It is always great to have money to spend thoughtlessly while you are traveling, but not all have the privilege to splurge. However, simply by being a bit alert your checklist is sure to be marked right. The below mentioned tips will help you save some money and to be careful when you are travelling to India:
1) Smart Date
Travelling by air comes under one of the major expenses you have to make during your trips. It is helpful if you choose a fixed date and be informed about the flight rates, as it raises and lowers often. Cheap flight tickets will save a fortune, especially if you are travelling with your family. Further smart thing to do would be to book round trip, which offers you great deals.
2) Bargain to Gain
Small bargains here and there does not look like it is of much value but at the end of the day it is quite interesting when you find out how much you have saved collectively. Especially in India bargain is a must, you can negotiate in almost every purchase you make. All you need to do is to polish your bargaining skills. Prior to your journey, make sure that you have arranged for the best of deals, starting from your hotel bookings and transport facilities. Bargaining works like a magic when you are out shopping in the streets of India, no doubt the shopkeepers start off with hiked up rates only to change it to the lowest rate in a minute. Same thing with the auto drivers.
3) Pack your food
For the first day or two, you can carry your own meals, as it helps cut your eating expense and also if the food in the Country does not suite your palate. Carrying light and items that will last for long is suggested. Also, pack along some snacks for the mid meal cravings.
4) Rental Rates
You should check the various deals that are available on the various vehicles. You should always ask around and tally the difference in the rates they are offering. The arrangements set up by the government instead of the private ones are always fare to use.
5) Pick your Restaurant
In India the main three cuisines you find is Chinese, Italian and Indian; so the finest and costly restaurants will be serving the same menu like an okay restaurant. It is profitable for you to go eat in a reasonable one though it is very tempting to want to go to a fancy one. It is same for the menu.
6) Sleep-over and Budget Hotel to Leap over Expense
If it is your adventure and exploring trip then there is no need to book a luxury hotel. You will be out most of the time, and eating out, all you need is a place to rest at night. Budget hotels and stop-overs should work well enough.
7) No Charge for Water
you should drink free water offered in the restaurants, except if the place is dirty. India is a hot place and if you buy a bottle of water each time you are out, then you will lose so much without realizing.
8) Avoid Over tipping
There is no need to over tip after eating a meal, there is a budget to keep. In fact in places where they include the service charges in the bill, there is no need to tip at all.
9) Local Friendly
If you have a fair idea about the language, then it will turn out to be very beneficial. Befriending locals will be very helpful; you can understand their life style closely as well as get some local information which can be useful on cutting down expenses.
10) Family deals
If you are travelling along with your family then you should take advantage of the family packages and deals they offer along your journey. In a group, it is easy to get concession and bargains helping you save up.
11) Hostels and Dharmashalasas an open option
The option of halting at hostel and dharamshala is a good one, especially for backpackers. These places offer you a comfortable and decent space to stay. Government youth hostels and YMCA are such options, their deals are great.
12) Bike rental
Renting a bike is much better option that renting a car which is so much more expensive. In addition the experience you get on the bike has its own thrill, and is so much more convenient in terms of parking.
13) Public transport
Using public transport costs so much lesser than other means of travel. You also get to experience the place like the locals do bringing about a different side to the place.
14) Street food
Eating street food really helps save money, so instead of splurging your money on foods in fancy restaurants you should try eating street foods. Who knows you might just love them, and crave for more. However check the hygiene level.
15) Travel off-season
Booking and hotel stays are going to be much cheaper than usually during off- seasons. The destination you choose to travel will be less crowded and less noisy too, giving you the benefit of experiencing the place more close.
16) Look for free wifi
Find places with free wifi zones and connect through it instead of going to internet cafes. There are many coffee shops that offer free wifi connections; you can go have a cup of coffee along with the connection.
17) Camping at night:
Any spot that looks favorable for camping, you should go for it. In this process you can get to experience the outdoors, sleeping under the moon and at the same time saving up your money.
18) Go Street and local shopping
As a tourist, the most beneficial place to go for shopping would be in the local areas and street sides. You get more variety and ethnic products than from the expensive places made for the tourists.
19) Choose complete packages
Choosing the package deals will save you from much of headaches that you would face throughout the journey. The package systems have some great deals and are more profitable for those who go in a group.
20) Carry instant food
In times when you get sudden hunger pangs, carrying instant food comes as a rescue and save the cost of going to a restaurant.
21) Step away from the areas
In areas where the tourist visits the most, the price of the commodities are hiked up. So it is recommended you move around and go to a different block, there is a high chance that you get the same item in lesser rate.
22) Plan the vacation much in advance
It is very important that you plan on your vacation early; there are so many benefits from it. Mostly the ticket rates are less, being organized before the trip will make the trip worthwhile.
23) Discover free entertainment
Try finding places which offers free performances and public places.
24) Be flexible
If a good deal comes along, don’t be stuck up and not change the plan. You should be flexible for your benefit.
25) Make mid-day trips
The cost of all rises during the weekends, so Change your plans of week end trip to a mid-week trip.
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Nitisha Subba
Nitisha Subba is a travel writer, who love sharing facts about the places she has visited. She is independent and travelling is always on her mind.She writes because she wants you to Experience places through her eyes.
Really great ideas to Save a money while travelling to India. India is one of the greatest countries to visit. India has various communities of people and they have the good relationship with foreigners, There are many places in India to visit for tourist peoples especially taj mahal, Red Fort etc.
Wao great tips for money saving.
Thanks for the Informative Article.
Better learn a bit of local language or you can be taken for a Joyride by locals (auto, taxis walas, shopkeepers etc) this comes handy while bargaining.