For cheap thrills

In the same vein as yesterday’s story, here’s another on moneysavers — this time for your last minute year-end getaway. Flight tickets are expensive, as is the cost of a delicious meal.

 

But, there are hacks that can help your stash last longer. We hope you planned in advance, because that’s really the first step to saving cash when travelling.

Serial travellers will say, even rates at international hotels are lower if booked in advance, especially if you are travelling mid-week. But last-minute risers needn’t worry. Follow this six-point plan: 

 1  HAVE ALL YOU NEED?

 

Make a check-list of the things you have to carry and ensure it’s all in your luggage. It could be something as simple as a towel or a pair of walking shoes. Imagine having to purchase one of those in dollars! It’s possible that a low-end bed and breakfast joint may not offer you toiletries, and that you might make a sudden plan to go hiking.

Before you get into a cab that will take you to the airport, spend 10 minutes checking if you have everything you need. It’ll be well worth your time. 

 2  PICK YOUR FLIGHT WELL

We all run miles away from connecting flights, but we are going to tell you to give them a second chance. Don’t balk. All of them don’t have to be terrible. Just choose them carefully.

You want one that gives you enough time to move from one gate to another after collecting your luggage. The time lag shouldn’t be so huge that your iPad runs out of charge. If you can find a flight that fits this criteria, you are likely to save a couple of thousands. 

 3  PACK FOOD ENTERTAINMENT

What’s the average routine at the airport? You check-in, pass through security and then spend a couple of hours whiling away time at a café over a latte and sandwiches. You might also decide to saunter into a shop to check out books or DVDs. So, how much did those two hours cost you?

A cool Rs 500 to thousand, if not more. This will have you realise that it’s best to pack your entertainment and food for the airport wait. Pick out movies and TV shows you’ve downloaded but haven’t found the time to watch.

 

This is the perfect time to catch up. Pack yourself a sandwich or some theplas, and you are good to kill time without going broke. 

 4  FIND YOUTH HOSTELS

Unless you are a hotel rat, there’s no excuse for staying in an uninspiring, impersonal and expensive hotel room. There are a variety of options available for the traveller on a budget.

Gaurav Athalye, who runs travel boutique Jungle Lore, suggests looking for homestays that are almost always cheaper and work wonders at giving you a taste of local culture. “Also, look out for youth hostels.

They are located almost everywhere in the world. These are built as dormitories, and are dirt cheap if you are willing to share a bathroom,” he says. Else, look for a local family that will host your short stay for free.

Lata Jayavel, a 30-year-old banking professional says she tried couchsurfing when in Europe and it cut down her expenditure substantially. All you’ve got to do at the end is give them a warm gift or take them out for a meal.

Besides, hanging out with locals introduces you to neighbourhoods and finds that no touristy guide can. 

 5  TRAVEL LOCAL

 

It’s not just in India that private taxis are an expensive fare. If you are in a city for long, buy yourself a bus or metro route map, ask locals for directions and get where you have to using public transport.

“Most European countries offer tourists a day pass; sometimes applicable across a couple of different forms of transport. These are way cheaper than flagging down cabs. Plus, you may return with some very interesting stories. 

 6  EAT BY THE STREET

 

If your plan wasn’t to dine at the Ritz, it’s a good idea to pick up a parcel of local street food. Media professional Priyo Patra’s money-saving tip calls for locating a kebab joint. “Almost every city — Singapore or New York — offers some variety of indigenous kebab, which is usually cheap and delicious,” he says.

For alcohol, sniff out the dives locals drink at. “I’ve learnt that in each city there are pubs that tourists go to, and those that locals frequent. Ask your hotel manager or couchsurfing host for the latter. You’ll have a more engaging, and cheaper night out than you anticipated,” adds Patra.

For cheap thrills