When it comes to travel, I believe in finding value when possible and spending money when worth it.

Determining your destination, means of travel, accommodation, and desired activities well in advance can sometimes help to find reasonably good prices.  Additionally, being flexible on travel dates and times can make a big difference when it comes to price.

So, let’s start planning!

Set your intention

Firstly, consider creating a vision board or spreadsheet where you can track and compare prices as you build your itinerary. Here are my other tips:

• Determine your destination, reason, and/or preferred season as this might dictate your travel dates. For example, unlike a cultural city break, cherry blossoms, Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), autumn foliage, or skiing are all tied to specific months.
• Establish the length of your trip, including flight times and time differences. For example, you’ll gain a day flying to Europe, whereas you’ll lose a day flying back to Australia.
• Consider travelling during the shoulder months – just before or after peak tourist season – when you can still have great weather and fewer crowds for discounted airfares and accommodation.
• Take advantage of Google and research every detail that would impact your travels, including:
  • best months to visit weatherwise.
  • the destination’s affordability and how locals get around.
  • Search for ‘free activities’ and ‘top things to do’ and note tours that interest you, including cost and duration.
  • For international travel, include any other required expenses such as a passport, visas, and travel insurance. Ensure that you allow sufficient time if you require a passport. 

Getting there

Airfares are often cheaper if you buy them in the months before you intend to travel. The other advantage of planning ahead is you’ll have enough time to budget and reschedule plans if need be. Here’s what else may help:

• Observe price patterns by checking airfares daily and at different times. Generally, booking airfares on Sunday and travelling midweek can save you money.
• Search your preferred travel dates and consider setting up a Price Alert on comparison sites, which also highlight the cheapest days to fly.
• Sign up for emails or follow airlines on social platforms so you’re notified of any sale fares. International airlines generally have Early Bird Specials a year before departure; Jetstar has Friday Fare Frenzy whilst Virgin Australia has Happy Hour Thursdays.
• If you own a reward credit card, redeem points for flights or opt for Points & Pay combinations.
• Consider different flight routes instead of the major airports. However, pay attention to layover times as some discounted airfares may have longer transit periods.
• Beware of any hidden costs for baggage fees and seat selection and compare with other all-inclusive airlines.
• Check the airline’s change policy as alterations to an itinerary might attract high fees.

At your destination

Now let’s look at accommodation and local transportation costs. Here are some potential ways to save:

• While hotel operators in major cities often offer discounted prices for last minute bookings, the strategy might not work in cities with a limited supply of accommodation.
• Sites like Expedia bundle flights, hotels, and cars, but it also pays to check directly with the airline or accommodation.
• Consider motels, hostels, and pods, especially those close to public transport.
• Research establishments offering discounts to students.
• Consider joining the couch surfing community websites.
• Search for free house and pet sitting
• Explore distances via Google Maps to decide how you’ll be getting around at destination and investigate all associated costs for public transport, as well as bike and/or car rentals, in case you want to venture further.
• Research transport passes in major cities as these can save you money; some of them also include entrance to several top attractions.

Travelling on a budget without compromising your holiday is doable, and creating a travel plan well in advance, should help you better understand travel costs and areas where you can save money.  Happy planning!

Like every article on this website, this is not personal financial advice.