Everyone likes to travel and we don’t have to spend a fortune to travel to exotic places. Where there is a will there is a way. We have sourced some great thrifty ways to stretch your dollars while you travel.
Travel Off-Season
If you want to travel during the March break, summer or around Christmas time be prepared to spend a fortune. If you’re on a tight budget you’ll save by travelling during the off-season. When travelling to Europe, generally off-season is October to Christmas and then from January to April. You’ll find hotels and airfare are a little cheaper during those months. If you’re looking to get away to a tropical island, you’ll find it more expensive to travel during our cold winter months. It’s just the way it works unfortunately.
Avoid Touristy Spots
If you’re looking for a hotel, you’ll find the further out you go from the main city centre the cheaper the hotels will be. Bed & Breakfasts are good choices because they include breakfast. Youth hostels are likely the cheapest places to stay (other than camping grounds). If you are traveling off-season you will not need to worry as much about booking in advance. There are a lot of students who travel in the summer! Better yet, stay with family or friends that are in the area you’re visiting.
Taste the Local Dishes in Season
If you’re traveling in Germany, enjoy white asparagus in May and in Spain taste the delicious snails when they are fresh and in season. Ask your waiter if you are not sure. You’ll get both great taste and great value for less money by ordering what is in season.
Forget the Fancy Restaurants
If you need a reservation or if the restaurant is part of a hotel, chances are you’ll be paying a premium on your meal. Instead look for the mom and pops shops that offer great tasting food with the personal touch. They will take pride in their food and you may find a gem off the beaten track. Ask the locals in the area you are visiting where they eat when they want a nice meal.
Site Seeing Tours
Site seeing tours can be a great way to see a lot in a short span of time. Look for those bus tours that allow you to get off at certain spots and picked up at others. This way you can see an area at your own pace without having to overspend on too many taxis.
ATM machines
They do come with a fee but they are cheaper to get cash than buying travellers checks. While ATMs give the best possible rates, they do come with transaction fees. Minimize these fees by making fewer and larger withdrawals. Store the cash safely in your money belt.
We will be posting more travel tips soon so stay tuned and happy trails everyone!
For more tips on how to manage personal finances, control debt and save wherever you can, check out of blog at www.occa.ca.blog.
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