Tracking your expenses on vacation is essential if you don’t want to overspend and end up with a huge credit card bill to pay off once you get home. There are a number of ways to keep track. The easiest is a notebook and pencil. The more complicated will be a spreadsheet, online calculator, or app on your smartphone.

Start by estimating an overall budget. Then deduct the upfront costs you have already paid to see how much you have left. Many people prefer to set a per-day budget once they get to their destination, but this is not always practical because there can be hidden costs, forgotten costs, and cost of living issues.

Upfront Costs

You will have already purchased the tickets such as the airfare, or committed to train, bus or driving costs. You’ve also usually had to pay for the accommodation up front, and a car rental if you opt for one.

Package Deals

In many cases, you can get competitively priced package deals through websites like Expedia and Travelocity, which allow you to order all these items for one low price. In some cases, they might also offer various excursions as add-ons to the package.

It is important to do your research prior to going so you know what things cost. If you’re heading to Disney World in Orlando, for example, it is important to know the regular price of the tickets versus the discount being offered at the travel site. The list price, for example, might be $100 per day per person, but you can get the tickets through the package deal for $40 per person – a significant savings.

Other Costs Before You Go

Other costs might include visa fees, vaccinations, new clothes better suited to the climate, sunscreen, insect repellent and so on. All of these will add up.

Choosing the Right Accommodation

The websites will offer a range of accommodation, but it is important to pick something that will suit your family and lifestyle as well as your budget. For example, some inexpensive hotels include breakfast, meaning you only have to worry about two meals a day. Some suites will have a refrigerator, so you can buy milk and cereal for the kids and microwavable meals and save money that way.

Eating out, drinks and snacks can take a big bite out of your budget if you’re not careful.

The Location of the Accommodation

You might reject getting a rental car because you think you are saving money, or are nervous about driving overseas. But, factor in the cost involved in staying at the accommodation of your choice. It may seem cheap, but if you have to take taxis everywhere in order to see the sights, it can all add up.

Admissions

Admissions to the attractions can really bite into the budget. Your per-day calculations should include these as well as your food and drink.

Some apps, like Trail Wallet, will help ensure you are not over budget, but they don’t allow you to put your expenses in categories to see where all the money is going. In this case, an online calculator or printed out spreadsheet can help. Or again, just write everything down in your handy notebook. Tuck your receipts into your notebook and do your tallies at the end of the day.

Cost of Living Overseas

In many cases, you will find the cost of living to be very different from what you are used to. In the US, for example, you can get a breakfast at McDonald’s for around $3 to $4, but go to New Zealand, for instance, and it will cost $7. Cigarettes and gas are hugely expensive in the UK compared to the US.

Know before you go and keep track of everything you spend, and you should be able to have a good time without going over budget.

The post Tracking Your Expenses on Vacation first appeared on Telefun Canada.

The post Tracking Your Expenses on Vacation appeared first on Telefun Canada.

When traveling overseas, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind when it comes to how much money to take, and in what form.

ATMs are much more common than they used to be, but there are still many parts of the world where you won’t find one on every street corner – and even then, only in large cities. You might also find that banks are open only for very limited hours, and closed for local public holidays and early closing days you might not know anything about because you’re not a local.

Here are some tips on how to take your money and manage it while abroad.

1. Cash

Have cash in your home currency for the airport, and enough foreign currency in cash with you to cover expenses once you arrive – such as taxis, tips, a meal and so on. Have enough with you for at least one day’s worth of expenses so you can get situated in your new location and find a bank, ATM and so on.

Needless to say, always carry your cash in a safe place, but one accessible enough for you to take it out to spend without drawing unnecessary attention.

2. Foreign Exchange

Each time you exchange money, you will be required to pay a fee. So on the one hand, you might be nervous about carrying a lot of cash, but on the other, you want to get a good rate and make the most of the fee.  

Order the cash from your bank or a Bureau de Change, at least a couple of weeks before you go. Check the exchange rate for buying and selling. You probably won’t have any money left when you come back, but it is good to check if you do need to change any back again.

Once you get to your destination, look for a Bureau de Change near where you are staying. They can be found at airports, of course, but you won’t usually get a good rate there.

3. Credit and Debit Cards

Credit cards such as MasterCard and Visa are accepted all over the world. If it is a debit card attached to your bank account, this can help keep you within your vacation budget. On the other hand, there can be substantial fees involved in using a foreign ATM which can bite into your budget. These include foreign exchange fees as well.

If you are going to take money out, therefore, make sure it is enough to cover what you need, rather than $20 here or there.

Use the credit card or debit card to make purchases directly at shops, restaurants and so on. Keep your cash in reserve for small purchases, market stalls and so on.

Note that some US cards are not accepted overseas, because they are not part of the Cirrus or PLUS network. In this case, consider getting a pre-paid MasterCard. Make sure the amount you put on it will cover your needs. You will have to pay a fee.

Also note that some US cards won’t work overseas because they use chips rather than swiping the card. You might not be able to pay unless you can find staff who would be able to enter the number manually. Otherwise, you will need cash.

4. Travelers’ checks

Some people still use these, though they are a lot less common and there are fees attached. But they can be replaced if they are lost or stolen.

5. Wire transfer

In case of emergencies, your family can wire you via Western Union or MoneyGram. There might be a fee based on a percentage of the amount of money sent, or a flat fee, such as $6 at Western Union.

The post The Best Ways to Take Money Abroad first appeared on Telefun Canada.

The post The Best Ways to Take Money Abroad appeared first on Telefun Canada.

If you are planning a vacation, the first thing you need to do is set a budget, especially if you have a large family or money is generally tight in your household.  

1. Spreadsheets and Templates

The basics of vacation budgeting can be calculated on a spreadsheet if you wish. It is useful for adding things up if you use the formulas on the spreadsheet.

Here is a handy spreadsheet already set up: https://www.vertex42.com/ExcelTemplates/travel-budget-worksheet.html

Download it, open it in Excel, make your calculations and keep it up to date.

https://www.template.net/business/budget-templates/travel-budget/ has several different templates to choose from in various formats.

2. Tools and Templates

Some sites will allow you to plug the numbers in online and keep a running total of what you are spending.

The page at http://www.budgetworksheets.org/worksheet/vacation-travel is useful because you can estimate, enter the actual cost, and calculate the difference on a range of vacation-related items.

There is a handy tool at http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-budget-calculator that can help you calculate your budget.

Another useful one is http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/calculators/calculate/travelBudgeting.php?calcCategory=work

The first tool is more detailed than the second, but both will give you an idea of what you need to calculate to start with so you will understand the basic cost of the trip. You can then start to add on the extras, food, drink, excursions and so on.

The most comprehensive is this great article at http://foodfuntravel.com/travel-budget-planner-calculator-free/ with its own spreadsheet. It covers a range of expense categories, including the cost of visas and vaccinations that might be needed if you go abroad.

3. Foreign Exchange Calculators and Traveler’s Checks

A good foreign exchange calculator is important if you are going overseas. While in many cases you don’t have to worry about changing your money beforehand because there are so many ATM machines around the world, the fees can all start to add up if you are not careful. There might be exchange fees, bank fees there, and bank fees from your own bank. It isn’t a good idea to carry too much cash either, for safety reasons. Traveler’s checks will usually only involve one set of fees and can be replaced if they are lost or stolen.

XE.com is the best site for calculating exchange rates. And here’s a useful site for making the best choices about how to pay for things overseas and keep your money safe:

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/money-and-insurance/the-best-way-to-carry-money-overseas

4. Apps

There are a range of apps for tracking travel budgets. Some are better suited to vacations than business travel, and vice versa. The top three are:

Trail Wallet – Travel Budget and Expense Tracker (iOS App)

This is easy to use and helps you keep track of your daily budgeted amount. Input everything you spend and it does the rest. The downside is it has no categories – all the costs are lumped together, but its cartoons and comments about your shopping can be amusing.

Trabee Pocket – Travel Expense (Android and iOS App)

As with Trail Wallet, you set your destination and your currency, if any, to help you know exactly how much you are spending. You can classify by cash or credit card and break down the costs into categories, food, drink and so on. The paid version of this app also allows you to export your spending report into Excel or plain text, so it is very useful if you do a lot of business travel.  

Concur (Android and iOS App)

This app is ideal for business travel and will let you upload expenses reports and download them as well to keep your company up to date with all your expenses. It can be used for budget family travel in categories if the other two options really don’t suit you.

The post Online Help for Your Vacation Budget first appeared on Telefun Canada.

The post Online Help for Your Vacation Budget appeared first on Telefun Canada.

One of the most expensive aspects of being on vacation can be the food and drink. However, there are quite a few ways you can save money.

1. Know before you go

When planning your trip, research the area you will be staying in. Check out the restaurants to see the price of the entrees and kids’ meals. Also see if there is anything special going on at the time you will be there, like Restaurant Week, where a 3-course meal with wine will cost around $20, or a Lobsterfest, Oktoberfest and so on.

Choose a room with a refrigerator and microwave. Plan to shop for the basics when you get there, such as milk and cereal, if you have small children. Stock up on snacks too. Bring reusable water bottles and water purification tablets if you are going overseas.

2. Choose your accommodation wisely

Accommodation can sometimes include meals. For example, many of the motel chains offer a free hot breakfast. Eat well in the morning and that can tide you over for many hours.

In many cases, you can also make your own sandwiches from the toast, bacon, egg and so on, which you can wrap up and take with you for lunch. Most places won’t mind, but just don’t be too obvious about it. In this case, all you would then have to worry about would be dinner and snacks.

Other hotels and resorts include all meals, or dinner. This is usually the case if they are in a remote location. Be sure not to miss out and make the most of each meal.

3. Eat out on the weeknights, not the weekends

There are often special deals on certain weekdays to entice more people to come out to dine, so make the most of them.

4. Enjoy a big lunch and a light dinner

The lunch menu is often the same food, but far cheaper.

5. Go for happy hour and early bird specials

These usually offer the best value. And don’t be shy about asking for a doggie bag. If the portions are really large, avoid the temptation to overeat by taking one third to one half of the food and putting it on your bread plate, and asking them to pack up the rest. You will save money and calories too!

6. Look for buffets

They will usually charge you per person no matter what the age of your children, but buffets are a great way to taste everything, and you can take some food away if you are not too obvious about it – like chicken fingers, sliced meats and rolls and so on that will be great for lunch the next day.

7. Pack well

Head to a warehouse store and buy granola bars or other snacks in bulk. Bring a reusable water bottle for each person. Have nuts on hand. Buy bread and a jar of peanut butter. The sandwiches will hold up well no matter what the weather.

Have a backpack to carry the snacks and water in. Bring a Thermos and fill it up each morning with coffee at the hotel. Bring a Tupperware for storing leftovers from buffets, or from your doggie bags.

8. Ask the locals

The hotel staff or people who live in the area will usually know what’s good, at a good price. You can end up discovering some fantastic meals for great prices.

9. Steer clear of drinks on the menu

It is important to stay hydrated, so be sure to drink the water at the table. If you do have to have a drink, steer clear of fancy cocktails, and go for beer or wine. Drink one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you have to keep costs down. Order one soda and divide it into the water glasses. You will get the taste without all the sugar and calories.

The post Nine Ways to Save Money on Food and Drink first appeared on Telefun Canada.

The post Nine Ways to Save Money on Food and Drink appeared first on Telefun Canada.

It is important to budget carefully for your travel, but it can be tough when there are so many hidden fees imposed on travelers these days. Here are some important ones to avoid.

1. Booking Your Flight

Reservations can cost if you try to book them on the phone these days. However, booking online can be costly too, if you make a mistake. If you have to make a change, they will often charge fees so high they are not much different from the airfare itself. Look for a website or airline that offers a 24-hour flexible booking period. Trip insurance might seem like an extra fee that you would wish to avoid, but it can save a lot of money in the long run.  

Be careful when it comes to using frequent flyer programs, because they sometimes impose fees on your supposed free flights. There might be fuel charges, airport fees, and redemption charges when you cash in the miles.

Fuel surcharges are another tricky fee to avoid. They are often tacked onto your frequent flyer miles, and to small children who don’t take up a seat. International flights will be the most expensive. Compare costs carefully. The cheap fare you see may not be so cheap after all if the airline imposes fuel surcharges.

Checked baggage fees are another bone of contention. If you want to bring more than just a carry-on bag, most airlines now charge you for it. Pack tightly and bring only small bottles of toiletries that satisfy the rules about how much can be brought onboard. You can always buy more once you arrive at your destination, or use the freebies hotels and motels usually provide.

Overweight baggage fees are exorbitant. If you do have to check a bag, avoid adding even more fees by making sure you don’t over-pack. Weigh your luggage before you leave to avoid any surprises. Don’t go crazy with souvenirs on the way back either.

Visa, exit and tourist fees are another little surprise we often forget to budget for. It will often be included in the airfare. Check online for visa application fees.

2. Car Rental

Check to make sure the fee includes everything, with no added extras. Remember that your credit card will offer travel protection for collisions, so you might not need additional insurance.

Key replacement, alternate drop-off locations and fuel surcharges can all end up costing you big time. They will also charge if the tank isn’t full, so fill it up cheaply before heading in to drop it off.

3. Accommodation

Room supplements for singles (or more than X number of people in a room) are common, and can add up. Beware of resort fees, which can tack on as much as 10% more per night. Steer clear of the minibar, phone, and “free snacks and water” in the room which turn out not to be.

Valet parking can add up too, but might be cheaper than trying to park in a local lot in the center of a big city.

Other fees to watch out for are luggage storage if you want to stow your bags before check-in or after check-out so you can see the sights, towel fees if there is a pool or beach, use of the hotel safe to store valuables, newspaper fees, and a charge for using the fitness center. Also watch out for “energy fees” and ATM fees well above normal if you are tempted to use a machine in the hotel lobby.

4. Cruises

Port fees and taxes are quite common. The more places the ship stops, the more fees there will be. They should be included in the price, but do check.

Service charges for drinks is also common, up to around 15%. WiFi can also cost a good deal per day.  

Be careful with shore excursions. They are not usually included in the price of the cruise, so renting equipment can be costly.

The post Hidden Extras and How to Avoid Them first appeared on Telefun Canada.

The post Hidden Extras and How to Avoid Them appeared first on Telefun Canada.

There are a lot of choices of destination when you are going on vacation. The main questions are how big is your budget, what sorts of things do you and your family love doing, and are you traveling domestically or internationally.

Ask any traveler and they will have numerous suggestions, but here are top-rated places to go that should suit every taste and budget. The overseas suggestions will be worth a visit no matter what the exchange rate.

1. Singapore

This is a fantastic island-country and city with the best food in the world at the most affordable prices. The accommodation ranges from tourist to five star, all at affordable prices. Book online for a package deal.

There’s so much to do that you won’t be spending time in your room. The public transportation is superb, so you can get anywhere you need to go. Buy a travel pass when you arrive at Changi airport and head out for adventure.

The tourist buses called “ducks” will take you around every attraction in the city center, plus onto the river. Nearly everyone speaks English and the British influence is still strong. Try the chocolate buffet at the Fullerton Hotel on Saturdays and the original Singapore sling at the world-famous Raffles bar. Even the height of luxury is affordable in this paradise.

2. New Zealand

If you get a good deal from Air New Zealand during the “off season”, which are the spring and fall in the Northern Hemisphere, you can head down under for a song. They also offer multi-airfare passes so you can get up to six internal flights for only a bit more than the cost of the international ticket. You will usually fly into Auckland on the North Island and branch out from there.

For those who love the tropics, head north to the beautiful Bay of Islands for a beach holiday. If you want a spa holiday, head to the middle of the island, Rotorua.

Are you a fan of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit? Head to Wellington on the North Island for tours of many of the locations used. If you love skiing, head for Queenstown on the South Island to ski the Remarkables, filmed so lovingly in the movies just mentioned.

Best of all are the backpackers hostels – you can stay in a Microtel for around 6 USD per night. The food is fantastic, as is the local wine.

3. Ireland

Ireland is full of fun, food and fabulous attractions. A flight to Shannon Airport is only about five hours from the east coast of the US.

Ireland is full of castles, unspoilt nature, and seafood. Public transportation is easy and cheap, everyone speaks English, and they are all very friendly to North Americans. Great bed and breakfasts abound. Expect to pay around $13 for a meal and $35 for accommodation each night outside Dublin.

Dublin caters to tourists, so it does not have the real Irish feel of Cork or Galway, but it does have a fantastic amount of attractions, including Trinity College and the two cathedrals. The youth hostels near Christ Church Cathedral are clean and modern. Expect to pay $20 to $100 per night, depending on season and number of people in the room.

4. Portland, Oregon

This is a family-friendly city with lots to do and superb public transport. It is also the gateway to all sorts of scenic locations, including the glacier Mt. Hood, where you can ski all year round. The variety of restaurants is as good as New York City, but for a fraction of the price. Don’t miss Powell’s – the largest bookstore in the world.

5. Nashville

Affordable, family friendly, with lots to see and do. It beats Disneyland/world by a mile in terms of value. There are seven theme parks within driving distance and attractions of every kind to enjoy, from music to museums – all at affordable prices.

The post Five Vacation Spots That Are Worth the Money first appeared on Telefun Canada.

The post Five Vacation Spots That Are Worth the Money appeared first on Telefun Canada.

Most people love to get a souvenir of their trip and also usually bring back a gift or two for family and friends. However, this can really bite into your budget if you are not careful. The best thing to do is to avoid these traps when buying your souvenirs.

1. Don’t buy at the airport

This is where many people trying to get last-minute gifts for people they have forgotten about will try to find something. You will be paying top dollar here for bargain-basement quality goods like t-shirts and keyrings.

2. Steer clear of touristy gift shops

Gift shops are crowded, overpriced and full of junk. Get away from the main strip and see what you can find at the local stores, or even supermarkets.

3. Don’t buy anything unwrapped if it is edible

In many cases, it will be confiscated by airport authorities concerned with terrorism and/or agricultural hazards. Either eat that salami from Italy before you land, or buy it vacuum-packed.

4. Beware of other food gifts

Watch out for jams, jellies, olives and so on, as the liquid may cause security personnel concern.

5. Watch out for breakables

Anything you buy should be transported easily without concern over it breaking.

6. Try thrift stores

If you see a local thrift store, head in to see what they might have with a local theme.

7. Shop in dollar stores

They often have locally-themed trinkets to keep the kids happy.

8. Avoid dust collectors

Don’t buy things just to be buying. Unless you are really going to use those shot glasses, spoons and fridge magnets, pass.

9. Buy ahead of time online

This may sound weird, but if your kids won’t be able to live without a t-shirt of the place they are going to, like Disneyworld, buy the shirt online for a fraction of the price you will have to pay in the theme park.

10. Beware of gift shops at each attraction

The more places you visit, the more temptations. Almost every museum, theme park, zoo and so on has their own gift shop, which you usually have to walk through in order to leave. It can be tough to say no to your children when they are dazzled by all the items on display.

Remind them that you have to carry everything that you buy home with you. Also check the list price by doing a quick search online. If they really feel they can’t live without it, buy it less expensively when you get home, as long as you don’t have to pay shipping and handling.

12. Only buy things that are real value

A hand-knit Aran sweater will cost around $25 USD in New Zealand or Ireland, but up to $1,000 in the USA depending on how complicated the pattern is and where the store is. They will also last a lifetime if you protect them from moths. This will be a far better value than $25 on t-shirts.

13. Only buy things you will actually use

Be practical. If you not only love what you see, but are sure that you (or the person you are giving it to) will actually use it, then it will be good value. If it is just going to get shoved to the back of the closet when you get home, it’s not worth the money or hassle to carry it.

14. Buy local items you can’t get anywhere elseIf you go to Peru, you can get fantastic clothes made from Alpaca. If you go to the south-western United States, you can buy the most gorgeous turquoise and silver jewelry. Buy local items sourced from local, indigenous resources. Look for bargains at local markets.

The post Avoid These Pitfalls When Buying Your Souvenirs first appeared on Telefun Canada.

The post Avoid These Pitfalls When Buying Your Souvenirs appeared first on Telefun Canada.

It is also important to note that all-inclusive holidays vary considerably depending on type of holiday, time of year, and destination you are traveling to.

Air, Hotel and Car Rental Combinations

It can be really convenient to book all three of these with just a couple of clicks, but the price you see on the screen is not always the price you are going to pay. There can be all sorts of surcharges, airport fees, insurance on the car, gas surcharges, and more.

Price the holiday separately and together. Look at the different choices of accommodation available. You might do better with cheap airfare and an Airbnb property. Watch out for car rental versus public transportation. If the area you are going to has a good public transportation system, you probably won’t need the car. If it is more isolated, get the car.

Check the meals with the hotels. Some offer breakfast every morning, and some offer free happy hour and early bird dinners. If you like to eat early and/or have kids, the early meals can be ideal.

Coach Holidays

Coach holidays provide transportation, accommodation, sightseeing and meals all in one package. Someone else does the driving for you, so all you have to do is hop on and off to enjoy the various destinations and the meals provided.  

The hotels and rooms can be of varying quality, as can the meals. You might do the math and decide it is better to just drive yourself. Or, you can take a bus or the train, and stop off at certain locations to enjoy the sights. Greyhound offers cheap travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and special casino excursions.

In Europe, bus and train passes are available, as well as extensive public transportation, so a coach holiday is really only worth it if you are nervous about being abroad and don’t speak the language – though these days, you can always find someone who speaks English. They are also good for those with disabilities, but do check for accessibility at the accommodations listed.

Resorts

Resort holidays became popular with the advent of Club Med, but these days, all-inclusive does not mean the same as it once did. For example, the drinks might only be local rather than international brands, otherwise you have to pay a surcharge. Any extras like spa treatments can come with a hefty price tag. Therefore, it is important to read the fine print and make sure you know what extras you will need to pay for.

If the resort is very isolated, check for transport from and to the airport, and what excursions are available and included in the price. If not included, are the prices reasonable, or are there other options?

Check out the food. The buffet may sound great for the first day or two, but if you are going to be there for a week, it might start to get dull. There might be other restaurants on the property, but you might have to pay a fee for the privacy of a more intimate setting than a huge dining hall.

Check out the equipment and activities and facilities for the children. Make sure there is lots to do and watch out for hidden fees like childminding fees, lesson fees, and equipment rental.

Cruises

Cruises should be all-inclusive, but watch out for port fees and taxes, service fees at bars and restaurants, excursion fees and equipment rental fees.

The post Are All-Inclusive Holidays Worth It? first appeared on Telefun Canada.

The post Are All-Inclusive Holidays Worth It? appeared first on Telefun Canada.

Plane Travel

1. Save money on tickets

You can save a lot of money on airline tickets if you’re flexible with your travel dates. A day or two earlier or later can make a huge difference in the cost. Tuesdays through Thursdays are usually the cheapest days to travel by air.

2. Consider alternate airports

Sometimes, flying into a different airport can save hundreds of dollars per ticket per flight. Larger cities typically have multiple airports.

3. Consider travel to and from the airport as well

Try to save money getting to and from the airport. If you take your car, you will need to pay for parking at the long-term car park. There might be cheap transportation to and from the airport, but it might be cheaper and less hassle to take your car if you have a lot of people and/or a lot of luggage.

4. Don’t overpack

Airlines can charge a small fortune these days for checked baggage. Pack each carry on for each family member carefully for maximum usefulness in the minimum amount of space.

5. Watch out for fuel surcharges and airport taxes

These should usually be included in the price of the ticket, but if you are booking online, that “cheap fare” might actually end up giving you sticker shock.

6. Book packages if possible

A flight, hotel and car rental for one inclusive price can be a good deal.

7. Collect air miles

Air miles can all add up to a big savings on your next vacation as long as there are no high fees for booking. Charges will usually be highest for last-minute travel, such as less than two weeks prior to departure.

8. Go in the off season

Avoid flying at the height of the holiday and summer. Try spring and fall getaways instead.

Going by Car

9. Make sure you have the car serviced before you go

You don’t want to end up with breakdowns and/or any costly repairs on the road.

10. Check the tires, especially in warm and cold weather

The state of the tires can have a significant impact on fuel mileage.

11. Look for good gas prices

If you have more than one option, shop around.

12. Pay cash for your gas

This can save you around 10 cents a gallon because so many gas stations these days are passing along the credit card company charges to the customer.

Coach Holidays

13. Go all-inclusive

Consider an all-inclusive coach holiday, especially if you are not fond of driving. They can be very cost-effective and offer sightseeing to top locations.

14. Bus passes

These are popular in Europe and other locations where people like to see the sights by bus. You could get a pass offering unlimited travel for 7 days, for example. Compare the price of the pass with the individual prices of the tickets between all the destinations you want to visit.

Train Travel

15. Train passes

As with bus passes, these can be a really cheap way to see Europe and the rest of the world. Note that some train systems will have first, second and perhaps even third-class options. The latter should be the cheapest, and reasonably clean and comfortable in most cases.

Cruises

16. Book a cheap cruise

A cruise is your transportation and hotel all rolled into one. All you have to do is unpack once and relax. Before booking, check out each destination carefully to make sure there will be enough to do. Some will stop at interesting destinations, while others will spend most of their time off the shore of their own company-owned island for people to do water sports and other activities.  

Look for last-minute deals and packages if you don’t live at a cruise shop port of call and have to fly to get to your ship.

Planes, Buses and Trains

17. Consider group travel

Traveling with a group, usually 4 to 10 people, can really cut down on expenses. Larger groups can get the best rates if they plan ahead.

The post 17 Ways to Save Money on Transportation When You Are on Vacation first appeared on Telefun Canada.

The post 17 Ways to Save Money on Transportation When You Are on Vacation appeared first on Telefun Canada.

1. Look for a package deal

Once you have created your travel budget, you should have a pretty good idea of how much you can afford per day. Go online to see what kind of package you can get at around that rate. For example, booking flight, hotel and car rental on Expedia can offer significant savings.

2. Be clear about what is important for you and your family

If you are single, chances are you won’t care what your room is like because you will be outside of it most of the time soaking up the sights. But do check if you get stuck with a single supplement fee.

If you are traveling as a family, a suite with a refrigerator and microwave can help you keep the kids fed and costs down.  

Remember, the less you spend on your room, the more you have to spend on other things.

3. Consider staying with family

If you have any family in the area, see if you can stay with them.

4. Try Airbnb

Some of the properties are really great and a fraction of what you would pay for a hotel. Just be sure to check the location in relation to all the places you want to visit. You may need a rental car if you are not driving to your destination, which can add to the cost. Check for public transportation, and typical taxi fares.

5. Consider travel hostels

Hostels have come a long way in the past few years, and are clean, modern, and full of amenities. Some of them can be a bit out of the way, but their cheapness can more than make up for location. Backpacker hostels in New Zealand are a way of life and are used by people from 8 to 80, so don’t worry about being “too old” to go to a hostel. Just be prepared to share kitchen and sometimes the bathroom, or pay more for a private room if available.

6. Watch your travel dates

Peak times will be at the holidays and in the summer in many locations. Travel in the off-season can cost a fraction of what it does at peak season.  

7. Bid on Hotwire or Priceline

You can get some great bargains this way. With Priceline, you can’t pick the exact hotel, but you will have an idea of location and rating.

8. Beware of location

City center hotels can cost a small fortune compared to others a bit further out. So too can airport hotels if you are not careful. Consider the cost and availability and time factor in relation to public transportation and/or taxis to where you need to go (and/or car rental), and see what makes the most sense.

9. Loyalty programs

If you are a frequent traveler, join a loyalty program for the same chain of hotels. It can add up to a range of perks and might also get you a room upgrade at no extra cost.

10. House Swapping

House swapping is becoming more popular, as families who want to visit certain locations but still enjoy comforts of home exchange with others. Just be careful of location, and do be careful of their property and your own valuables when you have anyone in your house.

11. Camping

Camping can be a great adventure. Campsites can be very basic, or full of amenities.

12. Caravan parks

Caravans are one up from camping in a tent. They are warm, dry, have a stove and fridge, and can be a fun way to enjoy a holiday by the seaside or other scenic location.

13. Deals and discounts

Look for bargain deals, coupons and more.  

14. Check the fine print

Before making any booking, be sure to read the fine print so you know exactly what things will cost.

The post 14 Ways to Save Money on Your Accommodation first appeared on Telefun Canada.

The post 14 Ways to Save Money on Your Accommodation appeared first on Telefun Canada.