How NOT to travel on the cheap

Are you looking for budget holiday ideas? You know that you can save money by booking cheap flights online and finding last minute accommodation deals on websites. Some of the more experienced bargain hunters are sign up to deal clubs or find out about secret sale days and extra frequent flyer points.

Those tips are good – but if you’re really looking to save money on your bargain holiday, here are some tips we guarantee you haven’t tried (and we don’t actually recommend that you do!)

How not to fly on the cheap – these days, many budget airlines offer no frills airplane seats – so it’s BYO food and entertainment. To save a little extra money, suggest BYO seat. Just purchase a standard issue airplane seatbelt and strap yourself onboard!

The cargo hold is also pressurised, so you could try to negotiate to check yourself in as someone else’s luggage and just pay the overweight baggage fees instead. It’s a great way to get yourself started on that diet you’ve been looking to try.

A better idea – book your flights early and well in advance. A travel agent can often help you find a competitive quote and will have access to exclusive airfares and flight deals – and you will get your own seat, guaranteed.

How not to find cheap accommodation – sure you can waste money on airport hotels or even try to sleep in the airport itself – but it’s often too bright and noisy. One way to get a bit of privacy for cheap is to rent an airport storage locker and crawl inside – many of the oversized ones are quite cosy, have a good vent shaft and cost just a few dollars for 24 hours. And if you spend some time rounding up stray luggage trolleys, you could get your entire night’s accommodation for free.

A better idea – surf the net for cheap hotel deals. Many of the best hotel chains offer discount rates for their unsold rooms, so you’re likely to find a great rate on comfortable accommodation – with an actual bed!

How not to find cheap eats – there’s nothing like tucking into the great local cuisine while you’re on holidays. But if you’re really looking to save some dough, have you thought about trapping and cooking the food yourself. For example, fried rats are considered a delicacy in Thailand, so if you set some traps in the budget hostel, you’re bound to catch yourself a feast!

A better idea – do some research on cheap eats in the local area – you’ll find plenty of directories and guides online. For more expensive places, book yourself a table for lunch instead of dinner – on weekdays, you’ll often find a number of great lunch deals on offer.

How not to see the sights – admission to some of the best museums can cost a bit of money, especially if you’re looking to gain access to the special collections. Instead, just ask for a copy of the audio tour. If the descriptions are actually any good, you’ll get all of the information you need about the exhibits and save money on the entry fee.

A better idea – most major cities have plenty of free activities to enjoy. Staying in Sydney? The Rocks hotel is a stone’s throw away from some of the best free attractions. The Museum of Contemporary Art or the Art Gallery of NSW have no admission fees. And remember, a walk through the city streets is always free!

What are your favourite (real) cheap travel ideas for last minute holidays?

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