Consumer advice – travel tips – plus travel offers

Traveling budget Tips: If your travelling on a budget all is not lost, and you don’t have to travel in a tent or stay in hostels.

Here are our Travelling on a budget: Top 10 Tips to help you save some money on your next Holiday.

1. Don’t wait for a deal to find you. Subscribe to our ‘Travel’ announcements and newsletters.

Also, if you know the holiday destination you want to visit, tell us and give us your budget range — when a deal comes along we will notify you and take care of the rest!

2. Travel in the middle of the week.

Yes i know, it messes up your holidays, but hey its cheaper..
There is less demand on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so airfares will be lower. Leisure destinations and resort areas will be cheaper during the week.

However, hotels in major cities are cheaper on weekends when business travelers are gone.

3. Be a ‘Travel Opportunist and be flexible” and try searching several date ranges.
Also, search for different places you haven’t been before or that are similar to the type of destination you are seeking.

4. Book a holiday package. Where you book your flight, hotel and/or car hire separtly.

5. Stay at an all-inclusive. Because you’re not whipping out your wallet for every beverage, snack or meal, it will reduce total in destination costs. Often times they have plenty of perks that add to the value of your stay. (e.g. Many all-inclusives offer use of water-sports equipment, free shuttle services etc.)

6. Buy Before. Buy convenience items — sunscreen, lotions, shampoo, etc. — before your trip. Toss some snacks into your bag to stave off expensive vending machine treats or airport food.

7. Pack smart. Make sure your bags adhere to the airline’s size and weight requirements, and know that if you check extra bags, you’ll probably have to pay for them.

8. Eat in your room!

Go cheap for one meal a day, and it can really cut down costs. Stop by a food store and purchase items to make picnic lunches, then bring them along on your daily excursions.

Make sure your room has a microwave and/or fridge so you can prepare your meals and treats.

9. Watch out for extras at your hotel. Check on the costs of services when you arrive — like telephones, mini-bars, and fitness centers.

Use Mobile phones or pay phones instead of your hotel phone.

10. Double-check your bills and receipts. Always read the room-service bill before tipping the delivery person (the tip may already be included) and your hotel bill at the end of your stay.

What are some of your best travel tips to try and save money, ad a cooment below.?