Your budget for travel may have reached an all-time low, but that doesn't mean you have to scrap your travel plans. Here are some ways to help you enjoy a summer getaway even as you scrimp on costs.
1. Pack light to avoid paying for excess baggage. In this month’s issue of Marie Claire Philippine Edition, writer Stephanie Dychiu suggests packing light outfits for trips. Ditch your jeans for light cotton shorts. If you must bring jeans, wear them when you travel then pack just shorts.
2. Decide firmly on the date of travel. Especially if you like scouting for airfare or ferry promos, remember that tickets sold during promo periods are non-refundable. Re-booking and re-routing can cost you extra, too. If you can plan months ahead, Dychiu recommends getting tickets that are valid from three months to one year, as details of such tickets can be modified for less. When choosing days to travel, pick Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday, as these are when flight tickets are cheapest, says Dychiu.
3. Rent rooms or cottages that come with kitchens. They may come at a higher price, but you'll end up saving more if you cook your own meals, says Dychiu. If you're traveling with a group of friends, scrimp even more by asking everyone to chip in food items such as chips or canned food aside from their monetary contribution.
4. Stick to your itinerary. Work out details of every activity or places you intend to visit so you won’t run out of things to do and end up cramming last-minute plans. Resist the temptation to visit another spot a fellow tourist has mentioned. If you want to make the most of your trip, pick spots and attractions that truly define the place you're visiting.
5. Join travel groups. Organized travel groups often strike deals with hotels, inns, and restaurants that can make a big difference on your budget. Why not try going on trips organized by Travel Factor or Philippine Eco Tourism? You get to meet new people this way, too.
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