Tips for saving money while travelling
Here are some tips from Nancy Prémont, Sun Life Financial employee and part-time travel agent for Passion Voyage, that will help you better plan your vacation and make the most of it:
Food
Choose a hotel that offers breakfast or book a room with a kitchenette.
Take advantage of the tables d’hôte for lunch and cook in the evening, or eat on the go for lunch and treat yourself to a good meal in the evening!
To discover the markets and eat like the locals.
Bring your reusable water bottle and a cleaner. It will be good for your wallet and the environment!
Transport
As last-minute deals are less and less frequent, buy your plane ticket in advance. By being flexible on the dates and the number of stopovers, you could save big.
Limit what you put in your suitcase, so you don’t pay a surcharge.
At your destination, take local transport: in addition to allowing you to see the city, they are affordable. And don’t forget that the best way to visit is to walk (it’s free!).
Activities
Get off the beaten track: visit a lesser-known or out-of-the-way place, an emerging neighbourhood or a less famous museum: you will make great discoveries!
Take advantage of the free activities offered: guided tours, concerts, museums, etc. Find out more at the tourist office or with your hotel’s concierge!
If you plan to visit many attractions, ask about the cost of a package for the duration of your stay. Sometimes even public transport is included.
Buy tickets online in advance for the attractions that interest you. It could save you money… and time!
If you are a student, do not forget your card, because it could give you attractive discounts.
Technology
Bring an unlocked phone or get a SIM card from the country you visit. You will avoid roaming charges while staying connected at a low cost!
Use free apps to get directions or make calls.
Follow your budget! Whether in an Excel file or an app, record your expenses as you go to stay on track and have a great vacation!
Do not forget…
your passport (still valid 6 months after your return date), your plane ticket and your credit card (before leaving, notify your financial institution to prevent your card from being blocked). Make copies and keep them in a safe place.
Your visa (if you need one to visit the country you want to go to). Often, you will have to have it in hand as soon as you arrive.
your travel insurance! (It will be beneficial if you get sick.)
money in the local currency or a currency accepted where you are going. Shop your exchange rate!
To get vaccinated if you go to a country where certain diseases are endemic.
The numbers to call in case of emergency (Canadian embassy or consulate, your bank, your insurer, etc.).
Your wires to charge your phone and computer.
A converter or adapter.
Check-in online for your flight 24 hours before your departure, and check the take-off time on the airport website. If the schedule is changed, you will not travel unnecessarily!
Register on the Government of Canada’s website for Canadians abroad so that they can contact you in the event of an emergency.
“Now that you’re ready to go on a trip, enjoy it. And above all, take your time! Travelling more slowly will allow you to make your trip profitable while offering you total immersion and a complete change of scenery,” advises Nancy.
And if you conclude that your means do not allow you to go on a trip this year, consult an advisor who can help you better manage your finances. And think right now about where you would like to go. This will give you the motivation to save!
