How to save money on vacation: tips from experienced people. Fly on weekdays. To fully plan, you will need

How to save money on holidays abroad

The best way to save is to refuse her travel agency services or reduce them to a minimum. Go on vacation as a "savage", and do not be afraid of the opportunity to come "into the void". As they say, people are everywhere, and they all live somewhere, and no one is averse to earning extra money during the global financial crisis. That's why .

The situation is more complicated with foreign trips, but here, too, the Russians have come up with “loopholes”. As you know, in order to obtain a visa from a tourist, a confirmed hotel reservation is required. With the advent of the Internet, this problem has become easy to solve. Book a hotel online, get confirmation, and after the long-awaited visa stamp in your passport, cancel your reservation and go wherever you want.

Many airlines offer discounts just for booking tickets in advance. This will save less, but, as we know, a penny saves a ruble. You can follow on our website or subscribe to the newsletter to the right of the article.

Transfer tickets are cheaper. Of course, you will have to sit at the airport for some time.

In order not to miss a single day of vacation, most vacationers go to the “south” on the weekend following the last working day. As a result, weekend flights are overcrowded, and weekdays planes are empty. To encourage their customers to fly on weekdays, a number of airlines offer discounts for flights on weekdays. Find out "what's the price" and take advantage of this opportunity, the flight search form to the right of the article.

If you do not have the time and desire to stand in line at the embassy of the country where you are going to go, you can separately from special agencies without buying a tour from a travel agency.

You can do the same if you have relatives, friends or just acquaintances living abroad. Ask them to send you the invitation you need just to leave. And you, again, can live wherever you want, without burdening your foreign friends with your presence.

If you still decide to use the services of travel agencies, then remember, in order to attract customers, many travel companies use loyalty programs. They issue discount cards and distribute them to their customers. Even if you do not have such a card, one of your friends will surely have it. can be up to 10%. Why not take advantage of this? In addition, a number travel companies provide a discount (up to 5%) for ordering a tour via the Internet. The total discount can be up to 15%. Substantial savings! You must understand that any travel agency is interested in selling you the most expensive tour possible. Do not be fooled by this and immediately ask to talk about the most budget options recreation

How to save money on vacation at sea

Who said that you need to rest in August?! This is the peak season and the prices are also the highest! Come in early June - then the prices will still be minimal, the sea is already warm, but there is still no suffocating heat, and fruits and vegetables are presented in abundance on the market shelves: strawberries, cherries, cherries. You can also come at the end of August, or better at the beginning of September - the sea is warm, the heat has already subsided, but the temperature is about 30 degrees, there are a lot of fruits: apples, watermelons, melons, grapes, and prices have already fallen. This advice alone will allow you to save from 10 thousand rubles on accommodation alone! Of course, it's great to relax in a sanatorium or hotel, where "all inclusive"! But this pleasure is not cheap at all! It is much cheaper to get a job in the private sector, in a turnkey room or apartment.

You should not buy anything in tents and stalls located near the sea or in central park. Often the prices for sun creams, burn creams, inflatable boats and souvenirs can be bought at the central market or the Northern market 2-3 times cheaper. There is a simple rule: the closer to the sea and crowds of people - the more expensive.

Roaming costs a lot, even taking into account the "price reduction", "special tariff" and other promotions of big 4 mobile operators. Therefore, it is better to go in and buy 2 or 3 SIM-cards with a normal rate and use them on vacation. And when you leave, you can go to the sales office and cancel the contract. Thus, you can significantly save on mobile communications.

How to save on holidays in the Crimea

The first way to save is to rent a room in a private house. Most likely, you will have to cook yourself, but who thinks about food on vacation? You will be fed in any cafe, and if you are not too lazy to cook yourself, then you will also save extra. In addition, in the summer you can eat something that does not require cooking. Cherries, peaches, watermelons, melons…

It is better to choose the end of spring, the beginning of summer, or the first weeks of autumn. Of course, this option has its drawbacks: you can get into the rainy season, and the water in the sea at such a time can be several degrees colder, but reasonable prices and half-empty beaches more than compensate for all the shortcomings.

Another cost item is food. To reduce it, it is best to cook on your own (if, of course, living conditions allow), or go to small eateries or cafes, where local delicacies will be offered to you at half the price than in large restaurants.

How to save money on vacation in Anapa

Here we can advise you on the same ways to save on vacation as in the previous heading. you can always rent an apartment or a house not on the coast, go in a large group, cook on your own, and there are no losses on conversion when exchanging currency.

How to save money on holidays in Thailand

How to save money on holidays in Spain

The hotel is good, but why is a student hostel not housing for you? It offers cheap hotels and hostels that are gaining popularity in Europe. Cheap and cheerful.

How to save money on holidays in Egypt

Prices for holidays in Egypt vary greatly: they directly depend on the place you choose. In order to save money, you should not choose a hotel in Sharm el-Sheikh, it is better to stay in Hurghada. In no case should you go on vacation to Egypt as savages, go on excursions on your own, use the services of street guides and drivers. It is very difficult to save on holidays in this country, as it is unsafe. It is best to choose all-inclusive packages.

How to save money on holidays in Turkey

The most profitable way to save- these are, of course, the so-called "burning" tours to Turkish resorts offered by various tour operators. The cost of last minute tours can be reduced by 20-25 percent compared to regular tours. And this is a very significant savings. Until now, a certain category of our citizens has a widespread opinion that last-minute tours are associated with poor-quality recreation or poor-quality services. In fact, the attractive cost of such vouchers arises due to the fact that there are only a few days left before departure or chartered flight not yet filled with vacationers and there are enough free tickets.

striving save on vacation in Turkey, spend enough time choosing the right tour operator. Fortunately, this country is very developed travel business and there are plenty of companies specializing in trips to Turkey. Therefore, among the many offers you can always find one that will pleasantly surprise you with its price.

Another important point- choice of rest time. As practice shows, the cheapest vacation in Turkey is in May or early October, when local resorts there are not so many people, and the prices for hotel accommodation and excursions are reduced.

You can go to Turkey in November, since in Belek or Alanya at this time it is still quite possible to swim. Swimming on sea ​​coast can always be replaced by acceptance water procedures in the hotel pool sea ​​water seems too cold to you.

Finally, another important detail regarding tours is that air travel accounts for a significant share in the cost of the tour. For this reason, it is much more profitable to purchase tours to Antalya or to any other of the popular Turkish resorts not for a week, but, say, for ten to fourteen days.

How to save money on holidays in Cyprus

If you plan the route well, then the trip will turn out to be no less interesting. Also, avoid buying souvenirs on the beaches and in the coastal area.

An inexpensive vacation at sea is possible with the right approach. In some cases, it is cheaper to book a hotel and buy tickets on your own than to seek help from a tour operator. Follow the articles on our website to be always up to date with travel.

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In pre-crisis times, Russians traveling abroad saved only on the star rating of the hotel and excursions included in the tourist product. The current foreign exchange rate makes us cut the budget of "foreign" holidays much more. So what's the best way to save money now? foreign vacation without much loss of quality?

Package or "self-propelled"?

Seasoned travelers, who are well versed in some languages, urge our citizens to refuse to purchase travel packages. Like, having an international card, you can order housing via the Internet, and find cheap plane tickets. And a taxi driver will arrange an excursion in any country without any problems (if you talk to him competently). The offer, of course, is tempting, but only for those who really know languages ​​\u200b\u200band well (at least the ubiquitous English), understands regional studies, knows how to order services on the global network (without the danger of stumbling into scammers).

In this case, everyone else is advised to seek help from tourist and transport agencies. There you will find a profitable promotion of some airline and a cheap guest establishment will be selected abroad (with the calculation of a seasonal discount). Agents will pay for the order through the card of their company. You do not owe money - intermediaries automatically receive a percentage of each transaction. The exception is the airline ticket office. But the “fee” donated to him is nothing compared to the amount that you win by “catching” a share or a low-cost airline company ...

Statistics say that in the case of Western Europe a self-made tour is cheaper than a package tour, in the case of Turkey, Egypt or the UAE, they are approximately equal in price, but in the distant exotic countries better guided organized group. Regular flight to the countries of the Western Hemisphere or Southeast Asia costs several times more than a charter one. In addition, ordering accommodation through booking.com is fraught with troubles at the local resorts. A temptingly cheap hostel can turn into a 20-bed hostel instead of a double (where you can find yourself surrounded large group representatives of an alien mentality), and a decent hotel in the photo often turns out to be a breeding ground for huge cockroaches.

How to buy a tour package

Further information for those who nevertheless decided to put themselves at the mercy of the operator.

First, always use the same agency. As a result, 5%, and over time, 7% discounts are guaranteed to you. This fact checked by experienced travelers.

Secondly, from the standpoint of rationalism, one should never take a ticket in the season itself, in the midst of public holidays Russia, and especially important dates the country where you are going. It's always twice the price. The best option for Europe - departure to last days May. You go to the “off season”, and you wait for the season already on the spot.

It is worth noting that such tours are sold only as part of early booking. Therefore, it will be necessary to pay off the agents already a month before the long-awaited departure. But such vouchers, as a rule, already include 1-2 excursions and free breakfast. Some are also provided with dinner (depending on the mood of the hotelier - each of them will do everything to get clients in May ...). It often turns out that your tourist product (with two excursions, breakfast and dinner) is still much cheaper than the one bought in July-August.

We take until it burns

Sometimes the most budgetary way to purchase a travel package is to buy a last-minute tour. But at the same time, you need to better understand the product that is slipped to you. It is also necessary to have a passport ready (and in the case of Europe, a visa, which, by the way, also costs money). And in order to have time to make a profitable deal at any time - you need to purchase tours only in visa-free countries. Check out their list.

How to save money in the host country

In many countries, "all inclusive" means only a light breakfast (forget about Turkey). Lunch and dinner will have to be organized by yourself. The main rule is not to eat in establishments located in the center of tourist attractions or near the beach (the exception is India and the countries of Southeast Asia, where cheap food is waiting for you everywhere). Having a meal in a fast food establishment or an inexpensive cafe in a residential area, you save at least twice. In Italy, tap water is so pure that you can bottle it and take it with you (500 grams of ordinary water costs a whole euro in shops in Southern Europe). And always pick up your order yourself. Waiter services can cost you an extra euro (dollar).

“There is a curious category of people among us (it should be noted that it is not numerous), which, in terms of the level of maximalism, will give odds to any teenagers. We don’t have money for an expensive vacation, but we don’t want to be content with cheap ones,” says my friend Nastya. “We’ll go next year, when we collect money.

My exhortations that you can’t refuse to rest, and money has absolutely nothing to do with it, they don’t give an effect. And completely in vain, I think. After all, rest is much more about enjoying the atmosphere of another country and the beauties of nature than a question of comfort and the opportunity to "deny yourself nothing." And rest at home or even in the country, as you understand, although it is good, it will not add "fullness of the feeling of life" and new impressions.

Nothing is impossible
Even if you are convinced that this year's vacation for some reason does not shine for you, look at it from the other side. Does the vacation schedule "release" you only closer to winter? My dears, during a crisis, you can be gladly "blessed" to rest in the summer as well. No money? Postpone any purchase (even giving up a pair of sundresses and new sandals can help), choose a cheaper country, take a ticket with fewer days, but be sure to go. If you don't go, you'll regret it all year long.

Preparatory work
Any serious event requires appropriate preparation. What makes you think that vacation should be different? You can, of course, book a tour on the website of the first travel company that came across on the Internet, on the right day and hour, jump on the bandwagon of the train (as an option, the bus step, the gangway of the plane) and, without bothering yourself extra information to go on a trip abroad.

Only now it will cost you about one and a half to two times more than a carefully planned vacation. In addition, will you get pleasure even if you don’t really decide where exactly you want to go, what to see and try? .. Finally, only rich people can afford such an “impromptu” vacation, for whom it will not be difficult at least a couple of thousand and, without hesitation, "lower" them for entertainment. Everyone else, who is forced to plan the amount so that "everywhere and for everything is enough", has to count, count and count again.

Financial components of your vacation
Remember this wonderful metaphor - you can eat an elephant, but only if you cut it into pieces. It's the same with traveling abroad. If you do not know which side to "approach" to the tourist issue, decompose the trip into the most important components that require financial investments from you. And only then "start" to the meal.

So, after a simple analysis, I singled out six most important financial elements in a vacation: travel agency expenses, transportation, accommodation, food, entertainment and shopping. Let's start with travel services.

5 ways to save on travel agency services

The situation is more complicated with foreign trips, but here, too, the Russians have come up with "loopholes". As you know, in order to obtain a visa from a tourist, a confirmed hotel reservation is required. With the advent of the Internet, this problem has become easy to solve. Book a hotel online, get confirmation, and after the long-awaited visa stamp in your passport, cancel your reservation and go wherever you want.

If you do not have the time and desire to stand in line at the embassy of the country where you are going to go, you can separately order a visa processing service from a travel agency without buying a tour.

Method 2. Go by invitation
You can do the same if you have relatives, friends or just acquaintances living abroad. Ask them to send you the invitation you need just to leave. And you, again, can live wherever you want, without burdening foreign "benefactors" with your presence.

Method 3. Use a discount card and an online order form
To attract customers, many travel companies use loyalty programs. Speaking "in Russian", they imitate discount cards and distribute them to their customers. Even if you do not have such a card, one of your friends will surely have it. Discounts on tours or flights can be up to 10%. Why not take advantage of this? In addition, a number of travel companies provide a discount (up to 5%) for ordering a tour via the Internet. The total discount can be up to 15%. Substantial savings!

Method 4. Travel in a group
It is always cheaper to travel in a group than one or even two. In addition to saving on a hotel room, you will significantly save on travel services (such rules apply, for example, in Belarus). If the tour is issued not for each individual, but for a group, the tourist service is paid once.

Method 5. "Squeeze everything", but do not let "squeeze you"
You must understand that any travel agency is interested in selling you the most expensive tour possible. Do not "get fooled" by this and immediately ask to talk about the most budgetary options for recreation. By the way, you can read about them on Internet forums. Tourist experience you know, the earth is full.

Transport and accommodation

Of course, the cheapest option is to go on holiday on foot and live on the street. But we will not go to extremes and consider a few more (but far from the most!) Expensive and safe options ...

In general, crisis times are a paradise for the consumer, especially those who have saved money for vacations in the pre-crisis period of high earnings. However, in any case, even if your income has decreased due to the worsening economic situation, you should keep in mind that vacation offers have also fallen in price. Let's take transportation for example.

8 Ways to Save on Transportation Costs

I don’t argue, it’s not easy to ride a bus for several days. On the other hand, tour operators providing this type of recreation always make sure that the tourist has something to do on the road. It's not just videos on a DVD player. Currently in routes bus tours almost always includes excursions in the capitals or major cities transit states. Thus, you have the opportunity to visit more cities and, accordingly, get more impressions.

Tour operators usually don’t torment vacationers with overnight transfers, so you can be sure (but check just in case!) that every evening you will arrive at a decent hotel where you can take a shower, dine at a restaurant and relax.

Method 2. Own car or "operation-cooperation"
Another way to save money is to go on a trip in your own transport or your friends' car (or take your friends in your car as an option). You will have a chance to save half the amount on gasoline, from which you have to subtract (although, why take away, you can include?) the cost of the "green card".

If you wish, you can hire a guide who will arrange excursions for you in the cities that you pass through. And you can and "do not scatter money." Tourist routes with the designation of all the main attractions "the Internet is full." So, you yourself can make your trip interesting and exciting.

Method 3. Hot tours
Last minute tours are an option for those who "like it hot". Not everyone has enough nerves just a couple of days before the vacation to look for a last-minute tour. But when you think about almost half the cost you can save with this offer, I think it's worth the risk.

Prepare in advance a list of sites where you will track last-minute tours. And… patience, only patience!

Method 4. Advance order
On the other hand, many airlines provide discounts just for booking tickets in advance. This will save less, but, as we know, a penny saves a ruble.

Method 5. With transfers
Transfer tickets are cheaper. Of course, you will have to sit at the airport for some time. But if you don't have a phobia inspired by the "Terminal" movie with Tom Hanks, you can use this idea to save money.

Method 6. Fly on weekdays
In order not to miss a single day of vacation, most vacationers go to the "south" on the weekend following the last working day. As a result, flights on weekends are overcrowded, and planes are empty on weekdays.

To encourage their customers to fly on weekdays, a number of airlines offer discounts for flights on weekdays. Find out "what's the price" and take advantage of this opportunity.

Method 7. Weigh your luggage
Undoubtedly, young ladies want to take as many outfits as possible with them on vacation. Remember how in "Prostokvashino" - so that all evening dresses can be "changed"? .. In some cases, this leads to the fact that you have to pay for excess baggage weight. Therefore, take care in advance to be "within".

Method 8. Taxi-taxi, take it, take it…
The cost of a taxi is always included in the category "additionally paid". Do I need to say that for the passage from the airport you will be "skinned seven times"? If you don’t have huge suitcases, but… a handbag or a backpack, maybe you should take a minibus, public transport, or at least move a little away from the station and take a taxi there. As an option, wait until the rest of the vacationers leave and bargain. If you're with someone, of course...

6 ways to save on accommodation

Due to our mentality, for example, we will not talk about completely strangers, but about "familiar acquaintances" or friends on the Internet. In any case, categorically refuse the option is not worth it. Imagine what savings - to rest "by exchange"!

Method 2. Online dating
In addition, online dating can help you rent inexpensive accommodation in a vacation spot. You will be told and prompted, and possibly settled for a nominal fee.

Method 3. We are modest people, not astrologers
What's with the habit of counting the stars? We are not stargazers! Stars were given to you if most you still spend time outside the room, and come to the hotel only for the night. Be humble - take fewer stars.

Method 4. Let's remember youth!
The hotel is good, but why is a student hostel not housing for you? It offers cheap hotels and hostels that are gaining popularity in Europe and the USA. Cheap and cheerful.

Method 5. Private sector
Another way to save money is to rent a room in a private house. Most likely, you will have to cook yourself, but who thinks about food on vacation? You will be fed in any cafe, and if you are not too lazy to cook yourself, then you will also save extra. In addition, in the summer you can eat something that does not require cooking. Cherries, peaches, watermelons, melons…

Method 6. Unique offers
The global financial crisis has given birth to unique offers ... free or shareware accommodation. For example, the Austrian village of Langenfeld offers accommodation or meals at prices that you set yourself. And enough conscience (more precisely, arrogance) - live, eat and have fun in general for free. 16 hotels, 4 restaurants, 7 entertainment centers. Entertainment is also a dime a dozen - there is rafting, cycling, and climbing the mountains, not to mention swimming and excursions for every taste...

There is a curious category of people among us (it should be noted that it is not numerous), which, in terms of the level of maximalism, will give odds to any teenagers. We don’t have money for an expensive vacation, but we don’t want to be content with cheap ones, ”says my friend Nastya. "We'll go next year when we raise money."

My exhortations that you can’t refuse to rest, and money has absolutely nothing to do with it, they don’t give an effect. And completely in vain, I think. After all, rest is much more about enjoying the atmosphere of another country and the beauties of nature than a question of comfort and the ability to "do not deny yourself anything." And rest at home or even in the country, as you understand, although it is good, it will not add "fullness of the feeling of life" and new impressions.

Nothing is impossible.

Even if you are convinced that this year's vacation for some reason does not shine for you, look at it from the other side. Does the vacation schedule "release" you only closer to winter? My dears, during a crisis, you can be gladly "blessed" to rest in the summer as well. No money? Postpone any purchase (even giving up a pair of sundresses and new sandals can help), choose a cheaper country, take a ticket with fewer days, but be sure to go. If you don't go, you'll regret it all year long.

Preparatory work.

Any serious event requires appropriate preparation. What makes you think that vacation should be different? You can, of course, book a tour on the website of the first travel company that came across on the Internet, on the right day and hour jump on the bandwagon of the train (as an option, the step of the bus, the gangway of the plane) and, without bothering yourself with unnecessary information, go on a trip abroad.

Only now it will cost you about one and a half to two times more than a carefully planned vacation. In addition, will you get pleasure even if you don’t really decide where exactly you want to go, what to see and try? .. Finally, only rich people can afford such an “impromptu” vacation, for whom it will not be difficult at least a couple of thousand and, without hesitation, "lower" them for entertainment. Everyone else, who is forced to plan the amount so that "everywhere and for everything is enough", has to count, count and count again.

Financial components of your vacation.

Remember this wonderful metaphor - you can eat an elephant, but only if you cut it into pieces. It's the same with traveling abroad. If you do not know which side to "approach" to the tourist issue, decompose the trip into the most important components that require financial investments from you. And only then "start" to the meal.

So, after a simple analysis, I singled out six most important financial elements in a vacation: travel agency expenses, transportation, accommodation, food, entertainment and shopping. Let's start with travel services.

8 ways to save on travel agency services

Method 1. Go wild.

The best way to save on the services of a travel agency is to refuse their services or reduce them to a minimum. Go on vacation as a "savage", and do not be afraid of the opportunity to come "into the void". As they say, people are everywhere, and they all live somewhere, and no one is averse to earning extra money during the global financial crisis. Therefore, in any case, you will rent an apartment or a house.

The situation is more complicated with foreign trips, but here, too, the Russians have come up with "loopholes". As you know, in order to obtain a visa from a tourist, a confirmed hotel reservation is required. With the advent of the Internet, this problem has become easy to solve. Book a hotel online, get confirmation, and after the long-awaited visa stamp in your passport, cancel your reservation and go wherever you want.

If you do not have the time and desire to stand in line at the embassy of the country where you are going to go, you can separately order a visa processing service from a travel agency without buying a tour.

Method 2. Go by invitation.

You can do the same if you have relatives, friends or just acquaintances living abroad. Ask them to send you the invitation you need just to leave. And you, again, can live wherever you want, without burdening foreign "benefactors" with your presence.

Method 3. Plan your vacation in advance.

The sooner you decide on your travel dates, the better. Tour operators have a promotion - " early booking". With such a promotion, you can find a tour 30-40% cheaper than in the last days before the vacation itself.

Method 4. Use a discount card and an online order form.

To attract customers, many travel companies use loyalty programs. Speaking "in Russian", they imitate discount cards and distribute them to their customers. Even if you do not have such a card, one of your friends will surely have it. Discounts on tours or flights can be up to 10%. Why not take advantage of this? In addition, a number of travel companies provide a discount (up to 5%) for ordering a tour via the Internet. The total discount can be up to 15%. Substantial savings!

Method 5. Travel in a group.

It is always cheaper to travel in a group than one or even two. In addition to saving on a hotel room, you will significantly save on travel services (such rules apply, for example, in Belarus). If the tour is issued not for each individual, but for a group, the tourist service is paid once.

Method 6. "Squeeze everything", but do not let "squeeze you".

You must understand that any travel agency is interested in selling you the most expensive tour possible. Do not "get fooled" by this and immediately ask to talk about the most budgetary options for recreation. By the way, you can read about them on Internet forums. Tourist experience, you know, the earth is brimming with.

Method 7. Travel in the off-season.

Summer is the holiday season when tickets are very expensive. But in hot countries it is good not only in summer. For example, in autumn in Turkey and Egypt it is not so hot anymore, and it is 20-25% cheaper. In September, prices begin to fall, and good weather lasts until the end of October. You can extend your summer and save on vacation! Most favorable prices for tours in Europe - early spring and late autumn. Or visit exotic countries South-East Asia not in winter, but in summer or autumn. The rainy season is not as terrible as “it is painted”, but the prices for hotels and air flights in the “off season” fall significantly.

In addition, it is easier to go on vacation in the off-season. Yes, and colleagues will envy you more, because they have already rested! Outside the window, rain, slush, and you are going to the sea and the sun - romance!

Method 8. Do not buy all excursions at once.

Transport and accommodation.

Holidays abroad are not always as expensive as it might seem at first glance. In this article, we will tell you how you can save on transport and accommodation.

Of course, the cheapest option is to go on holiday on foot and live on the street. But we will not go to extremes and consider some more (but far from the most!) Expensive and safe options ...

In general, times of crisis are a paradise for the consumer, especially those who put aside money for holidays in the pre-crisis period of high earnings. However, in any case, even if your income has decreased due to the worsening economic situation, you should keep in mind that vacation offers have also fallen in price. Let's take transportation for example.

Method 1. Bus instead of plane.

Of course, this option is not suitable for all routes. But there are a lot of those for whom the bus is an excellent mode of transport that will help save a couple of hundred.

I don’t argue, it’s not easy to ride a bus for several days. On the other hand, tour operators providing this type of recreation always make sure that the tourist has something to do on the road. It's not just videos on a DVD player. Currently, bus tour routes almost always include excursions in the capitals or major cities of transit states. Thus, you have the opportunity to visit more cities and, consequently, get more impressions.

Tour operators usually don’t torment vacationers with overnight transfers, so you can be sure (but check just in case!) that every evening you will arrive at a decent hotel where you can take a shower, dine at a restaurant and relax.

Method 2. Own car or "operation-cooperation".

Another way to save money is to go on a trip in your own transport or your friends' car (or take your friends in your car as an option). You will have a chance to save half the amount on gasoline, from which you have to subtract (although, why take away, you can include?) the cost of the "green card".

If you wish, you can hire a guide who will arrange excursions for you in the cities that you pass through. And you can and "do not scatter money." Tourist routes with the designation of all the main attractions "the Internet is full." So, you yourself can make your trip interesting and exciting.

Method 3. Hot tours.

Last minute tours are an option for those who "like it hot". Not everyone has enough nerves just a couple of days before the vacation to look for a last-minute tour. But when you think about almost half the cost you can save with this offer, I think it's worth the risk.

Prepare in advance a list of sites where you will track last-minute tours. And… patience, only patience! Subscribe to the newsletter of last-minute tours from and get a gift!

Method 4. Advance order.

On the other hand, many airlines provide discounts just for booking tickets in advance. This will save less, but, as we know, a penny saves a ruble.

Method 5. With transfers.

Transfer tickets are cheaper. Of course, you will have to sit at the airport for some time. But if you don't have a phobia inspired by the "Terminal" movie with Tom Hanks, you can use this idea to save money.

Method 6. Fly on weekdays.

In order not to miss a single day of vacation, most vacationers go to the "south" on the weekend following the last working day. As a result, flights on weekends are overcrowded, and planes are empty on weekdays.

To encourage their customers to fly on weekdays, a number of airlines offer discounts for flights on weekdays. Find out "what's the price" and take advantage of this opportunity.

Method 7. Weigh your luggage.

Undoubtedly, young ladies want to take as many outfits as possible with them on vacation. Remember how in "Prostokvashino" - so that all evening dresses can be "changed"? .. In some cases, this leads to the fact that you have to pay for excess baggage weight. Therefore, take care in advance to be "within".

Method 8. Taxi-taxi, take it, take it…

The cost of a taxi is always included in the category "additionally paid". Do I need to say that for the passage from the airport you will be "skinned seven times"? If you don’t have huge suitcases, but… a handbag or a backpack, maybe you should take a minibus, public transport, or at least move a little away from the station and take a taxi there. As an option - wait until the rest of the vacationers leave and bargain. If you're with someone, of course...

Method 1. Exchange.

The way to exchange your housing for a vacation is not an option for everyone, but over time, it may gain momentum in our country. It's probably because of the incredulity of our people. But, on the other hand, no one forces you to let strangers into your apartment. If you have a country house overlooking the sea or a river that does not store antique furniture, this option may well be suitable.

Due to our mentality, for example, we will not talk about completely strangers, but about "familiar acquaintances" or friends on the Internet. In any case, categorically refuse the option is not worth it. Imagine what savings - to rest "by exchange"!

Method 2. Dating through the Network.

In addition, online dating can help you rent inexpensive accommodation in a vacation spot. You will be told and prompted, and possibly settled for a nominal fee.

Method 3. We are modest people, not astrologers.

Method 4. Let's remember youth!

The hotel is good, but why do you like a student hostel not housing? It offers cheap hotels and hostels that are gaining popularity in Europe and the USA. Cheap and cheerful.

Method 5. Private sector.

Another way to save money is to rent a room in a private house. Most likely, you will have to cook yourself, but who thinks about food on vacation? You will be fed in any cafe, and if you are not too lazy to cook yourself, then you will also save extra. In addition, in the summer you can eat something that does not require cooking. Cherries, peaches, watermelons, melons…

Method 6. Unique offers.

The global financial crisis has given birth to unique offers ... free or shareware accommodation. For example, the Austrian village of Langenfeld offers accommodation or meals at prices that you set yourself. And enough conscience (more precisely, arrogance) - live, eat and have fun in general for free. 16 hotels, 4 restaurants, 7 entertainment centers participate in the promotion. Entertainment is also a dime a dozen - there is rafting, cycling, and mountain climbing, not to mention swimming and excursions for every taste ...

Use plastic cards.

The wisest advice is to take some foreign cash for the first time, and take a plastic bank card with you.

10 ways to save money on food

On vacation, where you do not spend a lot of physical and mental energy (not to compare with busy days at the office!), Food should not be given so much attention. Try to get more impressions "from the outside" - enjoy the beautiful views, air, sea and do not focus on your stomach. At first, it can be difficult, however, as well as disconnecting from the frantic pace of life in the metropolis. But over time, you will get used to it - it will not be so “pulling” for coffee, you will not need as much food as usual. Besides, the heat, you know, obliges. You don't want to eat and you shouldn't force yourself. Let the body rest from the exorbitant loads of the first, second and compote.

Method 2. A hearty breakfast - a light dinner.

If you do not take an all-inclusive tour package, then most tours will offer you breakfast, which will often be organized as part of the so-called buffet. Tip for the thrifty - lean on breakfast to drive away the appetite for a long time. Eat not one, but two sandwiches, drink two cups of tea or coffee. This will save you a lot of money. And in no case do not skip breakfast because of sleep. It is known that the earlier you “turn on” your body with breakfast, the earlier it will “fall asleep”, without requiring you to eat at night, which affects both the quality of sleep and your figure.

Do the locals go to the restaurant every day? Of course not, because it's expensive. They allow themselves to visit a restaurant about once a week. Follow their example and you. Ask them where there are eateries with low prices, and eat there.

Method 4. Always with you - a bottle of water and a light snack.
To avoid hunger on the beach or in the city center, where there will be crazy prices for ordinary juice or cookies, always carry something non-perishable food with you. For example, a bottle of water and a bag of nuts, seeds or dried fruits. So you can refresh yourself at any time and not go to the first expensive restaurant on the coast.

Method 5. Lean on vitamins.
As a rule, in the south, watermelons, melons, peaches, cherries and other vitamin joys are cheap, they are sold everywhere, and most importantly, they do not need to be cooked and they cannot be poisoned (just wash, wash thoroughly!). You can buy fruits to take with you to your room so as not to starve at night. After all, even if you eat a peach late in the evening, it will be quickly digested by the body and will not harm your figure in any way.

Method 6.Eat what is cheap on vacation and expensive at home. Analyze prices. Perhaps on vacation you will have the opportunity to eat plenty of what costs a lot of money in your homeland. For example, this applies to seafood. Arrange a holiday for yourself! And eat the usual pork at home.

Method 7. We cook ourselves.
Those who have a small kitchenette in a boarding house or private sector can be envied at all. You can really save a lot on cooking. And you don’t need to spend several hours on this, as it might seem at first glance. You can stew vegetables in less than an hour. It turns out cheap and useful!

Method 8. Go to the supermarket.
But even if there is no kitchen in your room, there is a refrigerator for sure. So, instead of eating something in a restaurant or buying the same nuts or beer with a hotel mark-up, find out where the nearest supermarket is and go there. Cheese, vegetables, bread, ham, sour cream, beer... You don't need special conditions to make a salad or a sandwich. But you will not be found defenseless by a hungry night (you never know - some people cannot sleep from hunger) or morning. And beer or weak wine will cost a penny at all.

Method 9. Not an eater, but a gourmet.
While abroad, you should not lean on the products that you constantly consume at home. Turn food into a tasting, a little adventure, trying new dishes every day that will give you new taste sensations. Give preference to national and signature dishes. However, be careful if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or have a stomach ache. If you are traveling as a couple, always book different dishes. That way you can try a lot more. And eating from each other's fork, besides, it's so romantic!

Important "points" of your holiday are entertainment and shopping. How not to spend a lot and at the same time not infringe on yourself at every step? Learning to find free entertainment and make useful purchases!

5 ways to save money on tours

Tours are good and wonderful. But first of all, it's expensive. Secondly, it requires your close attention. Thirdly, it can be boring - here you are lucky with the guide. It happens that he (she) will have such a strong accent that you will hardly understand speech. Fourth, there is a chance to break away from the group and get lost. Fifth, you may not hear even half of what the guide says, especially if you have large group. Not to mention that it is inconvenient, because you will not have time to take pictures wherever you want, and you will not be able to linger at those sights that interest you the most. What are the cheap or free alternatives to traditional excursions?

Method 1. The land is full of guides.

After quite a bit of digging in Odnoklassniki.ru, you will find that your former classmate Lenochka Kirillova lives in Paris, and in Barcelona - a guy who studied in the same parallel with your brother. Hungry for communication with compatriots, they will gladly give you a tour of the city. Abroad, you know, every Russian is a brother.

Method 2. Online dating.

Going on vacation, for example, to Italy, meet someone from local residents over the Internet. They will not make it difficult to show you the city, tell you about the most interesting places. In addition, you will get much more information from them than from any guide. From local residents you can learn the main thing - how and how people live here, what kind of mentality and psychology they have. With you - a cup of coffee in a cafe.

Electronic excursions - the most progressive option to see the sights with "voice acting". There are now a huge number of them on the Internet - both by country, by city, and by individual museums and parks. In addition to the fact that there is as much information in them as no guide can remember, it is also convenient to use. You can stop recording at any time and stay in the place you like for as long as you like, without fear of falling behind the group. And all this is conveyed by different voices and with different musical arrangements.

Method 4. Articles and cards (not playing cards!).

You can also choose an easier option. All the information you need about the city and the country can be found on the Internet, and using the map to find any place in the city. Again - completely free and without fear of falling behind the group!

Free museums.

In every European city there is at least one museum, the entrance to which will not require financial costs from you. For example, London National Gallery, British Museum, Washington DC national zoo, National Portrait Gallery, Aerospace Museum and Museum natural history and so on. Some museums have specific hours during which the exhibition can be visited free of charge. For example, the Museo del Prado (Prado Museum) in Madrid is open to visitors free of charge on Saturdays from 6 to 8 pm and on Sundays from 5 to 8 pm. Other museums charge a nominal admission fee. For example, what is 3 euros for a visit to the Museum of Sex in Amsterdam? Maritime Center in The Hague. In general, find out "what's what" and prioritize. Be sure to visit free museums, paid ones - as your heart desires. In some museums, souvenirs are given as a load, in others - free flyers or postcards. Take advantage of all offers!

Festivals and show programs in the open air.

Track various festivals, carnivals and so-called open-air shows. Entrance to many of them is free, but carnivals, as you understand, are a street festival at all, which you can not only watch, but also participate in. For example, in early August, the Montenegrin city of Kotor hosts the International Summer Carnival. Concerts, colorful processions and festivities are attended by musicians, singers and masquerade groups from many European countries. In addition, you can become a member of free film screenings - for example, in France, Great Britain, Slovenia and the USA.

Do not even look in the direction of expensive books and CDs with photographs and stories about cities and countries, their history and sights. All this information can be easily found on the Internet, and it is unlikely that you will ever return to view them. Moreover, their price is very impressive - from 20 to 40 euros.

Method 5. Refuse useless gifts.

Figurines, masks, magnets and decorations are, of course, wonderful, but they are completely useless, and they cost a lot - from 5 euros apiece. Perhaps you should give preference to a more useful gift? For example, a pack of natural ground coffee or the same cup from which you can at least drink. The gift should be useful so that you are remembered for a cup of delicious tea, and not for cleaning the apartment, wiping a pretty “dust collector” with a rag, which is any figurine.

Based on materials from Marina Tumovskaya and myJane.ru, sympaty.net, kakprosto.ru

We all look forward to vacation. But often the joyful expectation is overshadowed by the fact that good vacation you have to pay a lot of money. Everyone solves this problem in their own way. Someone chooses cheap "last-minute" tours, someone goes to where the "rainy season" is. However, there are other ways to have a good rest with minimal cash costs.

Here are a few little tricks, following which you can significantly reduce your vacation expenses, which means you can bring more vivid impressions, outfits and souvenirs with you.

In order to bring vivid impressions from a trip, you do not necessarily need millions!

• 1 Relax in the "low" season Basic Rule economical vacation- do not go to those places that are especially popular for a given period of time. For example, going to Istanbul, Barcelona or Athens in winter you will get no less pleasant emotions and unforgettable impressions and at the same time save from 15 to 30% of the cost of the tour.
• 2 Take advantage of the discount system Having decided on the route, start picking up suitable hotel. Online booking systems always offer pretty decent seasonal discounts and last minute deals. For example, Hotels.com regularly posts hot deals on hotels anywhere in the world.
• 3 Travel on your own In order not to overpay tour operators, organize your trip yourself. This is also more profitable because the prices for accommodation indicated on the website of the hotel are often slightly lower than the regular price in the hotel. Choose a trusted service first online booking hotels and decide on a hotel that suits you in terms of location, price, services, etc.
• 4 Save on airfare Airlines several times a year special promotions and air ticket sales, and if you plan your trip in advance, you can buy tickets at a reduced price. Some companies have a cumulative bonus system that provides significant privileges and benefits to participants. Check online sites like Expedia.com for great seasonal deals and discounted flights.
• 5 Do not overpay for excursions Organize your own excursions or contact the nearest travel agency, where they will cost you half as much as in a Moscow agency. The only downside is local excursions usually there are no Russian guides, so you need to be proficient English language. if you have driver license- rent a car, take a guidebook and go explore the area on your own. By not being tied to a specific route and bus, you will have a much more enjoyable sightseeing experience.
• 6 Buy travel tickets Many famous tourist cities, such as Paris, Rome, Vienna, Madrid, Amsterdam are quite compact. By historical center it is quite possible to wander on foot without resorting to services public transport, especially if you make a walking route in advance. And if you still decide to use public transport, purchase a travel card that is valid for a few days or a week. In France, for example, especially for guests who come to Paris for a short period (3-5 days) for cultural purposes, there is a special kind of Paris Visite pass, which includes discounts not only for travel, but also for visiting museums. In Switzerland, one ticket The Swiss Pass comes with the Swiss Family Card - this is a family card that entitles free travel for children under 16 years old. In Prague, you can buy a single travel card that gives you the right to use all types of public transport (even suburban trains) within 1-3 days.
• 7 Walk in local restaurants Beware of the mistake of many tourists - do not go to cafes and restaurants located in the central tourist streets. Prices there are much higher than in taverns and restaurants for local residents. Roll off main street and walk a couple of blocks and you will definitely find a cozy cafe with friendly staff, amazing homemade dishes and low prices. For example, local trattorias (small family restaurants) in Rome are simple and cozy, and the quality of the dishes is not inferior to many popular restaurants. Please note that in many European cafes Seats at the bar are cheaper than at the table. In the menu, pay attention to the "dish of the day" - the price for it can be half that of a regular dish, but the taste will be great. Stop the choice on local wines, they are almost everywhere better than imported ones, but at the same time they are much cheaper.

How else to save on vacation:

• Take a kettle and a large mug with you. Tea and coffee in resort areas costs 5-7 euros for the same disposable bags and boiling water. On ski resorts you can take a mini thermos with you, in which there will always be hot tea or coffee;
• in many resorts drinking water very expensive, so upon arrival it is advisable to buy a five-liter bottle of water and pour a little from it, going to the beach;
• alcohol, especially strong drinks, is best bought in advance at duty-free shops, as alcoholic drinks are usually of poor quality in all-inclusive hotels, and alcohol is more expensive in local shops than at the airport;
• buy groceries, ice cream, fruits not on the main resort streets or near the hotel, but in the markets and shops where the locals themselves buy - the prices there are much lower. The same goes for souvenirs;
• in a restaurant, do not hesitate to carefully check the bill: this is customary abroad, no one will suspect you of pettiness.