They say travel broadens the mind. It does more than that – it entertains, opens doors, takes you out of yourself, and creates wonderful memories. Whatever age you are, whatever your circumstances, you should have some kind of travel plan in your future. Whether it’s joining a tour, catching up with distant relatives or discovering best-kept secrets, you won’t regret it!
Maybe what’s holding you back is a lack of cash, but there are ways to manage your travel to cut down on expenses. We talked to Jo O’Gorman, travel specialist, for ideas and advice about travelling on a budget. We’ve also gathered some travel tips to help you plan your dream trip!
Go off-peak and book early
These are your best first steps. The most expensive times to travel are during holidays – Christmas, school holidays, Easter weekend. Demand is higher and airlines make the most of this. Choose a time to travel when everyone else is at work or school – it’s one of the benefits of being retired! Look out for off-peak specials and snap them up.
Also, the further ahead you book, the more options there are and the better deals you’ll get. If you must travel at peak times, Jo has some advice:
“Book early. Don’t wait for special deals as these usually don’t cover peak times. December and January are the busiest times of the year, so book in February or March to get a much better fare.”
Stay in hostels
If you’re feeling adventurous, and your budget is tight, try using hostels for your accommodation. There are all sorts, and some can be very fancy and comfy, without breaking the bank. If you stay in one with a kitchen, you can cook your own meals using local produce, saving you even more. Most hostels have common rooms where people gather – perfect for meeting other travellers and maybe arranging to share transport or meals.
Travel light
One of the expenses of air travel is the cost of luggage. If you can stuff everything you need in a roomy backpack, or share a suitcase between two, you’ll save a lot on luggage charges. A bonus: with limited luggage space, you won’t be tempted to buy expensive souvenirs!
Avoid tourist traps
You don’t have to go to all the well-known tourist destinations to have a great travel experience. Just like peak-time travel, those places tend to be extra expensive. Do some research and visit places off the beaten track. You’ll save money and still have an amazing time.
If you hanker after popular places, there are options, but you may need to be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
“For popular destinations out of NZ, like Honolulu,” says Jo, “ airlines usually do weekend specials coming out late on a Friday.”
Collect memories, not souvenirs
Cameras on smart phones are pretty good these days, so why would you want to load up your luggage with souvenirs you’ll probably never look at again? Travel light, take pictures, keep a digital diary of your experiences (illustrated, of course!) and take home plenty of memories.
When you get there, immerse yourself in the local culture
Your experience will be richer if you get out among the locals. Shop at the local markets for your food, use public transport, and drink the local beer. Not only will you spend less, you’ll really get to know the place you’re visiting. Take a walking tour of the area – you’ll stay fit and they’re often free.
Hire a bicycle to go further afield and be sure to spot free art galleries and museums. Another money saving tip; learn to haggle when you shop – many cultures expect it.
Sign up for frequent flyer programs
If you’re going to fly anywhere out of NZ, it’s a good idea to sign up for frequent flyer miles, and use them for another trip. You’ll be amazed at how many miles you can accrue just by flying overseas and back.
Get help with booking
There are a few pitfalls when it comes to making travel plans, and it pays to consult a professional. Not just for the best deals, but for the best itinerary.
“A lot of people think booking each flight separately on a multi-city itinerary is cheaper, but it’s not, it’s usually more expensive,” says Jo. “The more flights you can get on your main international ticket, the cheaper your travel will be.”
Then there’s the danger of booking connections too close together.
“Beware of online websites giving you multi-ticket and airline options with very short transit times,” Jo says. “You need time to clear customs and immigration, collect luggage, go to the departures terminal and check-in for your next flight. If you miss your flight and it’s on a separate ticket, you may end up spending more on later flights.”
She also warns against jumping at the cheapest option.
“Cheaper isn’t always better. I’ve seen clients opt for the cheapest option that isn’t direct; it adds a lot of travel time and extra security (queues, etc) to their journey, for the sake of saving $50.”
Bonus Tip: Use free Wi-Fi in cafes, hotels, and public places to avoid high roaming charges.
Explore the world for less
Travel is one thing we tend to put off when we’re busy working and raising families. Once we’re free of those obligations, it’s time to let loose!
Don’t let a tight budget hold you back – there are places to go and sights to see that are fully affordable. Start planning now to visit some of the world’s best-kept secrets, and talk to your local travel agent for more ideas on how to do it all on a shoe-string.