Budget travel tips for an insanely affordable holiday

1. Travel off season

If you don’t mind when you travel you should consider travelling in that country’s off season. Hotels, car rentals and airlines will charge more during peak travel times because, well, they can. A trip to Europe in summer will cost you much more than if you travelled between November and March. 

1. Avoid hotels and resorts

There are cheap options available when it comes to accommodation, you just have to know where to look. If you’re looking for an opportunity to meet new people, explore the world and be part of a friendly community, try couch surfing or hostels. Host families and hostel workers know the best and most affordable places to visit – and you’ll save a lot more than if you stayed at a hotel. 

Alternatively, if you’re looking for an affordable road trip, consider renting (or buying second hand) a campervan. Companies like Jucy let you rent a range of models for as little as $265 for five days’ travel. 

1. Fly into lesser known airports

Airlines may provide cheaper plane tickets when you fly into smaller or lesser known airports. If the area has adequate public transport to get you to your accommodation you’ll be able to add some extra spending money to your holiday. Globehunters have a great list of alternative airports across the world.

1. Visit galleries and museums

The best things in life are free, and in most major cities, you can experience some of the rarest artefacts and most beautiful art in the world through free entry museums and galleries. From the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC, the Tate in London all the way to the Reykjavik Museum of Photography, you can uncover a treasure trove of art and history without opening your wallet.

1. Compare travel credit cards

The last thing you want to do when travelling is worry about money. Ensuring you’ve found a travel credit card with the lowest possible cash advance, ATM and currency conversion fees is a must-do before travelling. You may want to look for a credit card that operates in Australian dollars, as they may have special introductory offers or balance transfer specials. Compare overseas spending credit cards today.

1. Rent your property while you’re away

If you’re looking to up your spending money while you’re travelling, consider renting out your house, apartment or bedroom on Airbnb. According to their website, “Airbnb’s secure payment system means you never have to deal with money directly. Guests are charged before arrival, and you are paid automatically after checking in, minus a 3% service fee. You can be paid via PayPal, direct deposit, or international money wire, amongst other ways.”

1. Public transport

It’s a no-brainer, but one of the cheapest ways to travel is to utilise public transport in your area. Public transport can be an experience in itself, whether it’s hopping on a bullet train in Japan, or taking the tube in London.

1. National parks

Another way to make a travel destination insanely affordable is to visit national parks. Some of the most beautiful landmarks in America can be found in its 400+ national parks, such as El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. The country has Free Entrance Days for travellers to take advantage of – 15 January, 21 April, 22 September and 11 November.

1. Tell people you’re on your honeymoon

An oldie but a goodie. If you’re travelling in a pair it’s worth telling airport or accommodation staff know you are on a honeymoon, as you may be rewarded with an upgrade!

1. You may already have travel insurance…

One of the biggest and most unexpected travel costs is travel insurance. However, many travel credit cards provide customers with complimentary travel insurance – a perk to entice their roaming customers. Check your existing insurance policies to see if you already qualify for travel insurance, or compare travel credit cards and find a more competitive credit card provider you can switch to who’ll cover you.

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