How to save money on vacation

Going on vacation can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. There are many ways for people to book and plan their vacations cheaply, but what about when you’re actually at your destination?

Things can get very expensive very quickly, with travel, activities, eating in restaurants and staying in hotels. But it doesn’t have to be that bad, there are plenty of ways to reduce the impact on your wallet. Here are some varied ideas, suitable for all types of tourists.

ACCOMMODATION

Youth hostels: Despite the name, many youth hostels have family rooms. If you imagine a dirty, cramped and noisy accommodation, get those ideas out of your head. Youth hostels are definitely no-frills, but if you do your research in advance, you’ll find plenty that are clean, well-located, and at least soundproof.

House swap: This system has been around for a while now and there are many sites created to cater to those who would rather switch homes with other travelers than pay for a hotel room. Make sure you choose who will trade with you based on good reviewers and trust your intuition.

couchsurfing: Great for the single traveler, not so much for families. Couchsurfing is a relatively new phenomenon. The idea is that you meet people through the web and they offer you accommodation in their home. It’s usually free, though sometimes people will exchange services or gifts for sleeping arrangements. It is also possible for couples to find accommodation, although it is more complicated.

Hotel budget: They are certainly not a romantic or special option, but if you plan to use your hotel room only for sleeping, why pay more? Large hotel chains often have locations in many countries around the world and offer very cheap rooms.

Haggle for hotel rooms: Try calling a hotel to inquire about room availability. Then leave it for a few weeks and call them again; if the room is still available, there’s a good chance they’ll be willing to haggle. You can also do it by email if you hate talking on the phone.

EATING

Picnic: This is the easiest, but probably the most work. Just go to any cheap local store and buy food that you can easily prepare. It definitely won’t be a gourmet meal, but it’s cheap and easy and you can eat outside enjoying the people watching. If you find small local delicatessens, you can also make it a little special. Imagine a brie and baguette picnic with a bottle of red wine in Paris, for example. Hmm!

Research: By doing your research ahead of time, you can find out which local restaurants and bars they prefer, and hopefully which ones have the lowest prices. Local knowledge is really important if you want to save money, because otherwise you’re unlikely to find places unless you stumble across them. Also, I have always found that the best places are usually hidden and that you would need someone to tell you that they are there.

Go vegetarian: Vegetarian options may seem like a drag to some, but today you have plenty of options. Also, they are always cheaper than meat menus and sometimes even come in much more generous portions!

Shop at sunset: It depends on where you are, but many stores will sell food cheaper at the end of the day, especially if it’s on or past its sell-by date. Baked goods usually go down in price as well. Take a look and you will see.

ATTRACTIONS

coupons: Take a look online before you go and see if there are any coupons available for sights or attractions you want to visit. If so, be sure to use them! Also check prices to see if there are any age-related discounts or loyalty plans.

go free: In many cities, you will find free attractions everywhere. For example, in London, most museums do not charge. However, particularly in the summer, it’s easy to have a complete vacation without going to the paid attractions.

Check your schedule: Particularly for events such as plays, shows and concerts, time is an issue. Ticket costs vary greatly. Matinees are usually a good bet and cost a fraction of the nightly price. Otherwise, find out if the night was sold out on standing or cheap tickets. This is the case with many theaters and opera houses, although if you get fixed tickets be prepared for it to be hard on the knees! You can also try staying in the venue right before the show starts; you will often find people trying to unload their tickets due to an emergency or change of plans.