Low-cost airlines are notorious for bending the rules of geography when it comes to locating airports. For example, Oslo-Torp airport, used by RyanAir and WizzAir, is 75 miles and nearly two hours’ drive away from the Norwegian capital. And unless you’re planning on walking, you’re looking at a hefty cab or train fare, so consider booking a slightly more expensive flight with a different airline.
Travel, but don’t roam
While many phones will sense when you’re abroad and turn off your data usage, some will continue to send and receive emails, tweets and other information in the background, at a hefty cost. Search your phone’s settings and make sure roaming is switched off to avoid racking up a huge bill, or call your service provider and make sure international data usage is blocked.
Shop local for souvenirs
While most gift shops will happily sell you a pretty-looking box of local what ever, the stuff sold in the supermarket across the road will be much, much cheaper – and probably better, too.
Make the most of your hand luggage
Unlike with checked baggage, there are no airline-imposed restrictions of the weight of your carry-on bag. If you’re at risk of incurring an excess baggage fee, then, it makes sense to cram as much as possible into your hand luggage – try lining your bag with shoes and other scale-tipping items to avoid a sting at the check-in desk.
Never, ever buy currency at the airport
Okay, so you’ve had 200 other things to think about, but still – there is absolutely no excuse for waiting until you get to the departure lounge to exchange your money, since the terrible exchange rate will never be worth the convenience. For the best deal, think ahead and order online from your bank or Post Office and pick up your money before you fly.
Get the right credit card
Most standard credit and debit cards will charge you a fee of around 2-3% every time you make a purchase or withdraw cash overseas. Cards aimed at travellers don’t, meaning the price on the sticker is always what you pay. Better still, should you find yourself stuck for cash you’ll always get a true exchange rate when using a cash machine (though some ATMs will still charge a fee to foreign cards).
Invest in sturdy luggage
It should go without saying that cheap bags are a false economy – when it comes to luggage, you really do get what you pay for. A hard shell case (with clasps, not zips as these can split) is the best way to go for checked baggage, and keep the warranty card somewhere safe, as it’ll make things easier should you need to replace a wheel or a sticking handle.
Never pay for wifi
Where there are cafes, bars and restaurants, there’s free wifi – you’ve just got to know where to look. Download an app called Wi-Fi Finder (free on iPhone, iPad and Android) and it’ll point you in the direction of the nearest gratis hotspot, with the offline mode (which you’ll need to activate before you travel) meaning you won’t be stung with data roaming charges when using the app.
Follow the eight week rule
Economists have calculated that the best time to book your flight is exactly eight weeks in advance. Any later and prices will creep up, any earlier and there’s the risk of unforeseen circumstances changing travel plans and you being left with a useless ticket. Set a reminder on your calendar to make sure you get the best fare.
Book in the afternoon
While most travellers are aware that flight prices change throughout the week, they’ll sometimes also fluctuate throughout the day. Studies have shown that, on the whole, prices are higher in the morning, since this is when business travellers are more likely to book.
Always get a multi-day travel pass
If you’re visiting a new city for more than a couple of days, it almost always makes financial sense to pick up a multi-day, city-wide public transport pass at the airport. Study your options well, though, since some passes will also include entry to museums and other attractions. They’ll be a touch more expensive, of course, but if you were planning on visiting them anyway.
Fill up at lunch-time
If you’ve got an appetite for fine food, consider eating out for lunch instead of dinner. Not only will you have less trouble finding a table, you’ll also benefit from great value mid-day menus, often offering the same stuff the restaurant serves up in the evening at a much lower price.
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.
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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
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