Last Updated on July 31, 2018
From using the right websites for booking your flights and transfers, to how you can save money when eating out, here are six ways you can get the best value out of your trip.
Plan when to book your flights
It’s an unwritten rule that avoiding the summer months, Christmas break and school holidays will mean cheaper flights. But did you know that when you book your flight can also make a big difference on your wallet? Flight comparison site Skyscanner has crunched the data to create a tool to help travellers work out when the best time is to book flights. Depending on where you’re travelling to and from, you can work out whether booking your flight many months or just a few in advance is the best time to do it, and what the average saving will be on your flight.
Get organised with foreign currency
Airports charge a premium at their currency exchange booths, so organise your currency before you leave. Alternatively, grab a travel money card that you can charge with currency and then use overseas – they’re great if you’re travelling for a few weeks and plan to do a bit of shopping. When considering a money card, look out for terms and conditions that may include hidden fees, and find the one most suitable for your travel needs.
Eat local, not like a tourist
Food and dining can take a huge chunk out of your travel budget, especially if you’re staying near popular tourist spots. When looking for a place to dine, don’t eat anywhere that is within a few streets of a popular tourist location. You’ll escape the tourist prices and find authentic and less mainstream dining options. Better still, talk to locals and find out where they like to eat. If you can, visit a farmer’s market in the morning where you can stock up on fresh produce like fruit to snack on throughout the day.
Avoid the tourist traps (and tourist prices) by exploring more local eateries
Keep on top of your spending
Download a budgeting app such as Trail Wallet to keep track of your expenses and on top of your travel budget – you’ll be able to easily identify where you’re saving money, and areas where you’re spending too much and need to cut back.
Make the most of WiFi
Don’t waste your mobile data – international roaming can rack up huge bills, so it’s best to keep your data switched off when you’re overseas. Most airports, hotels and tourist destinations are equipped with WiFi. Use this to call and message friends and family back home, or you may return to a rather unpleasant phone bill. Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime and Messenger allow you to connect with people through WiFi. Check out our airport pages to see whether the airport you’re travelling to and from has WiFi.
Book an airport transfer
Many people leave organising getting to and from the airport until the last moment. This can mean waiting in long taxi queues and paying top dollar to get to a hotel. Save money (and your sanity) by booking an airport transfer beforehand. Jayride.com allows you to search and compare thousands of transfer options, so you’ll easily find the one that’s right for you and your budget.
