7 Tips to Save on City Breaks

Travelling can be really expensive if you don’t do a bit of research beforehand. Once you have paid for your plane ticket, any visas you may need, and taken the time off of work you may find that you don’t have as much cash as you had hoped.   But luckily there are lots of ways you can save money while travelling so that your trip is all about making new memories not worry about your cash flow. The best thing to do is research your options before you leave home. But there are spots with free wifi or public libraries that offer free internet in many major cities if you need to research on the fly. Here are 7 tips to save money on city breaks.

Photo on Flickr by Jorge Láscar

1) Eating

Eating in expensive hotel restaurants can really add up and you may find yourself eating the same food that you can get at home. Go to the restaurants that are busy with locals for a cheaper meal. The high turnover ensures that the food will most likely be freshly prepared and you will have little chance of getting sick. You can also shop at fresh markets and have a picnic in a park.

2) Take Public Transportation

Taxis can be quite expensive and can really add up. Public transportation is cheap and safe and a great way to get around. You can get apps that help with plotting your route so you make sure you are on the right bus.

3) Get A City Pass

Many cities in the world now offer city passes. It combines the admission to several tourist spots for one low price and you can save a lot of money on entrance fees and sometimes even on transportation around the city.

4) Find Freebies

Many museums and art galleries have days of the month where entry is free or by donation. Food places may have online coupons that you can use to get a free meal. Religious buildings like temples, churches, or mosques often have free meals for anyone who shows up.

5) Get A Good Deal On Airport Transfers

Some hotels offer free airport transfers with the cost of a one-night stay. Booking your airport transfer prior to flying means that you can pre-arrange a price, and prevents you from being over-charged. If you are arriving jetlagged in an unfamiliar country, it is reassuring to know that your private transfer is waiting for you.

6) Save on Exchange Fees and Bank Fees

Bank fees add up when you are in a foreign country. Make sure you have a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and use it withdraw from ATMs directly. This will save you money on exchange fees as credit cards give better rates than money exchange places do. You can also put your spending money on your credit card as an extra payment so that you are not going into your credit limit.

7) Take Overnight Buses or Trains

Taking an overnight bus or train will save you from paying for accommodations for the night. Trains that leave at inconvenient times may also be cheaper.