With the world beginning to reopen, we understand what its like to have travel bug. This week we give you seven of the best hacks to save money while travelling!
1. Travel in the off season
Travelling during the off-season is a great way to save money on a trip! Summer is typically the most popular season in most tourist destinations so travelling during the winter can be very cost-effective. The off-season can start as early as October and end as late as April in many popular destinations. All aspects of travel are more inexpensive in the off-season, including reduced prices on airfare, deals on accommodations, and even cheaper dining options. As well as being a great way to save, travelling during the off-season also means fewer tourists and shorter lines at your destination.
2. Use carry-on luggage
Opting for carry-on luggage instead of paying for a heavy, expensive checked bag can save you the big bucks while you travel. If you can fit all of your belongings into a larger carry-on sized bag, you forgo expensive checked bag fees. Typically airlines allow a small rolling bag as carry-on luggage, which can usually fit all the necessities for a short getaway while keeping costs low. To boot — if you use a carry-on, pesky airlines can’t lose your luggage!
3. Use points
Finding the right credit card for your needs is incredibly important while travelling. If you find the perfect one, you can reap all the benefits of their reward system. If you have the travel bug but want to build your credit at the right time, a secured credit card that offers premium rewards and benefits is definitely worth the while. Plastk Secured Credit Card offers users amazing features points on everyday purchases, quick and easy application process, simple way to pay, cash advances, worldwide acceptance, easy access to premium reward, and helps improve credit score and knowledge.
4. Always notify your bank about your travel dates
To avoid fees and upcharges, always let your bank and credit card company know about your travel plans. Banks can freeze your credit card or charge extra fees when travelling in a foreign country, so letting these institutions know about your plans can save you time, trouble, and money. Reaching out to your bank is also a great way to acquire foreign currency, which will save you exchange fees at the airport!
5. Cook at home
Cooking at your accommodation is a cost-effective way to nourish your body and soul on a trip. If you rent an apartment or house with a kitchen, or equally, a hotel with a small kitchenette or hostel with a communal kitchen, you can cook some of your own meals while on the road to avoid pricey restaurants. Even while cooking at your accommodation, you can still get a taste of the local flavour by experimenting with new ingredients from grocery stores or farmers’ markets at your travel destination.
6. Use booking sites
Booking sites can help you save tons of money on your stay! Dozens of booking sites are out there, like Expedia, Kayak, and Priceline, to help you save on accommodation, flights, and even experiences while on your trip! These websites use state-of-the-art algorithms to guarantee you the best prices on all of your travel needs. Who needs to hire a travel agent when the internet provides you with the best tools to save money and plan your travel experience at your fingertips!
7. Stay at hostels
Staying at hostels is a great way to save money and meet people along the way! Hostels are a great type of accommodation, especially for younger travelers or those on a budget. Communal-style living can be a great way to meet individuals that share your wanderlust, while cutting down costs. Many hostels even have individual rooms, meaning you won’t have to sacrifice your privacy in order to save!
Disclaimer: The content provided on the Plastk Financial Inc. Blog is information to help Canadians become financially literate and learn about credit. Plastk is not responsible for building or ruining an individual's credit score or credit rating. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment, credit inquiries, and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.