Travel Smart In Festive Season With This 8 budget Friendly Tips

Navratri is like the start of the fun time in India. It’s when people get excited about the holidays. It’s a good time to start thinking about your vacation plans. Everyone looks forward to this time of year because it’s a break from everyday stress. It’s a chance to spend time with the people you care about. But when you plan your trip, you need to be smart with your money.

So, the important question is: How can you have a great vacation without spending too much? Here are some tips to help you plan a vacation that’s kind to your wallet.

Plan Ahead and Book Early

Planning ahead and booking early is one of the best ways to save money on your holiday. This is especially important during the festive season, when prices are typically higher.

“Start by booking your trip well in advance to secure early-bird discounts, and be flexible with your travel dates for better deals,” said Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder, of EaseMyTrip.

Start planning your holiday at least six months in advance. This will give you plenty of time to research different destinations, compare prices, and find the best deals.
Book your flights and accommodation together. Many airlines and hotels offer discounts when you book your flights and accommodation together.
Use a travel agent. A travel agent can help you find the best deals on flights, accommodation, and activities.
Sign up for email alerts from airlines and hotels. This will notify you when prices drop or when there are special offers available.

Consider traveling during the shoulder season. The shoulder season is the period between the peak and off-seasons. It’s a great time to travel because prices are lower and there are fewer crowds.
Look for package deals. Package deals can be a great way to save money on your holiday. They often include flights, accommodation, and activities at a discounted price.
Ask about discounts. Many airlines, hotels, and tour operators offer discounts for students, seniors, and members of the military. Be sure to ask about discounts when you’re booking your holiday.

By planning ahead and booking early, you can save money on your holiday and enjoy a more relaxed and stress-free experience.

Flexible Travel Dates

When picking your travel dates, try to be flexible. Prices for tickets can change a lot if you travel a day or two earlier or later. For instance, traveling early in the morning or during the middle of the week can be cheaper, as Saumitra Singh mentioned.

Compare Prices

Use travel comparison websites and apps to find the best deals on flights, hotels, and rental cars. Don’t forget to factor in additional costs like baggage fees, resort fees, and local transportation.

“Packing light can help you avoid baggage fees, and exploring alternative airports might lead to cheaper flights,” told Rikant.

Find Alternative Accommodation

Opting for alternative accommodation is a great way to save money on your holiday. There are many different types of alternative accommodation available, such as:

Family travel is on the rise 🔥 Which destination is your favorite pick for a family getaway?

Top ten family travel destinations in India last year:

1️⃣ Goa
2️⃣ Bengaluru
3️⃣ Pune
4️⃣ Hyderabad
5️⃣ Dehradun
6️⃣ Jaipur
7️⃣ Raigarh
8️⃣ Ernakulam
9️⃣ New Delhi
🔟 Nainital pic.twitter.com/dUz49Hvf3E
— Airbnb India (@Airbnb_in) April 10, 2023

Vacation rentals: Vacation rentals are homes or apartments that are rented out to tourists. They can be a great option for families or groups of friends, as they often have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.
Hostels: Hostels are budget-friendly accommodation options that typically offer dorm rooms and shared facilities. Hostels are a great way to meet other travelers and save money on accommodation.
Guesthouses: Guesthouses are small hotels that are typically run by families. They offer a more personal experience than traditional hotels and are often less expensive.
Camping and caravans: Camping and caravans are a great way to save money on accommodation and enjoy the outdoors. There are many campsites and caravan parks located all over the world.

When choosing alternative accommodation, it is important to consider your needs and budget. If you are traveling with a family or group of friends, a vacation rental may be the best option for you. If you are on a tight budget, a hostel or guesthouse may be a better choice.

How to find alternative accommodation, check here

Use online booking platforms. There are many online booking platforms that specialize in alternative accommodation, such as Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. These platforms allow you to search for and book accommodation in a variety of destinations.
Read reviews. Before booking alternative accommodation, be sure to read reviews from other travelers. This will give you an idea of what to expect and help you avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Compare prices. When comparing prices of alternative accommodation, be sure to factor in the cost of cleaning fees and other additional charges.
Book directly with the property owner. Booking directly with the property owner can sometimes save you money on commission fees.

By opting for alternative accommodation, you can save money on your holiday and enjoy a more unique and authentic experience.

Take Advantage of Free Activities

Taking advantage of free activities is a great way to save money on your holiday. There are many different types of free activities available in most destinations, such as:

Visiting parks and gardens. Parks and gardens are a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Many parks and gardens also offer free activities such as concerts, movies, and festivals.
Exploring museums and art galleries. Many museums and art galleries offer free admission on certain days of the week or during certain hours of the day. Be sure to check the websites of museums and art galleries in advance to find out their admission policies.
Attending free events and festivals. Many destinations offer free events and festivals throughout the year. These events can include concerts, sporting events, and cultural festivals. Be sure to check the websites of local tourism boards to find out about upcoming events and festivals.
Taking walking tours or bike tours. Many cities offer free walking tours and bike tours. These tours are a great way to learn about the city’s history and culture.
Visiting markets and bazaars. Markets and bazaars are a great way to experience the local culture and find souvenirs. Many markets and bazaars also offer free cooking demonstrations and other cultural activities.

Some tips for finding and taking advantage of free activities:

Use the internet. The internet is a great resource for finding free activities in your destination. There are many websites and apps that list free activities, such as Free Tours by Foot and Eventbrite.
Ask your hotel or hostel staff. Hotel and hostel staff are often a great source of information about free activities in the area. They can tell you about upcoming events and festivals, and they can also recommend free walking tours and other activities.
Check the local tourist board website. The local tourist board website is a great resource for finding information about free activities and events in the area.

Avoid Peak Travel Times

Avoiding peak travel times is a great way to save money on your holiday. Peak travel times are the times of year when the most people are traveling, such as during the summer holidays, school holidays, and Christmas and New Year.

Pack Light

Packing light is a great way to save money on your holiday. Airlines often charge fees for checked baggage, so packing light can help you avoid these fees. Packing light also makes it easier to move around and get to your destination.

Make a list. Before you start packing, make a list of everything you need to bring. This will help you avoid overpacking.
Choose versatile clothing. Choose clothing that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. This will help you pack fewer clothes and still have a variety of options to choose from.
Roll your clothes. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them will save space in your suitcase.
Wear your heaviest items on the plane. This will help you avoid paying baggage fees.
Bring travel-size toiletries. Travel-size toiletries are a great way to save space and weight in your suitcase.
Leave non-essentials at home. There are many things that you don’t really need to bring on your holiday, such as hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. If you can, leave these items at home to save space and weight.

Use packing cubes. Packing cubes are a great way to organize your clothes and save space in your suitcase.
Bring a carry-on bag. A carry-on bag is a great way to avoid baggage fees and have your essentials with you at all times.
Do laundry. If you are traveling for a long period of time, consider doing laundry to save space in your suitcase.

By packing light, you can save money on your holiday and enjoy a more relaxed and stress-free experience.

Cook Your Own Meals

Cooking your own meals is a great way to save money on your holiday. Eating out can be expensive, especially in tourist areas. To save money, try cooking your own meals or eating at local restaurants where the prices are more reasonable.

Plan your meals ahead of time. This will help you avoid making impulse purchases at the grocery store.
Shop at local markets. Local markets often have better prices and fresher produce than grocery stores.
Cook simple meals. You don’t need to be a chef to cook delicious meals on holiday. There are many simple recipes available online and in cookbooks.
Take advantage of leftovers. Leftovers can be used to make new meals or snacks. This will help you save money and avoid food waste.

Use a slow cooker. A slow cooker is a great way to cook meals while you are out exploring. You can simply put your ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a hot meal in the evening.
Have a picnic. Picnics are a great way to save money and enjoy the outdoors. Simply pack a lunch and head to a nearby park or beach.

By following these eight tips, you can plan an affordable holiday during the festive season. By planning ahead, booking early, choosing a budget-friendly destination, staying in alternative accommodation, taking advantage of free activities, avoiding peak travel times, packing light, and cooking your own meals, you can save money and still have a wonderful time.

Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy your holiday and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

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