With all the money you’re spending to book airline tickets and hotel rooms when you travel, not to mention what you’ll have to pay for food during your trip, you might not have a lot left over to spend on entertainment, including activities and tours. Luckily, there are ways to cut costs in this area and still have a lot of fun. Here are some tips that should help you to stick to your travel budget while finding the entertainment options that suit your preferences.
-
Plan your own tours. With travel guides, websites dedicated to delivering tourist information, and plenty of online outlets like Trip Advisor where travelers can ask questions and read posted reviews from other users, it’s easier than ever to plan the trip of a lifetime all by yourself. While you can certainly sign up for sightseeing tours of the areas you visit in order to get the lay of the land, there are plenty of resources at your disposal that can give you the local view and help you to find unique spots that are a bit off the beaten path. So if you’re looking for ways to have fun for less, a little legwork could deliver the entertainment you crave on a budget.
-
Use mass transit. Traveling around a city by taxi or rental car can get expensive, especially if you have tons of activities and events planned or there are several sites you want to visit. But many areas offer access to reliable and accommodating mass transit solutions at far less cost. Of course, you’ll probably want to pick up or print out routes and schedules beforehand so you don’t get lost. And you may also want to purchase some kind of pass for the duration of your trip. If you’re planning extensive travel, a rail or bus pass could definitely save you some money.
-
Ask about walking tours. Many cities have visitor’s centers, and these can provide you with lists and maps detailing places you might want to visit, activities you might want to try, and even a calendar of events. In addition, popular tourist destinations may offer walking tours that allow you to lead yourself through the city via your own two feet. This is certainly less costly than hiring a tour guide or hopping aboard a sight-seeing bus, and you’ll have the freedom to explore as you like and take your time. The visitor’s center may even offer coupon booklets for restaurants, museums, shopping, and other local attractions.
-
Get any discounts you’re eligible for. With a student I.D., a driver’s license that shows you’re a senior citizen, or even a AAA card, you may be eligible for discounts at dozens of restaurants, shopping venues, and even for event tickets. So ask if there are such discounts available for any activities or tours you’re interested in. You never know what you might save just by asking.
-
Book with an agency. Whether you let a trusted travel agent book your whole itinerary or you contract with a company like Travels with Soha that can help set up your perfect tennis tour, including matches and a stay at a tennis-centric hotel, you may find that getting a little help with your travel plans ends up saving you money. While you can certainly do all the work on your own, a professional has contacts and knowledge that can help to ensure great deals that you might not find on your own. Plus, it will save you the time and hassle associated with planning every detail.