How to travel economically?

travel economically

In a period of economic crisis like the one we have been going through for several years, travel only seems to be a luxury for the rich in the collective imagination. Not everyone knows that it is still possible to travel cheaply. Not only that, but sometimes a few days in a European capital can cost less than a weekend of fun in your city with friends with a restaurant dinner and a disco night. However, you need to follow a few rules for budget travel. For some they may seem insignificant, for others they are sure to be particularly useful.

Traveling in low season

Traveling in summer, at Christmas, on New Year’s Eve or on bridges and during holidays is very interesting, but in these periods prices are high for flights and accommodation. If you want travel cheaply, you must do it in low season.

Aim for low season periods. Particularly the second half of September to the end of November, and from mid-January to the end of April.

Travel with hand luggage only

Not only budget airlines, but also many traditional airlines, offer discounted fares for those traveling with hand luggage only, as long as weight and size limits are respected.

Don’t buy ancillary services

Very often, during the purchase phase of a flight, notifications such as the addition of priority boarding, or the activation of SMS notifications are activated. These services almost always require a fee. Unless you have special needs, you can avoid buying them by saving money and traveling at low cost.

Use carpooling

A person who completes a certain route provides passages on their car in exchange for sharing fuel and highway tolls. The main portal for giving or requesting car rides is BlaBlaCar. This system allows you to save on transportation, meet new people and reduce air pollution.

Avoid tourist restaurants

If you want to travel cheaply and not spend a fortune on lunches and dinners, avoid touristy restaurants. So you know right away, if you don’t see any premises, don’t enter. Go to popular places, clubs where you will find both a pleasant atmosphere and typical cuisine with decent prices. Next, always keep an eye on the menu displayed outside the room where prices are also displayed. Some also have the daily menu or the prix fixe menu for lunch.

Also pay attention to the wine. In countries that do not produce it, its prices are quite high. If you want to save money, hold on to your desire and sip a glass of red or white while you wait to get home.

Then ask for information at the hotel reception and the locals will be able to guide you.

Visit the free museums

There are many cities, such as those in the United Kingdom, where entry to major museums is free. Start with these!

In some cities, like New York, there are days and times when you enter for free, even those that usually have a fee. Find out more by going to the museum’s website.

Find free walking tours and tours

If you know English, look out for free walking tours that are often offered in cities at the end of the guided tour. Depending on your tastes, you can leave a tip!