Top 5 Hacks For Your Next Budget-Friendly Holiday 

The holiday season is once again here. Who doesn't want to escape to the mountains, hills, and other dream destinations for a fun-filled adventure? Who doesn't want to make memories of a lifetime travelling the world and enjoying the unique experiences it offers? This vacation, let the budget not be a constraint in your pursuit of a memorable time. Keep in mind these top five travel hacks while planning your next holiday and make every penny count:

1. Be the early-bird: Making your holiday plans in advance helps you cut costs for both travel and accommodations. It helps you take advantage of the early-bird deals and saves you extra costs like tatkal train fares. It also gives you a sneak-peek into the dates on which the cheapest tickets are available and thus saves you from spending a few extra bucks. 

2. Compare costs: Comparing costs of travel tickets and accommodations could be a game-changer. Many fare comparison sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner etc. show you the cheapest flights for the booking you wish to make (Pro-tip: Always use incognito mode in your browser to avoid surge prices while booking). Similarly, comparing the prices of hotels and homestays on websites like Go Ibibo, Booking.Com, Ixigo etc. saves you from shelling out a few extra bucks. You can always look for additional discounts and coupons on each website that can further lower your costs.  

3. Travel light: Packing light for your holiday could also be a real saver. Many flights offer attractive discounts for those travelling only with their carry-on luggage. It also saves you from paying excess baggage fees and even loss of valuables if your check-in baggage goes missing. At many airports, you can even skip the queue if you are travelling with only a hand-carry bag.

4. Find budget stays: You can always ditch expensive hotels that burn a hole in your pocket and opt for budget accommodations like hostels, AirBnBs and other affordable homestays. You can choose options that provide free breakfast or offer inhouse kitchen facilities so that you can cook a simple homely meal once in a while to save on additional dining costs. Eating at streetside joints could also save you from splurging on food, yet give you an authentic taste of the local delicacies. 

5. Use public transportation: Using public transportation can save you a lot of money and energy while on a holiday. It saves you from the pain of exorbitant taxi fares, fleecing by drivers, and haggling with locals. You can buy convenient multi-trip travel tickets that are far cheaper than single-use ones in many cities. Many of these can be easily bought online. You can also avail additional discounts if you are a student, senior citizen or differently-abled. There are further discounts depending on the payment method you choose. By using public transportation, you also get to see the city from a more authentic perspective and have enriching personal experiences and conversations with the locals.   

With these budget-friendly tips that have been tried and tested, we make sure that you don't have to break the bank for a holiday. Now, what are you waiting for? Grab your bags and let's get, set, go!