10 Ways to Save Money When Travelling

Travelling can get expensive, even if you’ve found a cheap travel insurance quote, cheap accommodation, and are avoiding the priciest attractions out there.

All the little things can really add up quickly, so we’ve put together 10 easy tips for saving money while you’re out on the road. 

1. Timing

The best time to travel is when other people aren’t. If you’re a parent, it can be tough travelling between holidays, but during the school terms people typically aren’t abroad, and this holds true across many parts of the world.

2. Comparing Deals

There are those in the industry who will try to exploit you – maybe not directly, and maybe not even on purpose, but it is true that the travel industry has one priority, and that’s profits for them, not savings for you.

If you plan to book online, it could pay to look into how corporations track your online habits, and try to avoid going for deals that are being pitched directly to you by online marketing.

There could be cheaper deals out there! Make sure you look for them, and don’t go for the first thing you see - chances are, it’s been delivered to you on purpose.

3. Bookings

It’s a common urban myth that Tuesday is the best time to buy tickets, as airlines often announce new deals on Monday, forcing their competitors to drop prices the next day.

However, experts say the weekend is the most likely time you’ll net cheap airfares, as airlines lower their rates for leisure travellers, but keep airfares high on weekdays for business travellers.

It also pays to book as far ahead of time as possible!

4. Budget Airlines

There are some airlines that offer economy class flights at much lower price points, but it pays to do the math on them.

For example, some basic economy flights may work out only around $20 cheaper, but then may not allow carry-on luggage, forcing you to pay an extra $20 - $25 for the privilege.

It’s worth paying extra to not be given the run around on luggage, not to mention risking being deprioritised and potentially bumped off the flight in the event of overbooking.

5. Car Rentals

Car rentals are liable to eat up your budget quickly. If you need to book a car, look into third-party car-booking websites.

There are some that stay competitive by finding coupons for you, then applying them all to your booking when they make it on your behalf.

You’ll pay them a fee, but you’ll make it back in savings – and then some – on the car booking itself.

6. Cruises

Cruises can be surprisingly affordable, but beware – this is because they make their money on the amenities for sale onboard the cruise.

Booking tours and excursions through the cruise company itself almost always works out more expensive than doing it through local companies.

Not to mention food and drink while on board cruise ships tends to be somewhat steep as well. Be especially careful if the cruise features a casino, as many do!

7. Hotels

The fastest way to save money on your trip is to make your accommodation bookings directly with the hotel.

If you can, use the same hotel franchise and try to save through a loyalty program if they have one.

It may not be a lot, but it all adds up.

8. Travel Insurance

Make sure you compare travel insurance to find the best possible deal.

Many people go without insurance while traveling - put off by the extra cost - but if you compare providers you should be able to find one that fits your budget.

Not getting any coverage at all could cost you much more in the long run.

9. Luggage

If you’re planning to be abroad for a while – longer than a week or so – try to only take a carry-on bag.

It can be tough leaving things behind, but if you ever decide you should have brought something along you can always buy it while you’re there.

This is often the cheaper option than paying for extra luggage.

10. Work

If you’re young, there are initiatives available that allow you to legally work abroad.

Depending on where you plan to travel, you may be able to make enough revenue through one of these to pay for your trip, or at least take a sizeable bite out of the costs!

Talk to the experts

For more help saving and keeping your wallet full while on the road, talk to the experts.

Here at glimp, we can help you find the best travel insurance available today, and get you one step closer to an affordable journey!