Travelling in style without spending big might sound like an oxymoron, but here’s how Intrepid staff have hacked it.
A fair bit goes into putting a trip together. And for all that effort you’re putting in, it’s only fair that you want to get a lot out of your experience. The same goes for your travel budget. Girl math walked so that travel math could fly (or better yet, so that it could steam ahead), and it always pays to work smarter, not harder.
How exactly do you do that? The well-travelled bunch at Intrepid share how they squeeze the most out of their travel budgets.
Tap into cheap and cheerful ways to save
Build up as much of a travel budget as you can pre-trip, every penny helps. Lead adventure consultant Nadia really gets to work by being resourceful in little ways that add up.
‘A couple of months before my trip I’ll start to make a list on my notes app of the things I wanted to buy but didn’t,’ says Nadia. ‘Think nonessential little treats like coffees or snacks on the go, a new book. Why buy when I can borrow from the library instead? And clothes! Do I really need more thrifted yoga leggings? I [put] all that [saved] money to my “vacation budget” for the trip – small amounts do add up and then I feel like I can spend more while I’m on my trip!’
Do your due diligence
Doing your research and pre-booking the experiences you’re keen on goes a long way, suggests Intrepid sales consultant Hannah. ‘Often places have cheaper online rates, free weekends once a month or multi-attraction tickets that you cannot access on the day or at the door.’ She also adds that sometimes it can even be cheaper at the door, so do your research and double-check.
Jessica, purpose specialist at Intrepid, offers similar advice. ‘Book directly with accommodation, transport and activity suppliers where you can and [don’t] use third-party booking sites. Some accommodation suppliers offer discounts for booking directly with them, so I always check. Also, sometimes if you can book and pay in the local currency it can work out cheaper if the bank you use offers same-day currency exchange rates.’
Timing is everything
To reduce your costs more generally, picking your moment can have a big payoff. ‘Travel off-season, or slightly off season,’ says Ngaire, senior UI designer. ‘Accommodation and flights are usually cheaper and there are fewer crowds.’ SEO copywriter Meghan agrees, saying that she ‘always’ travels during the off season thanks to the costs it helps to cut.
Being savvy about your departure can also help to save a few cents. Laura, global brand content production coordinator, suggests opting for ‘a late overnight flight home (if you can stand it) so you still get a full day at the end of your trip without needing an extra night of accommodation.’
Hit the ground running (or walking)
‘I ALWAYS opt for walking!’ says Hasret, Tailor-Made sales manager.
It might sound simple, but the benefits you get from going for a stroll make it worth repeating, explains Evan, graphic designer at Intrepid. ‘Not only does it save you cash, you learn your way around the city and see things you wouldn’t otherwise see travelling by car, train or bus. You can just wander in and check things out at your own pace.’
Chalice, product content lead, concurs, suggesting that there’s ‘no better way to find something cool than by opening yourself up to pure chance’ – chance that only comes with being on the ground in your destination.
Still, you might need some help with navigating, or maybe you want a bit more context behind what you’re seeing. In that case, purpose specialist Jessica loves ‘a good free walking tour to orientate myself to a new location. Obviously, there is a tip component but often works out cheaper than paid tours and I’ve found them always to be fantastic.’
Don’t miss out on the perks of public transport
It might take a couple of days to get the hang of it, but if you want to save money while travelling, public transport is the way to go according to Intrepid’s design lead, Jamie. ‘Lots of cities offer cheap multi-day tourist passes for their transit networks or have affordable bike-share programs, which can be significantly cheaper than taking an Uber or taxis everywhere, particularly as more and more countries move to discourage driving.’
He adds that it also helps you to travel like a local and ‘gives you the freedom to discover hidden gems while you explore. Some cities even offer discount rates for off-peak travel, so be sure to research your destination’s transit network before you leave and see what your options are.’
‘Remember to check if the city you’re visiting has an app where you can purchase a travel pass online before you arrive. It can save you a lot of time trying to figure out how to use a kiosk in another language!’
Ask a local
It shouldn’t be a surprise that the biggest tip that came through and through from the Intrepid team was the power of asking for a little help. Whenever Hasret meets a local she often asks them about their go-to local food spot. ‘It’s generally budget friendly and delicious,’ she says. Sales manager Connor adds it also worth asking hotel reception staff or their local leader for their best cheap eats away from the crowds.
Enjoy a spot of aisle-hopping
Food plays a massive role in any trip abroad – so much so that Intrepid’s got a whole theme dedicated to exploring dishes just as much as the destination. Depending on where you’re travelling, though, going out for dinners can start to leave a dent in your budget.
There’s an easy and fun fix for that. ‘Hit the supermarket rather than eating out,’ says Evan. ‘Going to a supermarket in a foreign country is one of life’s great pleasures, and you save some cash.’
Ance, general manager for eastern Europe, adds that it’s not only more wallet-friendly, but ‘shopping in the local supermarket lets you enjoy the local specialties. This gives the opportunity to see what locals eat and try food at a much more reasonable price than in a restaurant. The same for local drinks.’
On top of that, you might leave with more than just a stocked pantry. Digital analyst Bee likes to ask the cashiers for where they eat locally. ‘I’ve so far never been led astray and have been able to experience the area like a local while avoiding inflated tourist hotspots.’
Indulge in sensible splurges
That said, you should still find time to enjoy what your destination has to offer. Luckily, there are ways to get a good deal out of that, too.
Samantha, marketing manager for ANZ, decides to dine at lunchtime. ‘Many restaurants have cheaper set menus at lunch so I’m getting the experience of dining out without the premium dinner price tag. Plus, it means I’m well-fed and reenergised for an afternoon of sightseeing!’
While trawling through social media is one way to know what’s good, there’s no better indicator than people voting with their feet. ‘Keep an eye out for heaving lines of locals outside restaurants or food stands’, says senior graphic designer Pat. ‘Join that queue; it will more than likely be a delicious, budget-friendly delicacy – and definitely worth the wait.’
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