Travel budget: helpful hints

Be it modest or more extravagant, flexible or strict, many of us travellers will have a travel budget. We have set out a few simple tips to help you make the most out of your budget and how to stay in control of your budget including using TripMapper's travel budget calculator!

Travel Budgeting Tool

TripMapper

TripMapper is the best all-in-one travel itinerary app to help you craft your perfect trip - plan your itinerary and stay in control of your travel budget.

With TripMapper's travel budgeting tool you can easily manage and track your spending both before and during your trip. No longer will you need to make your own travel budget template or google sheets travel planner!

TripMapper recognises there is no one size fits all travel budget, allowing you either to begin with the destination in mind and plan accordingly, or start with your budget and see how far it will take you.

Start by setting your daily or entire trip budget and then input your paid amounts (including deposits) and upcoming amounts as you make your plans. Our budgeting tool will let you know what you have left to spend, or if you are over budget, allowing you to retain in control of your trip spend.

Powerful filters for status and category allows you to drill into the details and our currency conversion feature makes for accurate budgeting. Budgeting with TripMapper is an absolute breeze!

Give TripMapper's budgeting tool a whirl and stay in control of your trip spend!

Travel

Air Travel

• Comparison sites can save you time and provide access to a wide range of flights (for example Kayak, Momondo, Skyscanner, Google flights. However, remember not every flight option will be shown on a comparison site and some may only show the headline cost, ignoring any add-ons you will be expected to pay. Dig a little deeper directly on the airline/ travel websites after identifying a few good options.
• Set up Google Flights alerts for any flights you want to keep an eye on.
• Sign up to Jack’s Flight Club , Secret Flying or Scott's Cheap Flights for bargain flights.
• Check out airline sales.
• If you have time, book indirect flights with a short lay over, it could save you $100s!
• Avoid unnecessary frills. Consider whether extra charges for seat selection and priority boarding are really worthwhile.
• Weigh and measure your luggage before you leave for the airport. You do not want to be stung before your holiday has started!
• Delete your cookies or switch internet browsers when booking travel online.
• Take advantage of online discount codes and cash back offers.

Car Hire

• Comparison sites can be a very useful tool, however, do not assume that the different car hiring options and add-ons will work in exactly the same way, or offer similar insurance cover. As stated above, dig a little deeper directly on the hiring company websites after identifying a few options which appear to meet your needs.
• Consider arranging your own car hire excess insurance (just Google "car-hire excess insurance"), as you may be able to get the same cover for a fraction of the price. Make sure you double check all terms and conditions!
• Fill up just before you return the hire car. Supermarket gas stations are generally cheaper.
• Take advantage of online discount codes and cash back offers.

Public Transport

• If possible to do so, plan all your sightseeing geographically and within walking distance. You could save on public transport and taxi fares.
• If you prefer not to walk, transport passes can help you save significantly on public transport costs.
• City sightseeing hop-on-hop-off buses can be a great and cost-effective way to learn about a city as well as getting around.

Activities

• Booking activities in advance may be cheaper than booking on the day (remember to check the cancellation policy).
• Arranging your own excursion (if possible to do so) may be considerably cheaper than booking through an all-inclusive tour provider.
• If tour providers offering the same experience both get great customer ratings, go with the cheaper provider.
• Ask your hotel whether they have discount coupons.
• Take advantage of online discount codes and cash back offers.

Accommodation

• Earn free nights or get member’s discounts by becoming a loyal customer on a hotel vendor’s website (for example hotels.com or booking.com).
• Consider staying in short term rental properties (through legitimate vendors). It may be more cost effective than staying in a hotel.
• Use budget hotels for stopovers.
• If you drop off to sleep easily, you can save the cost of a night in a hotel by travelling overnight.
• Take advantage of online discount codes and cash back offers.

Food and Drink

• Unless breakfast is included in your hotel room rate, grab breakfast at the nearest cafe.
• Limit your use of the hotel minibar. Bring in a few drinks and snacks from a local supermarket.
• Avoid restaurants and cafes located nearby big tourist attractions. A five minute walk can significantly reduce your bill.
• Staying in self-catered accommodation allows you to have the flexibility to eat in or eat out.
• Choose local wines and draft beers when eating out.

We hope you find these tips useful in managing your trip budget! Happy planning!

Editor's note: There are still some restrictions on travel due to COVID-19. Please check the latest guidance before booking and departing and always follow local health guidance.