Travel is, for many of us, a distinctly rewarding experience – yet it comes at a price. Sky-high flight costs , accommodation costs and over-priced restaurants can make budgeting seem impossible, and, suddenly, booking that trip quickly becomes daunting instead of exciting. While we can’t promise your dream holiday will ever be a bargain, our editors have picked up a few tips and tricks during their years of travelling for cutting costs.
Travel is for making memories, so it is important to carefully plan your spending to make the most out of your trip. Here is how to stretch every penny with the golden rules of affordable travel our editors swear by. Most of us tend to plan our trips in advance, with bucket-list attractions or restaurants we want to tick off.
But leave some space on your itinerary for spontaneity and get chatting with locals to find their favourite places. “Eat where the locals eat,” says Callie Thorpe, an international travel influencer. “These off-the-beaten-track kinds of places are often far more affordable with less inflated prices, and you can support a small local business.
” Avoid eating out in high-pedestrian traffic areas, as these are usually more expensive and not as good. If you’re finding it hard to meet any locals, try asking around at your accommodation – “I always ask the front desk for tips,” Sarah Allard, Condé Nast Traveller ’s digital director tells us. “They are usually locals and have the best insider intel.
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