Travelling Cheaply: Tips To Save $$

Last week, I met a lovely lady in one of my favourite stores, The Rose Street Trading Co. She had one of my travel books on display and I thanked her profusely. (Which is what all authors should do.) 

"Oh, how I'd love to go overseas!" she said sadly. "But we just can't. We have two children, and they come with private school fees..." 

"Well, you're very lucky," I said sadly. "We'd love to have two children but we can't. So we just spend our private school fees on travel..."

This insightful exchange made us both realise how wonderful travel really is. Some people think travel is too expensive; that they'll never be able to afford it. I'm here to tell you that you can. 

Here are a few tips.

Use Google Maps To Find Secret Hotels

Many of the best hotels don't advertise, aren't on TripAdvisor and don't care about media exposure. They're found through either word-of-mouth or some serious due diligence. Or, do what many travel-wise people do and go on Google Maps. Look for the neighbourhood you want to stay in – I love the Flatiron in New York, the streets around Rue de Seine in Paris (above), or South Kensington in London – then, use Google Maps to source hotels in that area. You'd be surprised how many under-the-radar places pop up this way. (You can then research them further via TA or the Net.) I've found so many fabulous places like this. It's a quirky trick, but it works.

Be Flexible With Your Dates and Times

If you don't care when you travel, go onto your preferred airline's website and see if they'll allow you to find the cheapest fare within a month's window. Singapore Airlines, United and Air New Zealand do this, and others are starting to. Their websites allow you to see the cheapest fare within any timeframe – and it's amazing to see the differences. One day may be $3500; the next day (quoting the same flight) may be $1200.

Fly on Tuesdays

I've mentioned this before but Tuesdays really are cheaper flying days. Wednesdays, too. Avoid Mondays, Fridays and weekends like the plague.

Take Overnight Flights

Try and book overnight flights. They're not only cheaper but they also save $$ because you can sleep on the plane. 

Book Hotels for Sundays

They really are cheaper on Sundays. 

(And if you want to try an expensive hotel for a treat, do a Sunday when it will be more affordable.)

Stay More Than A Night

There's a cutie little hotel in London called the Kensington House Hotel that gives you a free night if you stay x3 nights. As in a 3-for-2 offer. Savings? More than 150 pounds. Many hotels do this. Check their website and specials sections.

Spend More Time in Fewer Places

Last year, I flew from Sydney to the Bahamas (via 7 planes in 48 hours), for just 2 days, then to NY for work, then to Germany and down to Nice in France – all in 4 days. I was a wreck! Unless you're travelling for business, consider slowing down and spending more time in fewer places. It's more rewarding but it also saves money. Transport – flights, airports, taxis, transfer buses, hire cars – can really cost a lot And waste time. Do you really need to see 5 countries in 3 weeks? The best trip we've ever had was last year in Charleston. We did nothing and went nowhere. For FOUR days. It was bliss.

Find The Restaurants That Locals Go To

Do you really have to do Eleven Madison Parks of the world? The local bistros will offer just as good memories, and your wallet will thank you. (Tip: Look in the window. If it's full, it's likely to be good.)

Or – even better – have a picnic. My parents taught me this. They're the Picnic Experts. Now, my partner and I will buy cheap takeaway salads and sit in a park in the sun, or overlooking a beach, or in our hire car looking out to sea. It's bliss, I tell you. 

{All photos by me.}