Doing some pre-trip research and flexibility can help you save money on your travel -flights, hotels, dining, and other travel expenses.
Here are some tips:
Go off-season, to save money on your travel
You will save money on flights and hotels if you are willing to travel off-season. It will be less crowded where you are going too. You’ll likely be hanging out with locals instead of other tourists at the cafes and attractions. On the downside, there may be limited hours for restaurants and activities.
Do a bit of pre-trip research to figure out what off-season is for the cities you want to visit. “Off-season” might be when the weather isn’t ideal, such as Yosemite in the winter, where you’ll have fewer people and some snow.
When is off-season?
October & November can bring high tides to Venice Italy, so you might wade through the water to get a table at a restaurant, but you’ll likely get the whole place to yourself. In this iconic city, if you are willing to take the chance, the flooding only lasts a few hours, and the areas flooded are typically dry by the next day. What a story that will make at your next cocktail party if you encounter some flooding during your stay!
November through March is usually low or off-season in Europe due to the weather. Consider going just at the tail end of the off-season, so you get the discounts but also get advantages of the activities in season.
June through August is winter-time for Australia, and the beaches are less crowded, but the weather rarely drops below 75 degrees in the North.
January and February are typically the least crowded at Disney parks after the holiday’s when families are broke, and the kids are back in school. Some attractions might be closed for renovation during these months.
Brad’s Deals blog offers a month to month guide to off-season places to travel. https://www.bradsdeals.com/blog/29-awesome-vacation-spots-that-are-cheaper-off-season
Research the area, THEN book your stay
Pre-plan where you want to go and what you want to see. Once you have a rough plan, consider booking a hotel within walking distance of most of the attractions, or near the train or metro station to avoid car rental expense. This Hilton hotel in Stockholm is just a ten minute walk to old town but not IN old town so it’s less crowded and less expensive then staying right in old town.
Take a look at the hotel where tour companies book their groups. They are typically vetted by the tour companies as above-average places to stay yet affordable. Better yet, take a tour as they getting discounted volume rates. https://www.go-today.com/
Stay near but not in tourist areas, live like a local
Consider staying in residential areas or a neighborhood just near the attractions you want to see but not right in the center of the busy tourist areas. You’ll find better deals on hotels and affordable restaurants where the locals go.
In Venice, stay in academic residential neighborhood of Dorsoduro instead of in the tourist neighborhood of San Marco.
In Rome, stay in Piazza Barberini, walking distance to Trevi fountain and other sites but just off the tourist areas.
Stay in an apartment, live like a local
Airbnb and Booking.com offer apartment lodging. Something to consider if you have a larger family or group going of 6+ people. A three-bedroom apartment in a residential area will make you feel like a local and most likely be less expensive than a few hotel rooms. Try this for stays longer than three nights stay because there are one-time fees like cleaning fees that make this option not ideal for one-night stays.
Paris Perfect specializes in luxury apartment rentals in Paris and other European cities.
Be sure to check the fine print before booking – what they offer (towels, sheets) and what do you need to bring. Take note of the added fees as these costs can add up.
Sometimes the owners of Airbnb’s will greet you upon arrival and offer local tips for the area, and sometimes you’ll have a code or key and detailed instructions on how to reach them if you have questions. Don’t expect there to be a valet to park the car, bell boy to take your bags to your room, or room service other than local pizza delivery. The cleaning fee is usually not during your stay, but for after your visit and before their next guest arrives. You might need to restock the toilet paper, paper towels, and dish soap – just like at home.
One advantage of an apartment is that you can cook your meals in your kitchen. To the person who does all the cooking at home, this may not be an advantage. To the person wanting to save money on the dining out during the vacation, this will be an advantage. You could have breakfast in the room, pack a lunch, and eat dinner out and save a significant amount of money. For those with special diets, you’ll have control over the ingredients and get the fun of shopping at a local grocery store.
Find the dining deals, dine like a local
Happy hours can offer great discounts on dining. Some provide discounts on menu items beyond pub food or appetizers. Perhaps have a bigger lunch and a lighter meal at happy hour in the bar area of a fancy restaurant. Morton Steakhouse a fine dining Manhattan restaurant in New York City. The Happy hour menu includes $10 Filet Mignon Trio (sliders) and Short Rib Tacos for $9. Specially priced Monday-Friday: 4pm-6:30pm, 9pm-close; Sunday: 5pm-close
Finding the restaurants where the locals go that are not written up in every guidebook are typically affordable and authentic. This local blogger highlights such places in Rome, Italy. Visit Copenhagen offers suggestions on where the locals go in their city.
While many cities offer taco Tuesday specials, the locals in the village of Carlsbad, CA, know they can get 2-4-1 burgers at Hennessey’s tavern. They offer promotions almost every night. Many cities have city pass cards, like the Copenhagen Card that gives you free entrance to many attractions and museums, and also savings on dining.
In Europe, one can get a delicious grab and go sandwich at the train station for 2 euros or less. You don’t have to be taking the train to partake in this deal. Department stores in major European cities like Geneva Switzerland’s Manor have the ground floor as a grocery store typically, where you can find food hall with hot or cold ready to eat local foods. These are great places to pick up local souvenirs too.
Save on currency exchange fees
Currency exchange fees can be high at airports, so check with your bank a few weeks before you go if they do currency exchange. The banks will likely charge less but may have to order it. It’s good to have some cash on you upon arrival for taxi, snacks at airport, or tips. Get a credit card that doesn’t charge international exchange fees like the Capital One Venture Card. You’ll get cash back for your purchases too.