Five Ways to Save Money on Your Next Vacation -

So, our economy may not be at the strongest point now. And that makes traveling quite expensive.
But, if you play your cards right -- there are lots of incredible ways to make the most out of your travels.

Cheap doesn't always have to be bad, right? :)

So here I've put down my top five tricks on turning my vacation into an affordable activity.


Be flexible with flights -

You see, a little tweak in your travel itinerary will save you a ton. I usually travel midweek instead of weekends; and if you're talking about long haul -- flights with transits always win hands down. Not only its cheaper than direct (80% of the times) but I find it more comfortable dividing my long journeys into two legs.

I don't mind being on transits for a few hours -- at least I get to stretch my legs and get some fresh air. And also, some airlines (mainly the Gulf carriers) offer free stopovers at their Hub -- so that is also a nice way to have 2-in-1 vacation ;)

Flying open jaw - that's flying into one city and out from another - is also a good option. Not necessarily the cheapest but will save you the needless costs of going back to your starting point if you're visiting a few countries at once.


Travel off season -

Summer is the best time to visit Europe; likewise spending winter in the Caribbean. But these will cost a bomb simply because everybody else think so and would like to experience the same thing at the same time.

So, opt for shoulder season instead (just before or after the peak season).

If you ask me why? Then I'd say why not --
Prices are low (even cheaper airfares). The weather is nice. Restaurants / Shops are open and happy to see customers. And, generally fewer tourist around so you mingle mostly with the locals.

Sure, it won't be the warmest or sunniest but the prices are much, much better.


Skip the chain hotel -

I rarely stay at big, expensive brand hotel (think Hilton, Westin, etc.) because personally, I think they have very little in value. A B&B offers double the warmth and half the price of what these hotels charge you. And I like the cultural intimacy prospect and the personality of it -

I have tried house-sitting during one of my earlier travels and this is also another unconventional option that could be explored.
You know, you get free lodging in exchange for taking care of someone's home while they're away -- help feed their cat, water their plant and whatever else.


Take free tours -

Sure, you can pay for standard tours along but in most major cities around the world -- you can also find free walking tours being offered. What is so special about them? Well these walking tours show you the city's highlight and also, teach you about the culture.
Another option is by using the hospitality site, Couchsurfing and PlayPlanet (the Korean version of CS) to connect with locals who would be happy to show you around.

You will also, at the same time, meet cool, smart and genuinely nice people.


Think outside the box -

Why are some of the more popular destinations pricier than the other? Well, of course they are. Because everyone wants to go there. Looking for a beautiful and less molested island but Maldives is too expensive? Try Raja Ampat instead.

Of course you can't substitute Paris for another city because, hey, it's Paris after all.
But there are plenty of European cities that are equally as gorgeous; full of their own charm and excitement. For example, Budapest or Dubrovnik -
Sure, they're a little less well known but definitely cheaper and special in they're own way.

And also. Take advantage of countries with lower exchange rates or slightly down economy (e.g. Greece).


Well -- a little more leg work will pay off. I'm sure you can also add on to the list :)
What are you waiting for? Go, travel!