Low budget travel tips
Aug 20, 2023, 7:26 pm
#91
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 25
I’ve found that packing a soft cooler and several ziplock bags can come in handy especially if you don’t have a fridge where you’re staying. I’ll go to a grocery store and buy some drinks and fruits and other snacks. And sometimes use the ziplocks to hold ice for the cooler.
Eating breakfast and having my coffee in my room before setting out for the day saves money but especially time. Can also mean less grumpy people in my group.
Eating breakfast and having my coffee in my room before setting out for the day saves money but especially time. Can also mean less grumpy people in my group.
Sep 17, 2023, 11:51 pm
#92
Join Date: Sep 2023
Posts: 33
I totally agree with those tips! In addition to that, consider researching free or discounted activities at your destination, opting for affordable accommodations like hostels.
Mar 7, 2024, 10:58 am
#93
Join Date: Jan 2024
Location: Rajasthan
Posts: 26
Of course! Drawing from personal experience, I offer the following advice:
Visit during the off-season to avoid crowds and locate less expensive lodging.
Choose street food to sample local cuisine and save money on meals.
To save money on transportation, take public transit rather than a cab.
To ensure reduced pricing, get your airline tickets early in advance.
Carry as little as possible when you travel to save money on airfares and other expenses.
With these suggestions, I hope you can budget-friendly plan your next trip!
Visit during the off-season to avoid crowds and locate less expensive lodging.
Choose street food to sample local cuisine and save money on meals.
To save money on transportation, take public transit rather than a cab.
To ensure reduced pricing, get your airline tickets early in advance.
Carry as little as possible when you travel to save money on airfares and other expenses.
With these suggestions, I hope you can budget-friendly plan your next trip!
Mar 9, 2024, 1:47 am
#94
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .57 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,055
There may be a constantly changing "sweet spot" to purchase tickets, which the airlines will never reveal to us, of between three weeks and two months prior to travel.
If sales are poor, there may be some last-minute good deals under this AI. On the other hand, with strong sales, the fares will likely only increase.
It pays to be flexible and to check fares often.
Last edited by SPN Lifer; Mar 9, 2024 at 1:52 am
Mar 9, 2024, 12:21 pm
#95
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,429
Some good points there SPN Lifer 
Some airlines offer full credit when cancelling a flight. I was able to do that with UA for a domestic flight, and then used the credit months later for a Canada - Europe flight, so at least with UA I am able to purchase a ticket months in advance, and watch to see if the price drops. I don't recall if that is related to my lifetime Gold status, but IIRC this is a relatively new perk for all fliers (but if you don't have status you may want to double check).
But I do agree that buying months in advance does not tend to get the best price, as the airlines will throw out high fares, and lower them later in most instances - my guess is that they hope pax will want to lock in a flight and/or think that is the time when prices are lowest and don't bother to check later to see if price will be lower.
Some airlines offer full credit when cancelling a flight. I was able to do that with UA for a domestic flight, and then used the credit months later for a Canada - Europe flight, so at least with UA I am able to purchase a ticket months in advance, and watch to see if the price drops. I don't recall if that is related to my lifetime Gold status, but IIRC this is a relatively new perk for all fliers (but if you don't have status you may want to double check).
But I do agree that buying months in advance does not tend to get the best price, as the airlines will throw out high fares, and lower them later in most instances - my guess is that they hope pax will want to lock in a flight and/or think that is the time when prices are lowest and don't bother to check later to see if price will be lower.
Mar 9, 2024, 7:46 pm
#96
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .57 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,055
Some airlines offer full credit when cancelling a flight. I was able to do that with UA for a domestic flight, and then used the credit months later for a Canada - Europe flight, so at least with UA I am able to purchase a ticket months in advance, and watch to see if the price drops. I don't recall if that is related to my lifetime Gold status, but IIRC this is a relatively new perk for all fliers (but if you don't have status you may want to double check).
Change Fees "Gone For Good"(WW ex-USA,non-BE), credit for lower fare!, Intl&BE waiver
Mar 19, 2024, 1:44 am
#97
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,044
Since this thread was started, airlines have applied artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to revenue management and almost never offer their best fares months in advance. They have no reason to.
There may be a constantly changing "sweet spot" to purchase tickets, which the airlines will never reveal to us, of between three weeks and two months prior to travel.
If sales are poor, there may be some last-minute good deals under this AI. On the other hand, with strong sales, the fares will likely only increase.
It pays to be flexible and to check fares often.
There may be a constantly changing "sweet spot" to purchase tickets, which the airlines will never reveal to us, of between three weeks and two months prior to travel.
If sales are poor, there may be some last-minute good deals under this AI. On the other hand, with strong sales, the fares will likely only increase.
It pays to be flexible and to check fares often.