5 Simple Ways to Save While Planning a Trip Posted by JP - Guest Blogger on 27th, September 2012

5 Simple Ways to Save While Planning a Trip

While thinking of a trip it is often the planning process that is the most important part as it gives you the opportunity to make the best out of your travel plans. It is the primary level which you need to focus on if you want to get your travel budget figures right. If conducted the best possible way you can save some quick dollars on the whole process.

Plan Your Trip | How To Plan A Trip

Planning a Trip

So if you are preparing for a trip, here are some quick tips you might consider checking out:

1. Decide on the necessity: If it is a business trip that is more of an option with you decide whether it is really

necessary to travel or you can think of other ways? For example if it is a meeting or conference with a small group will it be possible for you to replace it with a web meet or video conference? If there is a possibility you may consider opting for that instead of spending your money on air fares and hotel expenses.

2. Make a budget: Before you carry out the travel plan it would be a good idea to make a rough budget of your

expenses. You can divide them into various categories like food, hotels, transportation, entertainment, shopping etc. This will help you to have an estimate of the money you need to spend on your trip. That way you can keep aside the money and save the rest for emergencies.

3. Compare the prices: Be it air fares, hotel tariffs or car rentals you should make a comparative study of the

prices before you select them. There are many sites where you can check out the latest deals and prices of air fares. For hotels you can make a list of the best ones and get the quotes from their websites. Select the ones that suit your budget and do not overspend on them.

4. Book through agencies: Though many think that by booking tickets online you can get the best rates it is

not always so. They are economical to some extent at times but the process can be complicated too. So if you want to get better rates you get them through your contracted travel agencies. The process will be easier and even if you cancel the tickets the charges will be bare minimum unlike that of the internet fares. So rethink your options well.

5. Have a flexible mindset: While planning a trip if you just stick to your preferred choice it may not be quite

beneficial for your budget. You may lose out a great deal of money which you could have else saved if you had kept a flexible mindset. For example if you are fine with flights with inconvenient timings such as night or early morning flights you can actually get lower fares. The same can be true for hotels where you can stay in a good mid range hotel other than staying in an over expensive hotel that will cost you a lot.

Plan Your Trip | Tips on Planning a Trip

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Author bio: JP is a regular contributor for various travel sites and blogs. His articles focus mainly on money saving

tips while travelling or career options related to the travel industry.

Short note: The planning process of any event is an essential part as it can make or break your whole endeavor. If

you can design your travel systematically you can shake off most of the problems that may arise during a trip. Be it for business or adventure making a primary travel plan is an essential item you should not miss out.