Planning an overseas trip involves much more than simply booking a flight. Travellers need to consider accommodation, food, sightseeing, shopping and several other expenses before finalising a budget. With careful planning, however, a few simple travel hacks can help reduce unnecessary costs.
Solo traveller and content creator Jayant Sharma recently shared a video featuring several travel tips that are often overlooked. From choosing the right time to book flights to making use of tourist tax refunds, his suggestions focus on ways travellers can manage their expenses more effectively.
Compare Flight Prices and Book Early
When searching for international flights, Jayant recommended checking both Skyscanner and Google Flights rather than relying on a single platform.
He also suggested looking for tickets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which he said can often offer cheaper fares. Planning in advance may also help, with travellers advised to book flights around six to eight weeks before their trip to potentially secure better prices.
Another simple way to save money is to remain flexible with travel dates. According to Jayant, shifting a flight by just one day can sometimes make a bigger difference to the fare than changing the destination itself.
Hostels and Tax Refunds Can Reduce Costs
Accommodation is another area where travellers can potentially save. Jayant pointed out that in destinations such as Japan and Switzerland, staying in a hostel could reduce accommodation expenses by as much as half.
He also highlighted tourist tax refunds as another opportunity that visitors should be aware of. For example, he explained that if a tourist buys shoes in Japan for 11,000 yen, part of the price represents tax. At participating stores, tourists may be able to avoid paying that tax upfront or receive the applicable benefit by showing their passport.
Jayant also advised travellers to avoid spending too much of their budget on shopping and instead consider putting more money towards experiences during the trip.
Small Travel Expenses Can Quickly Add Up
According to Jayant, travellers often concentrate heavily on finding inexpensive flights, while some of the biggest savings can come from decisions made before leaving home and during the trip.
He recommended comparing currency exchange rates before converting large amounts of money, as airport exchange counters can offer less favourable rates.
Travellers should also pack carefully. Replacing forgotten essentials after reaching another country can sometimes cost considerably more than carrying them from home.
Other smaller charges can also increase the overall cost of a holiday. ATM fees, card conversion charges and baggage fees may appear minor individually, but they can collectively become a significant part of the travel budget.
With a little preparation and flexibility, these simple measures can help travellers keep better control of their spending while making the most of their trip.
Disclaimer: The travel suggestions mentioned in this article are based on tips shared by the content creator and are provided for general informational purposes. Prices, exchange rates, airline fares, taxes, fees and refund policies can vary depending on the destination, provider and time of travel. Travellers should verify the applicable terms and charges before making bookings or purchases.