewhere with a kitchen or cooking facilities. Cooking your own meals is always going to be cheaper than visiting restaurants and cafes all the time, which can be especially cost-effective for long stays.

 

Visit affordable attractions

Every city has its main draws for tourists, but these areas can be very expensive as a result. You should look for attractions that are safely within your budget or maybe even free to visit, like public gardens, museums or historic landmarks that can be just as satisfying. There are many sources of information for these sorts of activities, including searching online each day or checking travel guides. Similarly, you can ask the locals what they would recommend seeing to discover some locations that might be missed otherwise. There are likely to be multiple options for tour guides in the area that will offer different experiences and prices. You could also inquire at the reception of your accommodation to see if there are any specials for where you are staying.

 

 

Prepare for unexpected circumstances

It is difficult to know exactly what will happen when traveling, which is why it is safest to prepare for the worst to avoid outrageous costs. This could include medical emergencies or unexpected travel delays that may prevent you from catching transport. Travel insurance is recommended.   See whether your flights or holiday packages include travel insurance or look at deals that may be cheaper for families and/or couples. Some bank accounts can also include insurance package benefits but ensure this will cover exactly what you need. Otherwise, always ensure to keep some money aside for these worst-case scenarios. While you may not need it, having a safety net prevents you from running out of options in case something does happen beyond your control.

 

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Our writers at Extended Weekend Getaways online magazine share their travel stories with you as they suggest new places to visit, what to include on your journey, what not to miss, offering more tips and giving guidance to what they have already experienced first-hand at the destinations they have visited and researched. Check our new page (Link found on home page) featuring past issues for ideas on places you might be considering for your next getaway.

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