Recently updated on January 22nd, 2020 at 07:17 pm
It’s a familiar story that a trip, which seems affordable in the planning process, ends up costing far more than originally anticipated. For some travellers, this may even happen each time the summer holidays come around. But with some forward planning, this doesn’t need to be the case. Follow our tips to save money on travel this summer, and get the same experience without the extra cost.
Last Minute Deals
Some of the best deals can be found by booking last minute, and this is true of Trafalgar trips, too. Take advantage of our Europe deals to see summer in the mountains and valleys of Scandinavia, or to eat your way around Italy’s most tempting gastronomic towns, or travel through America and Canada to reach those destinations you haven’t yet had the chance to visit.
Cut Down on Surcharges
Some of the additional costs in travel can take us by surprise, perhaps none more so than airline surcharges. Whether it’s luggage fees, onboard entertainment or inflight snacks, these surcharges can be avoided by planning ahead. Book your luggage allowance ahead of time online, combine suitcases if you’re travelling light, and be prepared for the journey by bringing your own snacks and inflight entertainment.
Pack a Picnic
While it may seem tempting to visit a restaurant for each and every meal, this can end up being one of the most significant costs on a trip. Make the most of being outdoors on the warm summer days by packing a picnic and eating in whichever park or square you stumble upon. Fresh bread, local cheeses and fruit from the surrounding areas can be picked up at a local market.
Choose a Trip with Meals Included
Another way to cut back on restaurant bookings is to choose a trip in which some of the meals are included in the cost. Having reserved places for a number of guests, a tour operator is able to get excellent rates, saving each guest money on the final cost. And with some meals left to be arranged by the individual, guests have the freedom to explore the local dining scene, too.
Set a Budget for the Extras
When we’re away it can be easy to spend more money than we realize at the time. From drinks and snacks throughout the day to additional tourist attractions and souvenirs, we’re all more inclined to treat ourselves when we’re away from home. Manage how much you spend by setting yourself a budget. Then when you reach that limit, try to resist going over.
Visit Free Tourist Sites
Some sites are worth paying the entry fee for, but these ticket costs can accumulate. Cut down on the amount you spend by opting for tourist attractions that are free of charge. In many of Europe’s great cities, some of the best museums can be visited for free. In London, a day can easily be spent exploring the staggering collections within the British Museum alone.
Buy your Flights Strategically
Over the years, evidence has shown that buying a flight mid-week gives travellers a better rate. While promotions are often available on weekdays, the rates usually shoot back up as the weekend comes around. Frequent flyer programmes help too, enabling the buyer to use their points or miles against the cost of a flight.
Support the Local Economy
At Trafalgar we champion sustainable travel, which includes supporting the local communities in the destinations we visit. Instead of paying to drink coffee in an international chain, seek out an atmospheric pavement café where the waiter brings coffee made the local way, and where it will almost certainly cost far less. Our Be My Guest experiences exemplify this philosophy, introducing guests on our trips to family-run restaurants, wineries and farms that each have their own unique story.
Book a last minute trip with Trafalgar to save money on travel this summer.
Image credits: Cover photo © iStock / jpgfactory. At the airport © iStock / stock_colors. A picnic spot in London © iStock / LSP1982. Souvenirs in Cambodia © iStock / Konstantin Aksenov. A cafe in Italy © iStock / Poike.