How to Save Money in Your Next Trip
By Rose Salas
下一站如何省钱？
据联合国世界旅游组织，2017年出境游花费达到3000亿美元。对于普通家庭和背包客来讲，预算是有限的，但是省钱的技巧有很多。
1.去值得去的地方。想清楚旅游的目的，再决定去什么地方。例如，如你想了解一个国家的文化，那么就必须考虑相互临近的、博物馆和艺术中心集中的城市。一般情况下，这些景点都是免费的，如果需要购买门票，那么建议提前在网上查一查有没有折扣。
2.预订性价比高的旅馆或酒店。如果一整天都在外面逛吃，而酒店仅仅是一个睡觉的地方，那么就没有必要住五星级酒店了。建议使用AirBnB或Agoda等App，预订有折扣，而且售后完全不用担心。一旦出现例如酒店取消预订等问题，平台会全程协助，直至问题处理好。
3.当心额外零碎花费。如果没有细致规划，旅行中会时不时出现一些额外的零碎花费，例如交通，如果没有预见机场到酒店的费用，并且没有选择免费巴士而选择了打的，那么这将是一笔不小的额外开支。再如药物，推荐随行携带一些常用药物，一旦出现小病痛，就可以自行解决，省时省钱。
4.仔细规划行程。如果已经非常确定要去某个地方，那么不要雇佣导游。如果打算在某一处深度游，不建议预订跟团游。如果想尝试当地特色美食，那么就去小摊点、美食街或者夜市。避免饮食连锁，因为可能会更贵，而且毕竟是来体验当地饮食文化的啊！对了，别开客房里的啤酒，想喝就去便利店买。
5.理性购物。别冲动，购物之前先弄清楚自己需要些什么。买点不常见的纪念品，买品牌商品的话确保有全球联保，买打折商品记得检查商品是否有瑕疵，别买太多，超重就得另外支付费用了。如果用银行卡支付，要弄清楚是否有汇率转换费，如果用信用卡，先看看发卡行是否有境外购物折扣。凡事多查一查，没坏处。
Have you been thinking lately whether you’ll be going to the next destination on your Bucket List? Most globetrotters, according to United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), are now from China. Chinese tourists spent almost $300 billion in 2017 going to different parts of the world and enjoying domestic holidays by international travels.
Due to the rise of middle-class travellers, more and more people can go to their dream destinations and travel 2-3 times a year. Travellers’ choice can vary from local to international places. If asked where we would splurge the most, many would prefer to get economy fares, transportation, accommodation and food, so bigger portion of the pocket money can be spent in shopping!
For average families or backpackers, limited budgets are allotted in every travel. Some students who also go on a low-cost escapade with friends have interesting itineraries! Depending on the money you would like to spend on every trip, there are more and more ways that you can find to go on a hassle-free, penny-wise but enjoyable travel. Here are a few hacks and smart tips so that you can save and plan a trip even with a small budget:
1. Look for attractions that are worth-visiting
Travellers who’d like to see and study the culture of the country they’re visiting must drop by cities with museums and art centres that are in close proximity of each other. Most of the times, these places are accessible for free. If you will visit attractions that have entrance fees, research online before you travel and check if you can purchase tickets on a discounted price. You can save if you buy these tickets on a package deal. For example, if you travel to KL Malaysia, you can check the Royal Malaysian Police Museum, Bank Negara Malaysia Museum & Art Gallery, and Merdeka Square to learn about their culture for free! For free amazing street musicians, chill around the KLCC Train Station. If you want some free adventures, go to Batu Caves for rock climbing. Just make sure to bring your own gears. For a $1 entrance, you can visit the KL City Gallery for some insightful stories on history. Go to KLCC Park for an urban sightseeing trail surrounded by skyscrapers and get to see the famous Petronas Towers. You can get instagram-worthy pictures around these places too!
2. Book economical but decent inns or hotels
Think about this - if you plan to stay out of the hotel all day and will only come back when it’s time to sleep, then, it is not practical to book a 5-star hotel. You can opt for budget inns if there are many of you travelling. Use booking apps like AirBnB or Agoda, which are highly popular when you travel internationally, and look for promos that can fit your budget. There is an advantage when booking via these apps, because in the event that there are problems with your bookings, they can fully compensate or even upgrade your reservations. I experienced this myself! I was transferred to a better and more expensive hotel when the first hotel I booked was for some reason cancelled, and they really called and took care till I was settled in the next hotel. For example, if you plan to visit Tokyo, Japan, with your all-girls group, book Centurion Ladies Hostel Ueno Park for spacious and wifi-ready rooms. These 2 apps usually give up to 85% off and last minute drops before your desired travel. You can save as much $50-100 and get as low as $50 for a decent Japanese room!
3. Little Things Matter
Extra expenses occur when you don’t set your itineraries carefully. For example, one of the most overlooked concerns when you travel is Transfers. If you do not have a reserved transfer service once you arrive at your destination, this can cause you big bucks if you book a taxi going to your hotel. Some airports offer free shuttle services. Instead of taxis, you can ride a bus going to the city. If you travel within Manila, Philippines, ride using Grab to save 50% on fares instead of using the local taxis. If you will be heading to an island like Boracay, check if your transfer service is already a part of your travel package, otherwise, do not easily give in to the prices the local people will charge you. Research is very important. Haggle wisely. If you have friends that you can contact, get some help. Do not go higher than $60 for a 10-people boat transfer. Bring your first-aid kit or your emergency medicines so you don’t have to spend if need be. You can save $100 with your emergency kit instead of going to a doctor/hospital ER for some minor emergency issues.
4. Plan your itineraries very well
If you are certain of the places that you’ll go, do not hire a tourist guide. If you want to maximize your stay in one attraction or place, do not book a package tour. If you want to splurge on food then go to hawkers, street or night markets and enjoy a wide variety of local foods. If you intend to visit Singapore, the best night food markets are Chinatown Complex Food Centre, Old Airport Road Market, Maxwell Road Hawker Centre, Tiong Bahru Market, and Chomp Chomp Food Centre. Food offered here can go anywhere from S$2-S$20 only! As much as possible, avoid the common fast food chains, as they are sometimes more expensive. And hey, you need to do away with your common cravings first and just feel the culture of the place you’re visiting by enjoying their famous and extravagant cuisines! Go to convenience stores like 7-11 if you want to get some beers rather than buying from the hotel.
5. Shop wisely
Do not become an impulsive shopper. Before you even go to a shopping area, know what you need. Buy souvenirs that are not commonly seen elsewhere. If you are eyeing some brands, go directly to the mall and make sure that you go home with international warranties, or, check that the items are not defective if you are buying them on sale. Do not buy more than your baggage allowance can hold, or pay extra charge upon boarding. If you are using cards, know that there are conversion charges too. Check if your credit cards can get you rebates if you use them abroad. Always research and be on guard.
Travelling within small budgets can make you wiser and practical. If you are smarter and follow my tips, you can even save some more of your travel money and use it in your destination. Have you done any of these? Feel free to share!
