Going on a trip and don’t want to spend a lot? Read our article to find out what you need to keep in mind when you want to save money on your trip. Tickets, hotel, excursions, restaurants, and souvenirs are a real test for our wallet. But if you approach the matter wisely, you can not only get to know the country closely, but also save money on travel. What non-obvious little things should you pay attention to?
Learn the baggage rules.
The Air Code of Ukraine allows each passenger to carry up to 10 kg of free baggage. On most airlines, only hand luggage is free, but you will have to pay from 800 to 1500 hryvnias for items in the luggage compartment for each suitcase over 23 kg. When buying a ticket, pay attention to how much weight it allows you to carry, what size bags and backpacks should be, otherwise you risk going broke for an extra charge. By the way, the amount depends on the place of payment. If you pay for your bags in advance on the airline’s website, you can save up to 60% of the cost of baggage transportation.
Do not change currency at airports.
The exchange rate at the airport exchange offices is much higher than at the usual ones in the city. They are designed for newly arrived tourists who urgently need local money to pay for taxis, buses, and small expenses. It is better to exchange hryvnia for the currency of the country you are flying to at a more favorable rate in advance, and not waste time and money upon arrival at the airport. By the way, you shouldn’t go to small tent exchangers either – if you require currency in the country of arrival, look for a local bank branch.
Travel on weekdays.
Tickets departing on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are much cheaper than on weekends and holidays. This applies not only to the days of departure and arrival, but also to the days of purchase – according to statistics, the lowest prices can be found on websites on Tuesday afternoons. At this time, competition between airlines reaches its peak, which is reflected in the cost of tickets. By the way, flying on weekdays is beneficial not only for this reason: there are many business travelers during the week, and the chances that the flight will go smoothly and without unnecessary noise are much higher.
Check the terms of the tariff plan with the operator.
Especially if you plan to actively use Internet posting during your trip. Roaming is a tricky thing, and not connecting to a tariff for traveling abroad in time can turn into a tidy sum for you when you arrive home. By the way, don’t forget to take the password for the hotel’s free Wi-Fi.
Find out if you are charged a fee when paying with a bank card abroad.
If not, it is better to stock up on a small amount of cash to pay for small expenses and pay for major purchases with a card. Is the commission unprofitable? Withdraw money from the card at home, exchange it for the currency you need, and take it in cash. Just hide it more securely.
Do not visit restaurants in popular tourist destinations.
Restaurants for tourists are not the same as for locals. First, the cost of food in such places is much higher. Secondly, if you want to get acquainted with real local cuisine in Budapest or Hamburg, go to small family restaurants for your own: it’s cheaper and more colorful there. No adaptation of sauces and no mistakes in the trilingual menu in the word “borsch” – you will not have a chance to leave without impressions.
Be sure to buy insurance.
It’s unpleasant to get sick or injured on vacation. It’s even more unpleasant to pay all the money for treatment and still be in debt. To prevent this from happening, don’t skimp on insurance and go on a trip with confidence: if something happens, the insurance will cover the costs. And if it doesn’t, it’s even better.
