Vacations have their way of eating into your precious savings. And when you are talking of going out of the country, the expenses only mount further. So though you badly need a break, you’ve postponed your international holiday for the umpteenth time.
Well, here’s good news for you. Exploring the world doesn’t have to mean the end of your savings. Use these tips to budget your holiday abroad and not go broke.

Plan Your Budget
Read up on the place you want to visit – surf the Internet, buy a Lonely Planet guide or read travelogues. Chalking out an itinerary will give you an estimate of how much all the things you want to do will cost you. “Blogs are your best bet. Reading people’s personal experiences as well as their useful tips goes a long way in planning your vacation, ” says Ira Singh, a 28-year-old, who holidays abroad once every year.

Find Cheap Accommodation
Give hotels a skip to cut costs. Hostels are a cheaper option. Did you know you can stay at the YMCA in London for as little as Rs 1200 per day?

Homestays are a fairly new concept in India, but if you are travelling abroad, it is not difficult to find a family you can live with for a nominal fee. Hospitality Club (www.hospitalityclub.org) is one place you could start. Finally, hit Facebook and reconnect with those long-lost friends and relatives. They might just welcome you to stay with them.

Pack Light and Smart
Take only absolute essentials with you. This way if you do a little extra shopping you won’t have to pay for excess baggage.

Save on your laundry and ironing bills by carrying a detergent and the right kind of clothes. If you are planning to hang around the beach a lot, carry easy wash and wear clothes like lycra. And if it’s a snowy place, go with woollen sweaters that don’t crumple easily.

Travel Abroad Off Season
Travelling abroad off season means you will be able to experience the local flavour of the place. Plus, everything is a whole lot cheaper – right from your air tickets to accommodation and even shopping! So remember to keep an eye out for discounts offered by airlines. Avoid travelling to Europe and the Americas around holidays such as Christmas, New Year or even the summer. Australia, though, is a good option in summer.

Go the Local Way
Once you are at your destination, use public transport, rent a bicycle or walk! But if you are choosing any of these, make sure to carry a map with you so you don’t get lost. If you are looking for souvenirs, flea markets are an inexpensive option that also allow for bargaining.

“When I was sight-seeing in New York, I ate hot dogs, kebabs and gyros on-the-go. They were cheap and tasty. What’s more, we didn’t waste time dining at a formal restaurant and got to see more of the city, ” says Samuel D’Souza who travelled around the United States earlier this year.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and jet off to your dream destination on a budget!

11 Aug 2010

http://idiva.com/news-work-life/holiday-abroad-on-a-budget/1469

Average Rating: 4.8 out of 5 based on 151 user reviews.

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This article is written by Chris McGinnis; Chris is the business travel columnist for BBC Travel

Throughout the year, there are predictable peaks and valleys in travel demand and pricing. Travellers who study them can save money and have more comfortable trips.

In London, holiday shoppers keep hotels full and rates sky high throughout the holiday season

As the holiday season approaches, these peaks and valleys multiply — especially in the US, which celebrates Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years within a six-week time period. According to Expedia, most searching and booking for holiday trips occurs during October, so with that in mind, here’s a road map to help plan for the season:

Valley: 1 to 17 November
As Thanksgiving week in the US approaches, travel demand and pricing typically decline, making this a good time to schedule business or leisure trips. However this is also a very popular time for conventions, so be aware of major cities hosting large events where you’ll likely find crowding and higher prices.

Peak: 18 to 23 November
If you don’t have to travel in the US during this time, stay on the sidelines. During the Thanksgiving peak, airfares soar and US airports become clogged inexperienced travellers. However, it also means fewer Americans will be travelling abroad that week, making it a good time to snag a cheap transatlantic business class fare.

Valley: 24 to 25 November
Savvy travellers have learned to save time and money by flying in on Thanksgiving morning for the feast, and then flying out on Friday evening.

Peak: 26 to 29 November
As US travellers return from the Thanksgiving break, it’s time for big crowds. High prices. Big headaches. A perfect time for a teleconference or a staycation!

Valley: 30 November to 20 December
Early December is one of the very best times of year for business or leisure travel just about anywhere in the world. Prices plunge. Crowds go home. (Exception: New York City or London where holiday shoppers keep hotels full and rates sky high.) If you are travelling on business, clients are likely to be in good moods. On the leisure side, you’ll find some of the lightest crowds and lowest prices of the year on cruises or at Disney parks.

Peak: 21 December to 3 January
Christmas Day falls on Sunday this year, so peak travel days begin on the Tuesday or Wednesday prior. Try to avoid returning to the roads or skies until the Tuesday after New Years Day (also on Sunday).

Aside from the threat of inclement weather, January is also a fine time for business travel — it’s low season, so airfares and hotel rates are down, crowds are thin, and the airport belongs to the road warrior. You might even get a cherished upgrade.

Chris McGinnis

5 Oct 2011

http://www.bbc.com/travel/blog/20111005-roadmap-for-holiday-travel

Average Rating: 4.8 out of 5 based on 287 user reviews.

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