How to save money on vacation

Of course, it is more convenient to contact a tour operator and buy a ready-made trip, but if we talk about benefits, it is often much more economical to organize a trip on your own. So, what you should pay attention to:

➜ First of all, you should take care of this issue in advance: the sooner you start planning your trip, the cheaper it will cost you. For example, many airlines raise fares closer to the departure date.

➜ Think about the timing of the trip. During the high season, vacations will be much cheaper than at the height of summer.

➜ Consider different options. Find out what promotions and discounts airlines offer for destinations you are interested in. For example, a ticket on a weekday will cost less than on a similar route on a weekend. In addition, there are budget airlines (the so-called discounters or low-cost airlines) that offer their customers very favorable conditions. True, you won’t be offered free drinks or lunch on board, and you’ll have to pay extra for luggage separately, but the ticket price is incomparably lower.

➜ You can also save on housing. If you plan to spend all your free time on excursions and return to the hotel only for an overnight stay, then there is no point in taking a room with full board (three or four meals a day). In this case, it is much more profitable to choose an inexpensive hotel or hostel. By the way, it is also better to book a room in advance via the Internet.

➜ If you are traveling for a long time (from two weeks), then ask how much it will cost to rent an apartment or room. It may be more profitable for you to use this option.

➜ Find out in advance how to transfer from the airport or train station to your place of residence. As a rule, giving up taxis in favor of public transport allows you to save a lot of money.

➜ Many large cities have incentive systems for tourists - cards that provide discounts on transport, museums, and shopping in stores. Check with the tourist office about this. By the way, you can also get a city map and information booklets there for free.

➜ Beware of scammers! Don’t fall for the trick of an “unprecedentedly favorable” exchange rate, especially if someone approaches you with such an offer on the street. Do you remember the episode from the cartoon “Ilya Muromets and the Nightingale the Robber”, where careless travelers in Constantinople were offered a free ride on an elephant, but they demanded a lot of money to get off it? Unfortunately, this happens not only in fairy tales. The most expensive exchange points are usually at airports, train stations and hotels.

➜ Do not buy souvenirs in tourist places. Don't be fooled by guides' advertising: part of their income comes from commissions from souvenir shops. And remember that in many countries (especially in oriental bazaars) it is not only possible, but also necessary to bargain.

Travel with your husband or with friends. Double and quadruple rooms are much cheaper than single rooms. If you are going on vacation with a child, then ask what children's benefits airlines and hotels have.