1. Flexibility first and foremost
The prices, as you will know, vary enormously depending on the period in which you travel. Set off in the low season when possible, not only will you get cheaper prices but also less tourists in particularly popular places. If you really can’t be flexible with the dates then try to be flexible with the destination, in short, don’t go to Ibiza in the middle of August and expect to spend little. Be curious and look for alternative destinations.
2. Create an intelligent itinerary
Avoid moving in a zigzag fashion and build a route that allows you to move as efficiently as possible. In this guide you will find all my tips for organizing a trip to the fullest.
3. Don’t buy a guide
The web is always richer in information, travel blogs are plenty as well as forums. Finding all the information you need is no longer as difficult as it used to be. An extremely useful site that I can recommend especially if you chew some English is wikitravel , in addition to my blog, of course!
Well, now that you have read all these tips, try to put them into practice as much as possible and you will immediately see your expenses go down. As you will have understood, the secret is to use unconventional methods but above all it is to get rid of the holiday mentality and enter into that of a traveler.
4. Save on airline tickets
Often the air ticket is an expense that greatly affects the total cost of a trip, read my guide on how to find cheap flights and become a low-cost flight ninja!
An economic flight ticket is the beginning of every low-cost journey
5. Travel light
It may seem strange but traveling light can really save you a lot of money. The ideal would be to be able to travel with hand luggage only to avoid unnecessary surcharges on the part of airlines. Remember to weigh your luggage before you leave. In addition, if your luggage is heavy, it will also be tempting to take a taxi rather than walk. I believe that a good backpack is the ultimate solution for low-cost travelers.
6. Always carry a water bottle
The cost of water can also have an impact on the cost of your trip. Always carry a water bottle or an empty bottle to fill. In some countries it is not advisable to drink tap water but it is still worth having a water bottle because many hostels / hotels provide drinking water for their guests. The solution for all situations is the bottle with integrated filter .
Here you will find the complete list of things that I take on the road to be ready for everything and at the same time travel light.
7. Fight expensive incidents
For travel outside Europe, take out a good travel insurance that at least covers you for medical expenses and civil liability. In this article I compare those that I think are the best for value for money. For travel within the European Union, I do not recommend taking out a policy because you enjoy the same rights as the insured persons in the country where you are. It is explained here .
If you are looking for more advice on how to travel safely then I recommend this article .
8. The student discount
Are you a student? There is the possibility that you are entitled to a discount even abroad, just remember to bring your student card, with photo.
Money management
9. Use a card without currency exchange fees
Currency exchange commissions are expressed as a percentage and can even reach 3%, this means that if you are withdrawing in a currency other than the euro, in addition to the cost of the withdrawal, which may already be a few euros, you will have to pay an additional 3% on the total of the amount withdrawn.
For operation within the euro zone the problem does not exist but pay attention to the fixed withdrawal cost outside Italy.
The best cards for traveling abroad
10. Pay with the card
Whenever you go to the counter, bank commissions accumulate, especially outside the European Union. Therefore, try to pay with the card whenever possible but avoid doing so in suspicious places and always ask if there is a commission.