During the last two years, many of us have experienced the importance of taking a break, not only from our daily job, but mostly from our overall daily routine. A holiday trip would have been the right answer to the “wear and tear” of modern life, but unfortunately a big part of our communities has been forced to give it up, both for reasons of expediency (the pandemic is still ongoing in many countries) and lack of financial resources.
More recently, the global situation has improved, many countries have reopened their borders and people started to travel again, both for work and leisure. But now, more than ever, for many of us it’s crucial to find a way to reduce our expenses to the minimum necessary. Easier said than done, as a matter of fact, since any kind of travel implies a series of mandatory expenses that everyone should put up with. Nevertheless, with a pinch of cleverness, an extra dose of effort and some spirit of adaptation, anyone can find a way to reduce a travel’s expenses and lift the burden of the final bill. How? There are many factors you can act upon, in order to achieve that goal. Let’s see some of the most significant ones.
1. Make large advance bookings. Both for the plane and the hotel, of course. If you’re fast enough, it will allow to save more money than you think, especially with the flight. Moreover, sometimes many airlines have special surprises in store for those who reserve first (like two tickets for the price of one or the obliteration of any extra baggage cost).
2. Save on parking fees. Everybody thinks that moving to the airport by a private car is a useless and unaffordable extra cost. This is not always true. Some companies that operate in the most important European hubs (like for example Parkos.co.uk) give the travelers the chance to park their private cars in complete safety within the airport area, at a very competitive price. So competitive that you shouldn’t take for granted the idea that a ride on a taxi to the airport would be always the cheapest solution.
3. Travel in the off season. Clearly, visiting the most attractive spots in summer or, anyway, in the high season (whatever it is), is easier and sometimes more amusing. But it’s not the only solution available. Besides that, it’s surely the less affordable one. Many destinations (for example the art cities, especially in Italy, France or Spain) are much more enjoyable on the off season: less crowded, less chaotic, and – most of all – way less expensive.
4. Travel as light as you can. Any excess baggage means an extra fee on the flight. But do you really think that anything you have compulsively stuffed into your suitcases will be absolutely necessary during your stay? Generally, if you think twice, almost a half of your burden will appear unnecessary and you’ll be ready to leave it home.
5. Pick the unusual. Sometimes (we would actually say: very often) the less renowned destinations offer the same amusements of the most famous ones, at about half of their prices. Don’t you believe it? A few examples: try Valencia instead of Barcelona, Hamburg instead of Berlin, Marseille in the place of Paris, and let us know if you managed to have a great time there.
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.