How can I optimally plan my travel time to save money?
In order to plan your travel time optimally and save money, you should take into account the different travel times and their price differences. It is best to choose the off-season or mid-season for your trip to benefit from cheaper flight and accommodation prices. Flights, accommodation and activities are usually cheaper in the off-season, which is outside of the peak travel periods such as summer holidays, Christmas and New Year. Mid-season is the time between the high and low season when the weather is still pleasant and prices are also lower than in high season. Avoid more expensive travel periods such as the summer months (June to August) and winter holidays (December to January), as well as public holidays or major events, when travel and accommodation prices often increase due to high demand.
Which travel savings hack will help me find cheaper flights?
A clever hack to finding cheaper flights is to plan your flight bookings strategically. It is best to book your flights between 12 noon on Monday and 9 a.m. on Tuesday, as prices tend to be lower during this period. On the other hand, avoid expensive times between Thursday 12 noon and Saturday midnight, as the flight prices are often higher here. To get the best prices on your flights, book domestic flights around 5 weeks in advance and international flights around 10 weeks in advance. In this way you can secure attractive offers and have enough time to make changes if necessary. You should also use your browser’s incognito mode and a VPN when booking flights to avoid unwanted price increases and benefit from regional price differences.
How can I save money on accommodation without sacrificing comfort?
To save money when booking accommodation, also use incognito mode and a VPN to avoid higher prices based on your location or device type. The prices shown can be higher, especially for Apple devices, so booking from a cheaper device can save you money. Compare different booking platforms and look out for possible discounts or special offers. Consider alternative accommodation such as holiday apartments, aparthotels or guesthouses, which are often cheaper but still offer a high level of comfort. Airbnb is a well-known provider, but as an animal lover you can also live in fantastic locations as a pet sitter for free via platforms like TrustedHousesitters. When booking through private individuals you already know, book directly with them and save yourself the agency fees. Sign up for loyalty programs from hotel chains or booking platforms to collect points that can later be exchanged for discounts or free nights. You can also try to either take advantage of last minute deals or book well in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts.
Are there any clever hacks to save on activities and excursions?
To save money on activities and excursions, research ahead of time about free or cheap events and attractions in your destination. Use discount cards or city passes, which often offer free or discounted entry to various attractions. Also, talk to locals to get insider tips and great deals. To avoid additional local costs, avoid expensive restaurants in tourist areas and instead explore local markets to buy fresh ingredients for your own meals. Use public transport, bike rentals, e-scooters or taxi alternatives such as Uber or Cabify instead of taxis and find out about possible cost traps such as roaming fees or unnecessary insurance. If you pay by credit card, always choose the local currency to get the best exchange rate in most cases and save even more money.
How can I avoid additional costs on site?
In order to save money on your next trip without sacrificing comfort and quality, it is important to plan strategically. Factor in cheaper travel times like off-season or mid-season, use our travel savings hacks for flight bookings, and look for accommodation options that offer great value for money. On site you can avoid additional costs by using local offers and insider tips, using public transport or alternative means of transport and always paying in the local currency. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be all set to enjoy an unforgettable and affordable trip.