10 easy ways to save on travel costs

Last updated on 12th December, 2017 at 04:14 pm

Try these tips to help you curb the costs of your annual holiday and allow you to relax and enjoy it without financial worries.

The earlier you start planning and researching for your holiday, the more likely you are to make the most of special travel and accommodation deals.

1. If you plan to travel by air, be on the lookout for early-bird specials. Subscribe to airline newsletters that will regularly alert you.

2. Be flexible when flying to your holiday destination. The price of flights varies considerably depending on the month, day and even time of travel. Travelling on non-busy days such as midweek is normally much cheaper than during peak days/hours over weekends.

3. Weigh your luggage before you leave home. All too often, you’ll get to the airport just to find you’re over your baggage limit and end up paying extra charges.

4. If you’re travelling by car to your holiday destination, keep this in mind when you go shopping for supermarket deals during the year. By taking some of your favourite products along, you may save quite a bit as prices invariably tend to soar during the festive season.

5. When travelling overseas, an increasingly popular alternative to costly hotel accommodation is a home swap. As the name ‘swap’ suggests, it will cost you virtually nothing and you get to visit a new country while enjoying all the comforts of home. (Google home swaps for more information.) Over the last few years, there has also been an explosion in websites that allow locals to rent out their sofas, spare rooms, whole apartments and even gardens!

6. To avoid hefty foreign exchange/financing costs, take the time to explore the most cost-effective debit/credit card strategy. (Read our currency exchange tips in ‘Make your rands travel further’.)

7. As far as possible, do what the locals do and make use of public transport. Walking or cycling to sightseeing destinations that are not too far from your hotel/apartment may also be to your advantage, as you’ll see things and places that you wouldn’t normally see when travelling by bus or train.

8. Likewise, research museum pricing policies to benefit from free days/nights. On public holidays or certain other days of the week, some museums or places of interest offer free entrance or a lower-than-normal entrance fee.

9. Many cities around the world, even in South Africa, offer attractive packages to explore places cost-effectively. A case in point is the popular hop-on-hop-off buses. Opt for these to save money and see and enjoy more.

10. Avoid eating at restaurants. Instead, buy your own selection of food, fresh produce and drinks at morning markets, delis or supermarkets for a fraction of the price. Enjoying a nice, affordable meal in the comfort of your room/lounge, in the company of your travelling companions often makes for special memories.

By Wilma de Bruin