At one point, a long-awaited trip can turn into a strenuous, exhausting journey, accompanied by unforeseen expenses. But if you spend a few minutes planning, it can save you a lot of money. And save a lot of nerves.
Rest assured, you'll be grateful to yourself later when you don't have to pay astronomical fees or idle on your eight-hour flight. Below we have collected 16 tips that will be useful to any tourist.
1. Try to book one ticket at a time, even if you are traveling with a company
If you've ever seen a sharp jump in prices when the number of tickets changed, this is because there could be only one ticket left in the cheapest fare segment. Thus, if you try to book a ticket for two people, the system will issue two tickets at a higher price. If you buy one ticket at a time, you will be able to redeem one of them cheaper - this way you can save a lot of money.
2. If you book on Airbnb, compare the daily cost of an apartment with a monthly stay
One of the great booking secrets is that Airbnb prices drop (sometimes by 40-50%) after you connect to a stay of 30 days or more. Of course, you probably won't be able to be on vacation for a whole month, but depending on the length of your stay, booking a 30-night stay - counting out before the end of your booking - can still save you money.
3. Lease a car outside the airport
Leasing a car at the airport is almost always more expensive than renting a vehicle elsewhere. Just 15 minutes by taxi and you will save a lot of money.
4. Apply for a card without commission for foreign transactions, but with great travel benefits
We are talking about a commission of 1-3% that your issuing company charges on any transaction carried out abroad. As a result, it will only grow. If you like to travel, take some time, study the conditions of banks and issue a card without commission for transactions abroad. And ideally with good travel bonuses. Or apply for a currency card at your own bank.
5. Find out where is the best currency exchange
Research in advance how things are in the country with the exchange rate. Look for Russian-speaking communities - as a rule, tourists and locals share useful information. Perhaps it makes sense to change the currency in advance.
6. Download an offline map of the city you are going to
Mobile Internet abroad can cost $ 10 a day, and buying a SIM card at the airport is clearly not cheap. Either buy a SIM card when you arrive at your destination or put your phone in airplane mode and only use Wi-Fi.
In any case, you will most likely need Google Maps to get from the airport to your accommodation, and this is where the offline feature comes in very handy. All you have to do is download a map of the desired city before your trip. And that's it!
7. Download Google Translate to help you communicate abroad
Trying to speak the local language while traveling is a fun and exciting experience, and Google Translate will be happy to help you with that.
It only takes 1-2 minutes to download a foreign language dictionary to your phone - definitely, worth the confidence you will feel when ordering a morning croissant in French.
8. Download your airline's app for quick access to your tickets and flight alerts, and watch movies during your flight
Even if you're not a fan of downloading tons of apps, make the airline app exception so you can enjoy onboard entertainment. Another obvious plus: it's easier to track flight information in the app.
9. Take a sleeping aid
If you are the type of person who complains about discomfort on the plane, make sure you have the right equipment. After all, flying is something to prepare for in order to competently put your mind and body into relaxation mode.
For example, get an inflatable neck pillow (it doesn't take up much space), a sleep mask (so you don't get in the way of the light in the cabin), earplugs, and, if you're in the mood for long naps, lavender essential oil. And then sit comfortably in a chair and fall into a sleepy kingdom. This set really works.
10. Collect a small "coronavirus" kit
During the flight, most airlines will offer to spray your hands with hand sanitizer or hand sanitizer wipes. But to be on the safe side, take all the essentials with you in advance: a package of napkins, a couple of protective masks, and an antiseptic.
11. Take a snack and a bottle of water on the plane
To keep you comfortable throughout the flight (especially when it lasts more than three hours), make sure you have something to satisfy your thirst and hunger. You may find yourself in an unpleasant situation: get on a long flight without drinks and snacks and find out in the cabin that you need to pay extra for water.
An ideal option for a tourist is a soft water bottle that can be refilled after security. And when it comes to snacks, it can be energy bars, nuts, and fruits.
12. Place all your belongings in your carry-on baggage
Just imagine how much time it will save you at the airport! You can travel light - with a backpack or a small suitcase. It's also convenient. Just remember that there are self-service laundries and dry cleaning services in almost every location on this planet, so you don't need to bring your entire seasonal wardrobe with you.
Also, consider how pleasant it will be to skip the long line at the check-in counter (assuming you've checked in and printed your boarding pass) and head straight for the security checkpoint.
13. Collect your carry-on baggage correctly
Getting through airport security can be as easy as shelling pears. You can also stand and wait while an employee searches your bag for violations.
To avoid misunderstandings, do not take liquids with a volume of more than 100 ml with you, and put your laptop, food, and equipment - in general, anything that may raise questions - put in the top of your backpack or bag so that you can quickly transfer everything to a container if necessary. Well, and of course, do not put anything dangerous and dubious.
14. Dress like a "ninja" to quickly get past security at the airport
It only takes you a few extra minutes to come up with an outfit that allows you to go through security quickly and easily. For example, slip-on shoes and a zip-up jacket will save you time, while socks will eliminate the need to walk barefoot on a dirty floor.
