Travel is a right, not a perk, this is something I believe. Despite that fact, you can’t travel for free, not unless you’re extremely clever and you’ve found a way which no-one else has discovered yet. Luckily, there are ways you can save cash on travel, which allows you to travel more often, and further as a result. Many of these ideas depend on you being a bit clever, flexible, and going around the houses slightly, but it’s more than worth it when you get to see some amazing sights because of it.

Shop around

It goes without saying that you should never go for the first deal you come across, because you could be missing out on a cheaper one elsewhere. You wouldn’t buy a car without shopping around first, so dedicate the same thinking to your travel plans. Price comparison websites will help you here, as well as checking flight deals on sites like Skyscanner. Watch prices for a while before jumping in and booking, because travel prices fluctuate regularly.

Go around the houses a little

Travelling indirect has advantages and disadvantages. Firstly, yes, it adds a little time onto your travel day, but if it’s not too long and you save enough, where is the problem? If you have a long stop-over on a long-haul flight, you could get out and see another destination in the process, which doubles your travel fun. It’s about weighing up the pros and cons, but flying indirect shouldn’t be pushed to one side without looking into it first.

Travel out of traditional season

Every destination in the world has a peak season, and that is always going to be the most expensive time to visit. If you can head there away from that peak season, you’re going to save cash. For instance, if you’re going to a Mediterranean holiday resort, you will probably be looking at a May to October summer season, and in that time July and August are going to be the most expensive times. Now, May and October are wonderful times to visit, when temperatures are still warm, but crowds are less, oh, and prices are lower too. See what we’re getting at?

Hostels are not what they used to be

Accommodation can be costly in cities and popular destinations, and unless you go down the last minute booking route, you might struggle to find accommodation which is central and not hideously expensive. You shouldn’t pass up on the hostel idea, because these are not what they used to be! The old dormitory style building you have in mind doesn’t tend to be the general picture of a hostel these days, and they are much more like budget hotels; you can even request a private room for a slightly higher price to the standard shared room.

You might have to put yourself out a little to save cash on travel plans, but if it doesn’t come at too high a cost convenience-wise, it’s always worthwhile in the end.