After many requests, I have decided to share some of the tips and tricks I have learnt along the way to travel in the most wallet friendly fashion. Budget for me is very important, because from the outside in, I travel a lot, I make some amazing memories, and whilst that is all true, there is a common misconception that I am able to do that because I have a lot of money. I don't. I have to come home and face reality, pay rent, and work as much as possible to cover the expenses of travel so that I can have those adventures to make more amazing memories.
Money does not buy happiness, but it does buy plane tickets! I am lucky enough to have partnered with both of the companies I will mention in this blog, so a quick disclaimer that if you book through the links on this blog, I will get some commission (but it also means more travel blogs! ;) ) TIA First of all, flights. Unlike a lot of people, I actually enjoy booking flights, because of my favourite tool on Skyscanner.com. This is the 'everywhere, anytime' search, or 'explore'. If you're like me and not particularly picky about dates this is perfect, it will show you to cheapest time to go to the cheapest country, but if you can't go on the cheapest dates, they always show when else is also cheap. It also makes it cheaper if you're not entirely bothered about what airport you fly from, so I always type in 'United Kingdom' and again, it will show you the cheapest first, but if that's not ideal for you, it'll show you other airports you can fly from in price order. I love using this tool because it means I never really know where I'm off to next, and I love the element of adventure that brings too! If you're partially open about when you want to go, you can select a whole month instead of just 'anytime' and it'll show you the best offers in that month. A personal 'trick' I use, is booking two one-way flights in times where it is margianlly more expensive, for example, Summer. I'll use a hacker fare, leaving from one airport and returning to a different one. It can be the difference of spending another night away, or treating yourself to a three course meal and a glass of wine overlooking the beach... for example! This time of year it can be a great budgeting tool, because it could mean going from one London airport and returning to another one in London. Not too shabby if you ask me! For a quick example; here's a little walk-through (deals as of July 27th 2018)
I'd advise to get the Skyscanner app, or to be redirected to their webpage, click on the logo above They also do hotels, car hire, and have just launched a beta train searcher (although I've never used any of these) Click on the widget below to go to Skyscanner.com now!
Next off of course, is accommodation. Hostels, hotels, a glass igloo in Lapland or a treehouse in India, they've got it all, and that's booking.com. I mostly use hostels, because as well as being budget friendly, you get to meet so many like-minded travellers, and friends for life. If I've met you at a hostel, yes I'm talking about you! Booking.com is rather simple, and as it is very well known I'm sure many people have used it! I usually search lowest price first and go from there, but the more you travel, the better deals you get. Right now I've got a code for the first 10 people to get £15 off any bookings over £30! If you'd like this code send me a message on my Instagram at @nik2655 and I'll share it with you, on a first come first serve basis. Not so much a money 'saving trick' but if I am booking accommodation in advance (to save money of course) I always make sure the booking is free cancellation and no prepayment needed. Especially when plans change or you come to a date and may not be able to afford your trip anymore, this method is perfect to not pay until you arrive, and sometimes you can save a small amount of money by paying in the countries currency depending on the exchange rates. Sometimes I may be torn between two different flights, so I can secure a reservation at the hostel before I book my plane ticket and I haven't lost a penny if plans change. Spontaneity is fabulous but reality can often get in the way of travel plans, but knowing I can cancel whenever I want and not lose a single penny. To visit their site click the banner on the side of this blog-post! Thank you so much for reading and if I've even helped out a single person, it'll all be worth it. As always, I cannot thank the people enough that read my blog regularly and continue to support me so that I can make my passion into a reality, and it is overwhelming and surreal to see the growing interest and support in something I absolutely adore. If anyone would like anymore blogs about tips and tricks, or has any suggestions, please comment or contact me on this page. Looking forward to sharing more with you all soon from Tenerife. Nik - Kirby Travels *disclaimer to remind people I receive commission from flights/bookings made through the links on this blog :) ** I have seen the spelling mistakes from my last blog now! I apologise but can't edit it now
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AuthorNik, the small town Brit. Traveller, adventure enthusiast, writer, has 2 goldfish. The norm. Archives
August 2018
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