We’re a quarter through 2018 and, if you’ve not already confirmed your vacation plans for the year, perhaps it’s time you started. We all know there’s nothing like a holiday to help you unwind, de-stress, and explore new, exciting places with friends and family. However, while most people will say “yes” to going on vacation this year, do you know where to get the best savings for your trips? We can confidently say that we do!
So, before you start booking your trip, here are several hacks you can try out to guarantee better savings, and make that well-deserved holiday break that much sweeter.
Singaporeans, here’s where being kiasu is perfectly acceptable.
Planning the itinerary for a trip to a destination you’re new to might seem daunting. However, with proper research, you could actually go on your trip stress-free.
By researching the destination, you get an idea of what the country you’re visiting is like – and you’re better able to understand their culture, too.
For example, certain states in Australia have shorter trading hours which means that their stores close earlier than most places (think 4pm or 5pm) but will extend their hours on Fridays and the weekends. Knowing this could save you from spending on a taxi to a destination that might not even be open.
Traditionally, earning miles in exchange for airline tickets involved purchasing expensive plane tickets or travel-related items from the airline you’re planning to fly with.
These days however, there are plenty of credit cards from banks like American Express and Citibank, which allows you to earn miles for every dollar you spend, whether locally or overseas.
Don’t quite know how to find the best travel credit card for yourself? Use a reliable comparison website like SingSaver to help you.
SingSaver compares the best air mile credit cards from all major banks and gives you all the facts and figures you need to make well-informed decisions on the credit card of your choice.
Now that you’ve got your ideal credit card for air miles, maximise its ability to rack up miles by shopping at partner merchants.
Certain airlines like Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Cathay Pacific work with merchants like Sephora, ASOS and Lazada to help you get even more miles. All you have to do is access these retailers through the airline’s website.
This tip might not get you financial savings now, but it guarantees savings in the future.
As mentioned, certain credit cards let you earn miles from every dollar spent. For some credit cards, you earn up to two miles per dollar spent overseas. This could potentially mean you’ll be earning even more miles during your travels. In any case, it’s a good way to offset your vacation spending spree.
Before you take on any ‘ol credit card though, make sure to research on the number of miles you’ll get per transaction by using SingSaver to help you compare.
Many might argue that booking an air ticket at the last minute could snag you some cheap deals but in truth, waiting till the last minute could give you unnecessary amounts of stress and anxiety.
Instead of waiting till the eleventh hour, sign up for the airline’s mailing list and frequent flyer clubs to receive information on exclusive offers and notifications when ticket prices drop.
If possible, consider booking flexible travel tickets. They’re usually cheaper!
Just like credit cards, there are plenty of banks and companies that offer travel insurance to guarantee you peace of mind when you travel.
To save you from feeling overwhelmed, be sure to compare between the different insurance plans offered by different companies. SingSaver has a comparison tool that lets you sieve through almost 100 travel insurance plans to find the best one for your destination. Plus, their list of insurance plans gets updated yearly, so you know the best travel plans to get for that particular year.
Don’t travel often? Get a single trip insurance plan. They’re one of the cheapest forms of travel insurance you can get, and they still offer you protection in the unlikely event of emergencies.
In cities like Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Barcelona, cycling is a popular option for travelling within the city. So, make like a local and bike your way around the city where possible. These cities often have smooth bike paths and bicycles that are cheap to rent, or free of charge to use.
Alternatively, if you’re traveling to a country like America or Australia, rent a car with your family and double the mileage by taking road trips to nearby states or towns.
Lastly, cities like Hong Kong, Bangkok and many more have affordable modes of transportation like trams and auto rickshaws that cost so much less than a taxi or the bus.
By comparing between different modes of transport, you’ll be saving a lot on transportation fares that could add up over a period of time.
If you know you’ll be doing plenty of shopping in the city you’re vacationing in, make it a point to purchase additional baggage allowance for the flight back.
Certain airlines like Singapore Airlines lets you purchase additional baggage allowance at a cheaper rate on their website, compared to the standard rates you’ll be charged at the check-in counters in airports.
Short-term vacation rental homes are great. They’re affordable and are usually located in local neighbourhoods, allowing you that authentic travel experience.
But if you’ve stayed at a vacation home, you’ll know that meals are often not provided as part of the stay, and you really have to be careful in choosing the kind of homes you want.
That said, if you’re up for an adventure and some fun, consider doing a farm stay! Not only are they cheaper than your typical hotel, they’re usually packed with unique experiences that will enrich your vacation time. Not sure of a particular location? Taiwan is known for their farm stay packages and it’s great for first experiences.
Brought to you by SingSaver
SingSaver is Singapore’s #1 personal finance comparison platform. Launched in May 2015, SingSaver is committed to helping consumers find the right financial product with easy-to-use self-serve comparison tools. SingSaver provides free, quick and easily accessible resources to help consumers understand personal finance products in Singapore including credit cards, personal loans and insurance. In a constantly changing financial landscape, SingSaver strives to provide consumers with detailed and accurate data and insights so they can make the best choice before applying for the financial products that suit their needs.