After the depreciation of the ruble, summer vacations in Russia and abroad became a very expensive pleasure. And sometimes travel expenses can go beyond all reasonable limits. Introducing you top 10 tips for saving money on vacation in 2017.
10. Consider the all-inclusive option.
Relaxation at the hotel under the all-inclusive program (usually three meals a day, animators and a playground for the child, various recreational activities, the ability to use pools, etc.) protects against additional expenses for services that you most likely will need vacation. So it’s wise to pay a little more to get a lot more.
And do not open the minibar unless you know for sure whether it is free or not. The cost of drinks from the minibar is always higher than in the bar of the same hotel (or in the local supermarket).
9. Some people like it hotter
Monitor travel sites to find a suitable last minute package. So called tours with departures in the coming week. Prices for such trips are significantly lower than usual, because someone urgently refused a trip or the demand for this destination is lower than tour operators expected. Use the sites to search for cheap plane tickets and rest will become even more economical.
8. Enable private browsing
Travel agents can see through the Internet the history of your views on their site and can raise prices the next time you look for the right tour. This can be avoided by searching with private mode enabled.
8. Bike wherever possible.
To rent a bike is much cheaper than renting a car. For example, renting a bike in Rome for a day costs about 13 euros. And the cost of renting a car in Rome for 1 day is about 40 euros. If traveling by car is the only option available, choose a model with a diesel engine. Diesel engines consume less fuel, and besides, diesel is cheaper than gasoline, which means more cost savings.
7. Locals are the best source of information.
Popular tourist restaurants and bars usually greatly overcharge their services. Try to ask the locals what kind of cafe or restaurant they would recommend, and find that away from the luxurious restaurant is an institution where they cook both tasty and inexpensive. If you’re not a fan of talking to strangers, search the Internet for good local restaurants before traveling. Avoid any places with a “tourist menu” or food photos.
6. Local wines are cheaper than foreign
Local wines do not have to go through the same expensive delivery process as foreign spirits, which means that you will pay less while enjoying the fruits of local vineyards.
5. Better closer and more expensive than away and cheaper
If you want to spend most of your vacation sunbathing on the beach or exploring a tourist attraction, make sure your accommodation is near the right place. Of course, hotels located in the distance from the main attractions or hotels of the second and third line are cheaper, but you will spend more money on transport.
4. Save on a guide
Use the hotel’s free Wi-Fi to download maps of the city you will be traveling. After downloading, the cards work without using the Internet, that is, you will not spend money on mobile traffic. We also recommend that before traveling buy one of the best guides to cities and countries in the world. They contain interesting information about all the more or less interesting sights and places for entertainment, as well as practical tips for tourists.
3. Fly on unpopular hours and days of the week
You can save a decent amount by choosing a flight time during those hours when most people are still sleeping sweetly. Flying in the middle of the week rather than on the weekend is one of the best ways to save money on your trip.
2. Weigh and measure your luggage
If you are traveling with a suitcase or bag for hand luggage, be absolutely sure that their size and weight are below the restrictions imposed by the chosen airline. It is better to weigh and measure your bag several times before heading to the airport than pay extra for extra pounds or centimeters.
1. Do not tip too much
Advice taking the first place in the ranking of practical recommendations for saving money for tourists may seem offensive to the broad Russian soul. Many of our compatriots are generously grateful for the good service. However, there are countries where service charges are included in the bill. Pay attention to the points of servis compris in France, servizio incluso in Italy and servicio incluido in Spain. Tips are also included in the bill at restaurants in Singapore, Taiwan, Paraguay, Austria, Costa Rica and Croatia. You can add a few coins on top if you want, but this is not necessary. And remember that in Japan, China, Sweden, Iceland and Australia it is generally not customary to give “for tea”.
