You have chosen your dream destination for your vacation, but you know you have a tight budget, so your dream can easily turn into a nightmare. To guarantee yourself a smooth trip, you should first do some smart and thorough planning. Here are some tips on making your trip more efficient and less stressful.
Packing
A well packed bag means that you can use a smaller bag. Follow examples of people who pack every day. Learn to pack like a flight attendant. What they do is roll their clothes to fit the bag and to avoid wrinkles, placing them in an efficient order in the suitcase.
Renting a cheap place
You can save a lot of money by using a renting service to rent a house or an apartment instead of going to a hotel. Check on-line for local renting agencies in the place of your choice. You will also save on food, because you will be able to cook for yourself in the rented place.
Reward cards for cheap flying
Credit rewards for traveling are not a new thing, but are you using that option? If you do, are you using every benefit there is? Sign up for a reward card of your frequently used airline and use your bonus after traveling certain amount of miles. If you pick the right cards, you might end up flying for free at some point!
Compare transportation
Don’t make assumptions about the cheapest methods of travel. Check all your options and make a simple comparison table. Driving seems cheaper, but can you afford longer travel time? When things are done in writing, it is easier to see the right choice.
Get discounts
Check on-line for a tourist discount card. You will get discounts on your purchases in some stores up to 11%. Touristic cards offer free or cheaper local transport, entrance fees for many attractions, airport train or bus, or you can get discounts for souvenirs and restaurants.
Direct retail stores shipment of your purchases
Don’t overstuff your suitcase with new things, because most stores will ship them to your home for a small fee, which is smaller than tax. If your order is shipped out of state, you don’t even have to pay fee, or you can take back your money at the border if you show your receipt in some countries.
Prepare your Smartphone
International calling costs a lot of money, even if you arrange for a special deal with your mobile operator. The best way to talk with your loved ones at home is if you use Rebtel’s calling app. This android application offers you cheap international calls and texts worldwide. You can also call and text other Rebtel app users free of charge. You will get great voice quality with or without an internet connection. There are various apps to help you discover great new places and attractions at your chosen destination that will make your trip fun and memorable.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
