Organizing your trip represents a significant expense that might discourage you from going. Between train or plane tickets, accommodation, and food, numerous costs can inflate your vacation budget. However, there are common-sense solutions to help you save money. Here are a few.
1. Plan and compare travel services
Take the time to plan your trip and compare ticket prices. With a little patience, you can make significant savings. To do this, you can use platforms that highlight the cheapest tickets. To compare your flight tickets, Momondo and Skyscanner review flights on over 100 websites and always offer you the cheapest airfare. If you’re adventurous and enjoy surprises, you can choose to display only your departure airport, and the comparison sites will find the cheapest destinations for your travel dates from your home airport.
2. Or leave at the last minute
Last-minute trips are also a great opportunity to find bargains. Don’t have a preconceived idea of your destination; let yourself be guided by the best offers and pack accordingly. Long live the charm of spontaneity!
3. Enjoy luxury travel at discounted prices
Traveling to a luxury destination on a budget is possible thanks to this discount website. For example, you can fly to Lisbon and stay two nights in a 5-star hotel for €277 instead of €665. Or, you could take a 3-day private tour of the Moroccan desert and enjoy a hot air balloon ride, all for €442 instead of €956
4. If possible, travel off-season
As you probably know, some times of year are cheaper to travel than others. Christmas and summer holidays are the most expensive. But prices vary from country to country. For example, spring is the best time to travel to Guadeloupe. Plan your trip to travel during the best season. In Europe, it’s possible to find round-trip flights for under €30 to Andalusia, Germany, or Sicily in the fall, winter, and spring.
5. Find smart accommodation locally
There are several unusual and economical accommodation options. Couchsurfing was popularized by the TV show ” J’irai dormir chez vous” (I’ll Go Sleep at Your Place) and the friendly host Antoine de Maximy. Simply register on Couchsurfing and create your profile, indicating whether or not you’re willing to host couchsurfers in return.
Another option is house-sitting, where you become the caretaker of a home for absent owners. This also allows you to integrate into local life by getting to know the neighbors and friends of the regular residents. Opportunities aren’t easy to find because owners are demanding and the competition is fierce. But it’s worth a try by applying on Nomador (free for up to 3 requests). Take the time to perfect your profile to entice hosts to entrust you with their home, and even their pets and plants.
6. Eat and live locally
Beware of tourist traps and restaurants. They’re anything but authentic. By eating locally during your vacation, you’ll not only save money but also enjoy fresh, typical products. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations, nd don’t rely on popular tourist guides. However, depending on your destination, some bloggers share excellent tips. And since you won’t always be eating in restaurants, explore the markets. You’ll find seasonal produce and local dishes there, often cheaper and much better than in the supermarket.
7. Put your apartment up for rent
It’s not enough to just save money during your vacation; it’s even better to make money. By renting out your property on Airbnb (partner of The Corner *), you can offset some of the expenses you incurred during your holiday. If managing the rental bothers you, you can entrust all the work of managing your short-term rental property to a specialist like GuestReady. From creating the listing to check-out, including communicating with guests, welcoming them, and maintaining the property, GuestReady’s experts take care of everything. With this option, you can truly relax and enjoy the carefree feeling of a holiday!
8. Manage your budget and balance your accounts using dedicated apps
On vacation, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, and your budget can quickly exceed your expectations. Before you leave, to help you plan your expenses, the Planificateur à-Contresens website will give you an idea of prices in your destination country, allowing you to find ways to save. Budgi is a handy app developed by a traveler to help you closely monitor your budget, taking into account local exchange rates.
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