The New Year is here and that means lots of planning. This time, I’m sharing with you a special guide to a low-cost holiday planning. I am sure you are wondering if I’ve gone bananas or something since some of us just returned from our vacations. Well, it’s never too early to start planning your next holiday. And what better way to start in the beginning of the year?

This low-cost holiday planning guide, which has been shared by the thoughtful holiday folks at HolidayMe.com, will help you forego the usual stressful holiday non-sense and enable you plan a well-deserved getaway.

A How to Guide on Low-Cost Holiday Planning

Opt for package holidays

You may think that booking on your own and selecting destinations separately makes for a flexible and economical holiday, but that isn’t true. Just in case you didn’t know, individual bookings add up to more than any package deal! And as far as a flexible plan is concerned, many websites like HolidayMe.com customize your entire trip for you. This ensures a comprehensive plan that fits your budget.

Be Flexible

Who said we only have to travel over summer, Eid or Christmas? This year, try to be flexible with your holiday planning. You can opt for a time after summer break when airfares, hotels, and local excursions are all less expensive. This idea should actually be first on this guide to a low-cost holiday planning (mentally noted).

Avoid Currency Exchange on Airports

Those who travel more often than the next guy know this as the numero uno rule when it comes to low-cost holiday planning. Never exchange currency at the airport! The rates can be horrendous! To get more for your money, plan on exchanging currencies in advance and exchange your currency on a date the rates are low.

Carry Your Own Food

While it is recommended to indulge in local delicacies, it is also advisable to carry some of your own food so that you don’t unnecessarily shell out money for titbits. I actually know this one German who is always carrying his food from Germany to wherever he is going. And we are not talking about cookies and chocolates only! As for you, try packing some cookies and biscuits (that’s more than enough). On the other hand, while choosing from the menu, opt for fixed price combos or the meal of the day which are cheaper than the regular meals.

Purchase Airport Accessories at a Supermarket

When it comes to travel accessories like adapter plugs, eye masks or travel cushions, carry the ones you have home or buy from a supermarket. And just in case you buy from the airport, be prepared to pay ridiculously inflated prices.

Carry a Travel Currency Card

By opting for a travel currency card, you will already be right on top of that low-cost holiday planning. This is because you will be making your trip economical and hassle-free from the onset. Travel debit/credit cards calculate currency in dollars or euros and can be used swiftly during your stay without any added service charge. You don’t say…

Plan your Own Excursions

While it may be appropriate to enroll for certain tours and excursions on a website, you don’t necessarily need to follow that rule throughout your trip. For example, in places where hop on-hop off buses are available, you can easily plan your own day tour, cutting costs off tour packages. I have a bit of reservations on this, but if it works for you, then by all means go for it.

Browse Through Websites for Hotels and Flights

While making reservations, it is advised to surf the plethora of options the internet has to offer. By becoming complacent with one website, you may be unaware of better deals other companies are offering. I know this first-hand and it can make you really angry when you find out what you missed afterwards.

Travel Overnight

This is an option for young enthusiastic travelers who can opt for train/bus journeys through the night. This way, you are saving on hotel expenditure. However, be sure your body will recover from all that traveling.

Use Age, Student and Membership Privileges

All countries offer special discounts for students as well as senior citizens for numerous facilities like metro transport, bus passes, lunch meals, drinks, etc. Be sure to carry your ID cards to avail these privileges.

Buy a Local SIM Card

This is the first thing I do when I land on my port of call. Not only does it make for a fine low-cost holiday planning, but it saves you a lot on those roaming charges. And I am not alone since many folks are now following the trend. Just buy a local number for all your telephonic conversations as well as for data services.

Signup for Local Discount Websites

As soon as you’ve picked your destination, check out local websites like Groupon that offer coupons on meals, clubs, shopping and even spas. You’ll get a fair idea of how expensive the city is and at the same time, pick up some exciting discount coupons.

Be an Accommodating Commuter

Walk, walk, and walk! This is not only the best way to explore a city, but also cut down on costs drastically. In case the city is not pedestrian friendly, you can opt for metro passes, bus passes which turn out to be pleasingly reasonable.

Tax Refunds Policy at Airports

Airports have a special section for tourists who can recover the tax they have paid on their expenses in the foreign country. Keep your shopping bills and food bills intact as you can get tax refund at the airport before you leave the country. How cool…

Win a Holiday!

This is the best way to earn a luxurious holiday without fretting about expenses! So good luck on all your Win-a-Holiday entries. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.

xoxo