If you have caught the travel bug, like I have, then you will love that the borders are open again, and we can explore the world once more. While travelling has never been overly cheap, the costs have gone up quite a bit since the events of the last few years.
So, it's even more important to be as budget conscious as you can be, without spoiling the fun!
Here are some ideas I go through in this episode:
- Save into a "Fun Fund". If you don't already, put a percentage of your monthly income aside for fun. For me, this is mainly travel. You don't want to be putting your trip on a credit card and then getting a nasty bill once you are back. This includes spending money - save for that too. Don't just put everything on your credit card;
- Prepare for "Picnics". By this I mean, visit a local supermarket when you arrive at your destination, and pick up some food that you can make for your lunches, maybe breakfasts (if they aren't included with your accommodation) and possibly some dinners. This not only saves money, but is sometimes a welcome break from eating out and fast food - depending on where you are. I also like sampling local food from supermarkets, it's part of the cultural experience.
- Pack for anything. By this I mean taking things like medicines and all the things that you really need. That way you won't forget something and have to go and buy it. Save your money for more interesting outlays, like souvenirs, entries into places, and going out.
- Book accommodation ahead. Or, at least be prepared for the time of year and what else might be on. If you're going in a busy season, it's best to book ahead, otherwise you will be at the mercy of whatever you can find - expensive or horrible.
- Look at hotel alternatives. Things like AirBnb are good if travelling as a family - it's cheaper than multiple hotel rooms, or squeezing into a "quad room" (which is often just a regular sized room with 2 queen beds).
- Pack smartly. Don't pay for excess baggage. It's expensive and easily avoided. Use a medium sized suitcase for longer trips, so you aren't tempted to fill a large suitcase!
- Book last minute shows. While accommodation is good to book in advance, the opposite is often true for shows or the theatre. Unless it's a particular show that you really want to make sure you see, you can often find last minute tickets at a box office that are cheaper.
These are just a few ideas to help with the financial side of travel, so you can enjoy the trip and do some splurging (within your budget).
