Save money on your trip, see the most interesting places, taste delicious local cuisine and have an unforgettable vacation… All this can be done without buying excursions and all-inclusive tours.
- Buy your tickets in advance. If you book them 2-3 months or six months before your trip, the cost will be much lower than a couple of weeks before your desired departure date.
- Choose comfortable and affordable accommodations. It is not necessary to live in the center: hotels located in non-tourist areas are usually much cheaper and it does not take long to get to the main attractions. A great option for traveling on a budget are hostels and hostels. Moreover, it is not necessary to take a bed in a common room for 8-10 people: many of them have separate rooms for couples or small companies with private facilities on the floor, and sometimes in the room itself.
- Make a copy of your passport and visa beforehand or take photos of the documents with your smartphone: they can be useful for your trip. But it is better to leave the originals in the hotel or hostel safe for the whole trip.
- Take comfortable and practical clothes and shoes that can be combined with each other. When you pack for a trip, take another look and put away things you are unlikely to wear. As a rule, some of the closet we take on trips are never worn until the end of the vacation. Instead of extra shirts and dresses it is better to take a pair of comfortable shoes, a sweatshirt with long sleeves and jeans, because the weather is often unpredictable, even in warm countries.
- Vacuum bags and travel organizers can be a helpful little help while traveling. If you put your clothes in such bags, let the air out and close them, you will save a lot of space in your bag or suitcase. In addition, they are quite durable, airtight and waterproof, so you can not worry that things can spoil in case of rain or if liquid spills in the suitcase. All the little things including cosmetics, hygiene products, chargers and other accessories will always be safe and sound if you pack them in special travel cases with compartments.
Important!!! Use secret places to store valuables.Carrying money and bank cards in bags or pockets can be unsafe. In this case, a small-sized secret pocket will be a lifesaver. It can be easily hidden under clothing and you don’t have to worry about keeping valuables safe. - Don’t forget your first aid kit! Even if you have insurance, be sure to take the minimum necessary medications: for headaches and fever, allergies, insect bites, bowel disorder in case of poisoning, as well as various dressings: antiseptics, plasters, bandages and green. Consult your doctor about the need to buy antibiotics, as in many countries they cannot be purchased without a prescription.
- If you’re going abroad, turn off the mobile Internet on your phone and use WiFi in public places, so that you don’t get an astronomical phone bill when you arrive. With cellular data transfer turned on, there is a risk of paying extra money, because some applications go online and update themselves. As a rule, wireless Internet is available in many hotels, cafes, parks, and other places. In a pinch, you can save money by buying a local SIM card with Internet traffic.
- Find good cafes, restaurants, parks and attractions will help not only guides, but also useful tourist sites and applications for smartphones. With their help, you can easily find many options for places to visit on your trip. Check out the ratings and photos, read reviews from other travelers, and choose what you like.
Don’t forget to download indispensable travel apps that work without internet access. - Buy single passes for all modes of transportation to save on fares. In many countries and cities you can also buy a special traveler’s plastic card, which allows unlimited use of public transport, free access to major attractions and museums, as well as discounts in many cafes and restaurants. They are usually sold at the airport or print kiosks.
- When going on a shopping trip abroad, remember to check with the stores to see if they issue TaxFree. This system of VAT refunds for foreigners allows you to get back a portion of the money from your purchase when you leave the country. Refunds range from 7 to 20 percent of a purchase (the minimum value varies from country to country) made in one store or mall in one day. You can get your money back at the airport or by transferring it to your card.