The decision to travel during difficult economic times is not easy to make. Some people travel to pamper themselves as an escape from the economic situation or they take a holiday because a well-deserved break will ensure they stay creative and productive at work. Others know the incredible value of the time spent together, will strengthen their family union and help to carry them during hard economic times. Because the VIP Express Tourism Ltd team knows the value of family vacations, we have done some research to bring you the Top 10 Savvy Saving Tips for your next holiday.
Get ready to start thinking beyond a typical vacation and become savvy with you budget!
1. Travel off-season: Planning your trip during off-season or low-season will save you a lot on air fares and visits to the local attractions. If you have to travel during school holidays choose the latest possible dates as these will already be cheaper times to travel.
2. Early bird discounts: If you book your flights well in advance you will get the best deals. So start planning your trip well in advance. This will also leave enough time to apply for all the necessary travel documents.
3. Know your hotel’s cancellation policy and keep track of what you reserved: If you won’t make it, cancel long in advance. This will also allow you to re-book you accommodation without availability becoming a huge headache.
4. Avoid baggage fees by traveling light: Be careful when you pack and plan for that shopping expedition. Paying extra baggage fees because your bag is over the weight or size limit is an unnecessary cost.
5. Eat in or pack a picnic: Instead of having to go to a restaurant for each meal, book self-catering accommodation. Stock up on basic foodstuff from a local supermarket when you arrive and pack picnic lunches when you go out to explore.
6. Avoid the tourist traps: Plan to spend less time in the main cities by rather choosing smaller towns off the beaten track. Find free activities at your destination by doing some research before you travel. This way you will have more of your budget to spend on food and drink. Start conversations with the locals to find out where the best value for money restaurants is and ask their tips to find less touristy attractions to avoid long queues and expensive outings.
7. Say no to laundry services: Pack or buy some laundry detergent and wash out your own clothes, especially smaller items. Find a laundromat near your accommodation for the bulky clothes. This way you will save a lot and can pack lighter.
8. Watch your mobile use: The cost of roaming is expensive. Turn off your 3G/4G and data roaming to avoid a big bill when you get home. Wait until you’ve got free Wi-Fi before uploading photos to social media. Rather use internet based apps to communicate with your family back home instead of traditional voice calling.
9. Save at home while you’re away: Save on your energy bill while away on your holiday trip. Don’t only switch off lighting or air conditioning but also unplug televisions, chargers and gadgets that are on standby. Appliances on standby still draw power when plugged in and not in use. This way you will not have unnecessary expenditure.
10. Choose destinations where your money will go further: With currency exchange rate fluctuations, choosing a holiday destination where your Naira will go further is a definite must. For instance rather visit Kenya or South Africa with favourable rates of exchange versus Europe or America where your hard earned cash will get you less.
If travel and adventure is something you and your family love to do, it is a great challenge to make these holidays a reality when your wallet is thin. But with a little planning and forethought you can now also budget for your next trip and get ready to share your wonderful holiday memories with friends and families without breaking the bank! Contact our VIP Express Tourism subsidiary Nowahala Tours NOW and let their friendly team help you book your self-catering accommodation and find you the best flights well in advance. http://nowahalatours.com/
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