Probably all of us are familiar with the situation when during the sorting of suitcases after vacation there is a whole mountain of souvenirs and things that were so enthusiastically purchased during the vacation, and after returning, when looking at them the only thought is: “and why did I buy that?
It’s no secret that when we travel, we look at the world differently, and everything around us is perceived in a special light – a kind of holiday mood from childhood. Naturally, many different products, services, souvenirs, delicacies, etc., which are presented to us during the vacations, are taken most favorably, and as a result the total cost of travel is quite impressive, an order of magnitude more than planned.
How to save money while traveling? In addition to the most obvious advice – not to buy unnecessary things – we have prepared for you a list of useful tips that will help you save money significantly, without denying yourself the simple pleasures and joys, the ones that make a vacation pleasant and carefree.
Saving on insurance
Travel insurance policies are a very useful thing, to the selection of which is often treated without due attention. Usually most tourists choose insurance on the principle of “the cheaper, the better,” but this approach can lead to rather unpleasant consequences. The point of an insurance policy is not in its availability, but in the guarantees it provides – a guarantee of timely qualified medical care, provided medicines, and most importantly, the payment of medical bills during the trip.
What can be worse than being in a difficult situation in a foreign country? The only thing is to find out that the purchased policy is unable to cover medical care expenses, because the injury is not an insured event, or because the sum insured is too small.
How to avoid this: Choose the insurance company and type of policy carefully, read the terms of insurance and the list of insured events. If you plan to do sports during your vacation, such as skiing, take out a travel sports insurance policy.
How to save on luggage?
Many tourists, especially women, do not see anything wrong with taking “spare” things. Jacket in case of bad weather and another – if it’s cool, but not too cold. And tighter jeans. Two. And another pair of shoes to go with them. And this wonderful sweatshirt with the smiley face. And some dresses for going out. And sure a nice dress to go to a restaurant or concert. And here… And also…
In the end, the suitcase with things as a minimum is stuffed, and as a maximum – it is joined by another bag. As a result, we get a hefty surcharge for excess luggage or extra bags. And if even on the way there the weight and size of the suitcases fit within the limits, on the way back, after cramming all the new items and souvenirs – not a fact.
Remember that hotels usually have laundromats, and their services are often much cheaper than the excess baggage tax.
VIP-halls of airlines
The modern VIP-lounges of many airlines have long since ceased to have the exclusive premium image that it used to have. Minimalistic environment without extravagances, typical interiors and quite usual level of service – this is what awaits the passenger in most cases. And if you add to this an impressive number of people (any passenger can get here after paying for admission), the pleasure of waiting for your flight here is rather questionable in the end. In some airports, of course, everything is truly on the highest level, but sometimes the result does not justify the means, so it is better to clarify in advance what the VIP-lounge at the airport to understand whether it is worth it to visit.
How to save money on food during the trip
Cafes and restaurants, aimed specifically at tourists, often offer inflated prices, and the noisy crowds of loud travelers also do not dispose to a rest in a relaxed atmosphere. Want to eat well, comfortably, cheaply, and still enjoy the atmosphere and the real local color? Choose the establishments that the locals go to. Locals can recommend good non-tourist places, so don’t hesitate to ask them for advice.
Expensive Cheap Taxis
Illegal cabs usually offer prices an order of magnitude lower than the official, but such savings can be just dangerous – at a minimum you will not turn on the meter to call an inflated price, or take roundabouts to lengthen the route, at a maximum – can even be robbed. Before you get in the car, make sure that the car has the company logo and that it is readable, that there is a plate with the rates and so on. If the car is parked separately from the other cabs, and away from police patrols – the obvious conclusions, I think, can be made immediately.