Here I will share my top tips for travelling on a budget and how to save money whilst abroad. I always believed that travel was inaccessible to many people due to the price tags of flights, food, luggage and accommodation. I am lucky enough to travel but I’ve also learnt tips along the way to make it as cheap as possible.
- Little and often – instead of booking a few weeks’ annual leave, I find that the best deals with flights are usually for 3-4 days apart. Cheap flights may still be available for a longer holiday but you will need more travel money for things like food and activities. I find that 3-4 days is perfect whilst exploring a city whilst solo, especially if walking a lot.
- Check exchange rates – research which shops offer the best exchange rates in your area and if any loyalty schemes are offered. Supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s will buy and sell foreign currency, but they also offer a better rate for Nectar card holders.
- Buy currency online – currency rates are usually a little better if purchased online as opposed to in-store. This may mean the difference of a few euros or pounds, but every little counts! I do not opt for delivery as this usually incurs a cost, so I buy my currency and collect in-branch. I do always purchase a little extra, just in case of emergencies!
- Buy direct – I never use third party websites to search or book flights. I fly with a budget airline and select flights directly from their website so I can be sure that there are no hidden costs or extra fees.
- Don’t select a seat – airlines have many ways of scavenging extra money from passengers. If you want a specific seat you can book it, usually for about £7 with Ryanair. I personally do not bother. What is the very worst that could happen? It may force you to be more social and I have spent a couple of flights just chatting with the passengers next to me. If not, you can alway plug in your headphones or take a nap. Most budget airlines don’t offer long-haul flights.
- Compare room prices – use an online comparison website to show you the best deals on accommodation. Don’t forget to select the room type as single may be cheaper than double or twin rooms. Again, check for loyalty schemes or points. Registered users sometimes gain access to exclusive discounts on some properties.
- Consider a hostel – many people would immediately discount a hostel through instant fear of sleeping in a dorm. Actually, many hostels offer private rooms with the benefit of access to a kitchen which you wouldn’t get in a hotel. If you’re looking for the very cheapest holiday, hostel dorms will certainly minimise the price. You can usually select from mixed or same-sex dorms and a size which suits you; whether you’re comfortable in a larger dorm or smaller one.
- Look out for ‘free breakfast’ – some companies will add on a few extra pounds for breakfast options, whereas others may offer this as standard for all customers. Free breakfast is sometimes included in promotional deals or for purchasing through certain websites. This can save a lot of money over a few days.
- Choose self-catering – if you choose this option you may be eating out more but this could include supermarket produce. You can eat what you want, when you want, which means less wasted money than if you paid for catered and didn’t like the options or went out anyway.
- Take only a backpack – avoid the time and costs associated with checked-in luggage and pack light! It is so much faster getting to duty-free by checking in online and having only yourself and a backpack to get through security. Ryanair have updated their regulations and will no longer add a second bag into the hold for free. Basically any extra luggage = extra fee.
The Solo Vegan 