Selecting a trip destination is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable planning tasks. Begin by finding out what questions do you need to ask yourself when selecting a trip.

What’s my budget? Where do I want to go? Do I want relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration? How much time do I have?

Sometime you can choose a dream destination and then other times, follow the deals. Google Flights’ “Explore” feature is very useful to look for the cheapest destinations.

Tip: This is because there are cheaper prices and fewer people traveling during the off-season.

The biggest single component of the cost of travel is often flights so you have to be really strategic in your planning. Begin with flight comparison tools, such as, Google Flights to compare prices, to set alerts for price drops, and to use the flexible dates feature to find the cheapest travel days. For shorter trips, explore other options if available such as buses or trains, which are often more affordable and are also more scenic.

Trick: If your destination has multiple airports, check them all for the best prices. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to fly into a smaller airport!

Bonus Tip: Check for location-based price variations when you use a VPN. Sometimes you can find cheaper fares by changing your virtual location to different regions.

Location is every thing. This enables you to save on time and on the costs of transportation when you choose to visit the attractions you are actually interested in. Try to compare hotels, vacation rentals and boutique hotels to find a decent place to stay that is affordable.

Tip: Look for accommodations with kitchens or free breakfast. It also helps to limit your food expenses.

Tip: Read the reviews! This is by ensuring that people have mentioned repeatedly about cleanliness, safety and the host or staff being rather responsive.

Try mixing up activities that are big-ticket experiences with more typical, locally-focused activities. Always look up what is free or low cost such as parks, markets, and free walking tours. If there is a costly activity that you really want to do, place it in your budget.

Trick: In addition, most cities provide discount passes for tourists that include bundles of popular attractions. If you are going to visit many places, they will help save your money and time.

Tip: See if museums or attractions offer free admission at certain times of the day, or in the evening!

One of the best parts of traveling is the food but eating out can become expensive if not controlled.  Try street food, budget restaurants and sometimes high-end restaurants which are recommended for visitors.

Trick: Buy supplies of food from local markets for breakfast, lunch. It is an enjoyable way to discover local produce and on a reduced budget.

Always do some research beforehand to find out the best transportation options, whether it is public transport, or sharing a ride or renting a bike.

Trick: If you are going to be on public transit a lot, see if the city offers unlimited day or week passes, as often, they are cheaper than paying individually.

Tip: Get offline maps and local transit apps to help you navigate and find your way around with no need for internet connection.

Learn to carry little luggage. The use of rolling clothes, packing cubes and having as many neutral clothes as possible have been very helpful. 

Trick: Carry a reusable water bottle, a portable charger and a travel adapter where necessary. These small items may go a long way in helping you conserve time and effort that you would have spent on such activities during your trip.

Tip: Create a packing list to help you remember to pack all the necessary items such as drugs and passports.

• Be Flexible: Some of the best travel experiences occur when you just let things happen and don’t get hung up on the plan.
• Double-Check Policies: It’s always a good idea to check the cancellation or change policies for flights and accommodations before you book in case you need to make changes.
• Use a Travel Wallet: Keeping all of your important documents like your passport and tickets in one place saves you time and stress at the airport.
• Travel Insurance: Better safe than sorry. There’s your travel insurance to protect you against unexpected expenses.

Planning isn’t just about numbers – it’s about vision, dreaming the adventure ahead and creating memories. What about you? Do you have any favorite tips or hacks for transportation, accommodations, or activities? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Use the comment section below to share your tips and tricks.