MANY say that traveling is an expensive endeavor. Yes, you really have to shell out something, whether resources, time or effort, just to satiate your wanderlust. But there are other ways wherein you can keep your expenses to the minimum and experience the joy of exploring another place apart from your own.
Traveling for work is a great opportunity, but often, you are limited by the events and meetings you have to attend. So, if you want to travel for leisure but don’t want to spend that much, here are just a few tips that I can share with you (if there are more, I’ll write a separate article on that.)
1. Join travel contests
I’m a sucker for travel contests. I join travel quizzes, content-based contests, and even vote-based contests. In fact, I’m currently up for voting at the Kerala Blog Express Season 4 that will hopefully take me to Kerala, India, should I be selected among the winners. But for this one, voting is just one of the bases for selection as blog quality and social media reach will also be taken into consideration.
I joined a Medical Tourism Blog Contest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in 2010 which, as a finalist, granted me a grand time in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The contest also opened doors for me to be invited to a familiarization trip in 2014 that brought me back to these two cities. So, that’s two free trips all in all. This year, I also won an all-expense paid trip to New Zealand through Globe’s #Wonderful blog contest.
But joining such is not a walk in the park. It takes effort to be able to win these contests. That’s why I appreciate my readers who support me in these endeavors, especially those who are still voting for me for the Kerala Blog Express
2. Use credit card points
If you have credit cards, earn points that you can redeem for free airline tickets or hotel stays. I’ve already flown on business class, thanks to my credit card points. But, of course, you have to be careful with how you manage your finances. When I use my credit card, I make sure that I have ready funds to pay for the equivalent amount I charge.
3. Enroll in airline clubs, booking sites
But if you don’t have a credit card, which is an important tool when you travel, by the way, enroll in airline clubs and cards, sign up in booking site or take advantage of other points-generating avenues. For example, I got a value card for a gasoline station brand that I patronize. I also have membership cards in airlines I frequently travel with. I then combine both to avail of a free airline ticket. Also, I get free nights or discounted rates in hotels through booking sites where I am a member of. Booking sites are helpful in finding the cheapest or value-for-money accommodations.
4. Watch out for travel sales
When airlines offer special discount sales or when they have fare glitches, usually during off-peak season, it’s always good that you are constantly on-the-know so you can immediately make your travel bookings while the rates are low. Also, travel expos often have different costs or exclusive offers, which is why travel enthusiasts really go to these gatherings.
Which ones do you think is more doable for you? Have you tried any of the tips or do you have other tips to share?
Claire Marie Algarme blogs at http://firsttimetravels.com. Follow her as @firsttimetravel on Twitter and Instagram.