Embarking on a dream holiday is fun, memorable and eye-opening. Here’s how to do it without making too much of a dent in your bank account

Open any social media platform these days and you’re bound to be met with a flurry of wanderlust-fuelled images. We’re travel obsessed and it’s not hard to see why. But travel doesn’t come cheap and it’s not unheard of for some globetrotters to find themselves racking up the debt as they finance fancy getaways to one exotic location after another.

But it is possible to jet off to a desired destination without going broke. Don’t believe us? Here are some helpful tips to saving money on that well-deserved holiday.

It pays to plan

“When it comes to flying to popular destinations, advance planning goes a long way in saving on airfare. Start searching for flights at least three to four months before your trip,” advises travel blogger Natasha Amar of thebohochica.com.

“Also, look at travelling to places during the shoulder season – this is between the peak and off-seasons. Often the flights are cheaper, the weather is still good enough to explore, but the crowds have left and the costs are significantly lower.”

For flight prices, check comparative websites like Skyscanner, Momondo, FareCompare and Cheap Flights to get the best possible rate on plane tickets.

Major airlines including regional options like Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia and Fly Dubai often announce discounts and package deals, so sign up for newsletters to be in the loop for announcements that could save you big bucks.

“In busy seasons such as the school summer holidays, avoid flying out and returning on Fridays, as ticket fares will be higher on the weekends,” Natasha notes.

Bedding down

One major expense that you need to consider when travelling is your accommodation costs.

From locally-owned guesthouses and boutique hotels to Airbnb apartments and private rooms in hostels, there are various options to suit your budget, often with unique offerings.

“Most cities are now home to interesting hotels that boast a certain kind of appeal – from heritage and art-themed hotels to family-run or vintage guesthouses. Looking beyond the usual hotel chains can mean that your stay becomes an exciting part of your trip,” says Natasha.

If you’re not into the idea of crashing in someone else’s home, travel blogger Delaine Dcosta of oftravelsandtales.weebly.com recommends scouting hotel comparison websites to check prices.

Local experiences

Part of the overall excitement of venturing into unknown territory is experiencing local cuisine. However, the cost of dining out can add up, especially if you’re clueless about where to go.

“It’s good to be spontaneous, but you have to be smart about choosing the right place to eat. Instead of sitting down for a meal at a touristy spot on the main shopping street, venture onto a parallel street or side alley,” comments Natasha.

More money-saving tips

• Get a travel card: These are designed to be loaded with foreign currencies to save on excessive rates often charged by exchange houses.
• Shop around: If obtaining a travel card is not an option, enquire with various money exchange centres to make sure you get the best currency conversion rate.
• Always get travel insurance: Delaine says, “It’s the only thing that saves you when you miss your flight, lose your luggage or many other travel mishaps.”
• Pack light: “No matter how long your trip is, packing for a week to ten days should give you enough outfits,” Natasha says.
• Reconsider that souvenir: “Don’t buy what you don’t need, no matter how cute or unique it is,” advises Natasha.

WORDS Ferdinand Godinez