There’s no denying that everything is so darn expensive these days. In case you hadn’t noticed, the basic costs of goods and services is on the rise. For travelers, this means higher prices for different aspects of a trip, including airfare, accommodations, transportation, and meals.
Just look at the surge prices of Grab just going to and from the airport, the increase in ticket prices to sites, and the cost of public transportation. This October, JR Passes got a fare hike of 77%, which is a huge blow to travelers who want to cover as much ground during trips to Japan.
Inflation has impacted many aspects of ordinary life and travel. But despite all this, the urge to travel after the pandemic is stronger than ever. According to the latest SEA Travel Insights Report, 7 out of 10 Pinoys plan to travel abroad at least once in the next 12 months, while 82 percent hope to take off for two or more trips.
So how can one cut costs for travel and vacations in the age of inflation? Here are a few tips.
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Plan ahead
Planning your trip in advance can help you secure better deals on accommodation, transportation, and activities. Prices often increase closer to the travel date, so booking early can lead to savings. For instance, 10.10 sales for trips slated next year could bring significant costs when it comes to airfare, hotels, and the like.
Be flexible with your travel dates
If possible, be flexible with your travel dates. Traveling during off-peak seasons (like summer and autumn instead of spring or winter) or on weekdays instead of weekends can often result in lower prices for flights, accommodations, and attractions. Traveling mid-week can yield savings and result in better trips compared to traveling during the weekends when everyone else is traveling.
Use fare comparison websites
Make use of fare comparison websites and apps to find the best deals on flights, hotels, and rental cars. These tools can help you identify the most affordable options quickly.
Consider alternative airports (and destinations)
If your destination has multiple airports, check if flying into a nearby airport is more cost-effective. You can then use ground transportation to reach your final destination. Similarly, consider lesser-visited destinations rather than touristy ones, as you’re likely to find cheaper or free attractions there versus the more famous spots.
Cover multiple destinations in one trip
For local travel, it’s possible to cover more ground by flying in and out of different provinces so you can cover two major cities and making use of other local transport like ferries or trains. During a recent trip to Japan, we flew in to Osaka and flew out Tokyo and took the bullet train in between so we could cover both destinations in one trip. For international travel, trips to Singapore can be combined with day trips to other tourist spots in Malaysia.
For domestic travel, you can fly from Manila to Iloilo, take a ferry to Bacolod and fly out from there. Or you could travel around islands like Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete and Siquijor in one go with the use of inter-island ferries.
Use travel rewards and loyalty programs
If you have travel rewards points or are a member of loyalty programs for airlines, hotels, or credit cards, use them to offset travel costs. This can include free flights, hotel stays, or discounts on bookings. Some apps like Agoda and Klook offer discount codes for certain attractions. Take advantage of travel cheat codes and know the best time to book flights and hotels.
Travel light
Pack light and adhere to airline baggage weight restrictions to avoid excess baggage fees. Only carry essential items in your carry-on to avoid the need to purchase replacements. To help you plan outfits, stick to a capsule wardrobe.
Opt for budget accommodations
Consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels, guesthouses, or vacation rentals instead of high-end hotels. If you have the option, stay with friends or family when you travel, to cut costs significantly. While traveling around New Zealand, we opted to stay in cheaper backpacker’s hostels in Queenstown to save on costs.
Iceland is on my bucket list, but it’s know for being an expensive destination, so I’ve been comparing prices of the different guesthouses, cottages, and best value hotels in Akureyri, the second largest urban area outside the capital area of Reykjavík. Planning your trip in advance can help you secure better deals on accommodation, transportation, and activities.
Cook your own meals
Save on food expenses by preparing some of your meals yourself. Accommodations with kitchens will allow you to prepare your own meals or you can buy pre-packaged food from convenience stores and enjoy picnics in local parks. You can also try street food or local joints instead of eating out all the time when you travel. Mix up your trip by combing more affordable meals with high-end restaurants.
Use public transportation
Instead of relying on taxis or rental cars, use public transportation whenever possible. Public transportation like trains and subways are way more affordable and can provide a more authentic travel experience.
Buy local and shop smart
Support local markets and street vendors for affordable meals, souvenirs, and goods. Be mindful of tourist traps and inflated prices in popular tourist areas. Shop where locals shops. In Asian countries like Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, groceries and convenience store often have discounted meals for sale at night and you can get great food for a fraction of the cost of eating out in a restaurant. You can also get good street eats and drinks at local fairs and festivals.
Look for free and low-cost activities
Research free or low-cost attractions and activities in your destination, such as museums, parks, hiking trails, and cultural events. Many cities offer free walking tours as well. Visiting museums, temples, and hiking are usually free. Visiting local parks and gardens, going on photo walks, attending local events and festivals, public markets, relaxing on public beaches are also free.
For some of our local vacations, we sometimes bring our bikes when we travel or we rent bikes, which becomes the whole activity. Since biking itself is free, we can go sightseeing anywhere we want and this gives us more time to enjoy the place and explore differently.
Travel with a group
Traveling with a group of friends or family can help you save on costs for accommodations, transportation, and meals, making it more economical per person. For international trips, package tours that include airfare, entrances to main tourist sites, food, and transportation can be the most cost-effective way to travel than going DIY. While you have less control of your itinerary, it’s a good way to familiarize yourself with a place so you can save up and plan better for a DIY trip in the future.
For remote destinations in the Philippines, consider Joiner’s Tours because these offer a lot of bang for your buck. While van tours are not the most comfortable option, at least you won’t have to pay for multiple public transportation and boat trips, which can be expensive especially for solo travelers.
Stick to a budget
Set aside part of your earnings every month for a dedicated travel fund. Every time you get your paycheck, set aside an amount for your trips. In the case of freelancers, you can allot a major part of your earnings every time you get paid for a project.
When you do travel, establish a daily spending budget and stick to it. Monitoring your expenses can help you avoid overspending. Avoid using your credit card for every little purchase as this will really add up. Make use of personal finance tools and apps. For easier planning, make use of financial tools like Calculator.me’s Savings Calculator, which helps you keep track of your spending more easily.
Look out for promo deals
Stay updated on local events, promotions, and get discounts by following social media pages and websites of tourism boards and local businesses in your destination. Make use of discount codes, vouchers, and freebies to maximize your trip.
For more tips, follow me on the following social media channels:
- Facebook: Travel Up
- Instagram: @karasantos