There is an opinion that traveling is a very expensive pleasure that can be afforded by only rich people. But this opinion is not really true. If you know how to reduce the cost of the tour, you can visit almost any country. Our article will tell you about the most common ways to save money while traveling.
Find Cheap Trips
When a travel agency doesn’t manage to sell some seats on an airplane or when someone refuses to stay in the hotel from the list it offers, the agency usually reduces the prices to compensate for its losses. The closer the departure day, the less the trip will cost (usually about 20-25 percent less). This way you can find really cheap trips to the most popular tourist destinations — Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, UAE, Thailand, Croatia, and even Bali and Cuba!
Your actions. To purchase such a cheap tour, you should frequently call or drop in to the travel agencies, have the necessary sum with you and be prepared to break up and leave as soon as you are informed about the tour of your dreams.
Disadvantages. The constant “sitting on suitcases” is not suitable for everyone. In addition, if you’re among people who hate uncertainty and get easily tired of waiting, you better look for another way to save money. And just keep in mind that this option is only available for the visa-free countries.
Take A Loan
Do you want to go on holiday, but the year wasn’t that great for you, and you did not manage to save the right amount? Do not despair, there is a solution! Just take a ticket with a loan.
Your actions. First of all, find companies that practice such sales. Then fill out a special application form and indicate the desired amount or the tour credit. In this case, additional guarantees and certificates might be required. It is only necessary to submit your passport and a second identification document, which might be something like your driving license, extra passport or student ID. According to travel agencies, all formalities will take about a week, so getting a loan for an immediate tour will not be possible. If the bank decides in your favor, you will need to immediately pay for only part of the tour (from 20 to 40 percent). The rest will be covered by the bank, and you, depending on the content of the treaty, will repay this amount in installments.
Disadvantages. When paying back to the bank, you’ll have to pay the interests, too. Therefore while doing your paperwork, pay attention to the interest that you will overpay. Perhaps, it is wiser to find another travel agency that will offer more favorable credit terms or even to take the necessary amount of a bank loan.
But if you have already bought a ticket at a full price before departure, do not despair. There are some other ways to save, too. Read on to learn about them.
Save On Hotel Rooms
There are several options to reduce the price of the accommodation. The first option is to make a better choice of a hotel: Instead of a five star hotel you can choose a cheaper one, for example, a nice and comfortable hotel that doesn’t have any international awards.
The second option is to take a double room placement. For example, if a single room costs $350, the double room will cost you $500, which means that each of you will pay $250. See the difference?
The third option is to buy a tour during the “low” season when hotel reservation will cost you much less. If most of the countries have the biggest demand for tickets during New Year, Christmas, holidays in May and children’s holidays, in some other countries this period can be a “dead season.” For example, in Egypt, Turkey and Tunisia, the cheapest vacations are available from November 15 to December 15, in European countries — from mid-January to March. An illustrative example is Paris, which is better to visit in summer or winter: At this time there are not that many exhibitions and salons, and prices for accommodation in hotels get cheaper by 100-150 Euros.
Also don’t forget to ask about the championships, festivals and harvest festivals taking place in the country you’re going to head to, since in these times the prices in hotels abruptly fly up. So sometimes it’s better to miss the festivals, but to save money.
Excursions
Everybody knows that a considerable sum goes on something else rather than individual expanses. I’m speaking about the group excursions. You better keep in mind that you can always have a look at the local sights at a lower price. If you’re going on a vacation to an exotic country, you should know that it is better to book a tour not in your hotel, but in special tourist shops (they can be found on every street corner). They will offer you the same services, but up to two or three times cheaper. And do not be afraid to bargain — in some countries it is even encouraged.
Do not try to save on your travel health insurance
Many people think that abandoning the trip insurance they can save an impressive amount of money. In fact, it will not save you from unforeseen expenses if you suddenly need medical attention. For comparison: The policy for 10 days costs about $3-20, while ordinary inspection of the doctors can cost much more, not to mention the PLI outpatient hospital treatment. It is also true that insurance does not cover injuries from dangerous sports or activities (there is a specific list), and those taken under the influence of alcohol.
Image:
http://www.frenchcaribbean.com/St-Barthelemy/hotels/pages/SBHotels.html
