Category: Expert Travel Advice

Know you want to take some time out between school, college, university or your first job?

Want to see an amazing new country, but make your trip really worthwhile, both for you and the local community?

A volunteer placement can offer you all of this, plus the opportunity to boost up your CV, have unbeatable experiences, and make great new friends.

Recently returned from volunteering expeditions with the youth education charity Raleigh, Alan, Hannah and Nitin share their experiences with us… Continue reading Gap Year Venturers

Friendly wildlife-watching

Did you know that some seemingly benign activities such as whale-watching, scuba-diving, or taking an elephant-back safari can have a harmful effect on wildlife? As the popularity of wildlife watching holidays continues to grow, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is encouraging travellers to be aware…

Free Willy

More and more people around the world are experiencing the thrill of seeing whales in their natural habitats. An estimated 10 million people go whale-watching each year, and the industry is now worth US$1billion annually. Watching a humpback whale leap out of the water and come back down with a tremendous splash or a sperm whale lift its huge tail above the waves are sights you’ll never forget. But while whale-watching educates people about the magnificent creatures and plants that live in the oceans, it is important to ensure that our enjoyment of whales and marine mammals does not have a negative impact on their wellbeing, numbers or natural environment. Continue reading How to Have a Holiday with a Difference

In these tough times, we all want our holidays to stretch that bit further, to get more value for money and a fuller experience during our stay. What better way than taking a volunteering holiday? See a country, help other people, and gain valuable experience for your CV… Kristina Roe from responsibletravel.com shows us how…

My experiences of working in a school that stood within the grounds of Central America’s largest landfill site, in the heart of Guatemala City will stay with me forever. The rubbish dump, or basurero as it’s called by the locals, covers approximately 40 acres of land and is home to nearly 1,000 families who hunt for rubbish that can be sold on to make a profit. It was here that I worked for a month, teaching English in a school set up to help provide children in the area with an education and a future.

Like a growing number of people, there was something deeply appealing to me about heading off to a new place, working among local people, learning about a culture and hopefully ‘doing something worthwhile’.

Ten years ago, volunteering either involved taking two years off in developing countries, or spending a weekend pulling prams out of canals in the UK. More recently, one- to three-week trips have been created, many of which combine time spent volunteering with an opportunity to travel and to visit the main areas of interest as a tourist. The result is that there is now a huge range of projects and trips available with a vast number of companies and charities – there really is something to match most interests and skill sets in a wide range of destinations.

So why the sudden increase? Justin Francis, managing director of responsibletravel.com, which lists over 350 such volunteering holidays, believes that as the range of volunteering options has increased, the concept of volunteering has become more accessible. “Travellers are looking for more rewarding forms of travel. They want to really experience places and cultures and give something back in the process too”, Justin says.

However, as more and more organisations begin to offer volunteering trips, Justin warns that it’s more important than ever for people to take the time to research the different options, choose a trip that best suits their needs/ ages/ skill sets and take steps to ensure that the company they are travelling with offers ‘responsible’ volunteering options. “All volunteer projects should be based on a real local need and work in partnership with local people rather than being dreamed up by a travel company’s marketing department in the UK,” says Justin. He adds, “You should be able to ask to see an independent report on the benefits of the project to local people and the environment and the organisation should be totally transparent about the cost of the trip and where that money goes.”

As Edward Abbey once said, “sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul”; if you like the idea of travelling with a purpose but you want to be sure that you are choosing a responsible volunteering holiday, responsibletravel.com advises asking the company running the trip the following 10 questions:

1. Is the project based on a real local need? If so, what?

2. Was the project suggested by local people rather than invented by a marketing department?

3. Is the project run jointly with local people? (This transfers skills and ensures longevity.)

4. Can you see an independent report on the benefits (both short- and long-term) of the project to local people/environment?

5. Can you speak to a previous volunteer?

6. What pre-trip briefing and training is needed or available?

7. Can you see their policy for responsible tourism?

8. Do they offset the Co2 from the flights of all personnel?

9. Is there transparent information around cost and where the money goes?

10. Does the organisation take steps to match your skills to the needs of the project?

Volunteering holiday options…

Elephant conservation holiday in Thailand
Work alongside professional mahouts (elephant keepers) in a centre that gives refuge to domesticated elephants that have been roaming the streets of Bangkok and other cities. This centre is part of a larger Wildlife Rescue Centre and aims to give refuge to animals in an environment as close to nature as possible. You will help with feeding the elephants, picking bananas and pineapples, cleaning their enclosure, hosing down the elephants and swimming with them in the lake. Based on temple grounds near Thayang in the South of Thailand, this project is about 100 miles South of Bangkok and about 15 miles from the beaches of Cha Am and Hua Hin.

Penny Hamilton visited the project in 2007 and said she had “an absolutely amazing time”. “To be so close to these magnificent animals was simply breathtaking. There are so many memories that I have taken back home with me; the great people that I met to swimming with the Elephants in the lake in front of the centre. The local people are so friendly and welcome all the volunteers into their community with open arms. I was never into the typical beach holiday but this has sparked a new interest for me.”

Trips last for one-three weeks and start every week on a Sunday. From £399 (one week) – £715 (three weeks), excluding flights.
www.responsibletravel.com/ThailandElephants

Volunteer and holiday in Kenya
You will work alongside the local community on school projects, expanding and enhancing existing facilities as well as building new ones. There may also be the opportunity to teach and coach sports and assist in landscaping and tree planting. You will also get the chance to enjoy the beauty of the Kenyan coastline and stunning Indian Ocean as well as game viewing in Shimba Hills National Reserve, Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary and Tsavo East National Park (on the longer three- or four-week trip). Mukurumuji Camp where you’ll stay, is located in a secluded region of the Shimba Hills National Reserve boundary. It is surrounded by indigenous communities and a wide variety of wildlife. Mukurumuji is frequently visited by Elephant, Buffalo, Sable Antelope and occasionally Leopard; as well as being home to many other rare animal varieties and wildlife.

After visiting this project in 2006, Jane Edington said “I would recommend a holiday like this for anyone who wants to experience a little more of what life is like in a country, which is difficult from a purely hotel/tourist perspective.”

From £682 (seven days) – £1,705 (four weeks), excluding flights.
www.responsibletravel.com/VolunteerKenya

• See www.responsibletravel.com/volunteering for more ideas.

Author: Kristina Roe

Love animals and dream of seeing them in their natural habitat? Here are our 10 favourite animals in the world and where you can go for guaranteed sightings of them, plus 10 you can see nearer to home…

Orang-utans

Visit the Borohok Centre on Sumatra, Indonesia where you can watch semi-wild orang-utans swing through the forest canopy to twice-daily feedings. In Malaysian Sabah, on Borneo, you can see orang-utans at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. Or for a more authentic experience, take a trek in Kalimantan’s Tanjung Putting National Park and you are likely to spot the ‘man of the jungle’ in the true wild. Continue reading Top 20 Animals to See in the Wild

Think Twice – don’t buy wildlife souvenirs

Holiday souvenir trade drives animals close to extinction

Everyone enjoys bringing home souvenirs as a reminder of an enjoyable holiday, but did you know that some of these trinkets may have cost the life of a rare, endangered animal?

Some of the world’s most iconic animals such as elephants, turtles, sharks and big cats are all being pushed towards extinction, partly due to rampant poaching to meet the demand for products such as souvenirs. Worrying estimates suggest that 20% of the world’s animal and plant species could be wiped out by 2030.

Many tourists buying endangered species souvenirs have no idea that they have done anything wrong. However, people coming home with such products risk heavy fines and in serious cases even lengthy jail terms, as the trade in many endangered species, eg elephants, tigers, turtles, is prohibited or strictly controlled.

Unfortunately, vast numbers of wildlife souvenirs are brought home every year by holidaymakers, thousands of which are seized by customs. Common items found in tourists’ luggage include ivory trinkets and jewellery, turtle-shell accessories and products made from big cat skins.

Therefore, IFAW is encouraging tourists to Think Twice before buying souvenirs, to help protect endangered species. Remember if we don’t buy, they won’t die!

What to watch out for on holiday this year

In EUROPE, Greece is a big hub for tortoiseshell, ivory and coats made from cat furs, while stuffed native birds, corals and sponges are widespread in Turkey.

In Spain, monkeys such as squirrel monkeys and Barbary apes may be used as photographers’ ‘props’, with tourists paying to have their picture taken with the cute animal – especially in big beach resorts such as Benidorm. It is possible that baby chimps may also be used, despite this practice recently being made illegal. Greece, Israel and Turkey are other destinations where “beach monkeys” may be found.

Across ASIA, watch out for ivory carvings and jewellery, tortoiseshell, furs, shahtoosh, butterflies, corals and reptile skins. Live birds and reptiles are also commonly offered. Beware of traditional medicines containing derivatives of endangered species, such as bear bile wine and plasters containing leopard bone.

In the CARIBBEAN, it is common to see tortoiseshell, turtle oil, shells, corals (particularly black coral jewellery) and sharks’ teeth, as well as reptile leather products and bird feathers. Live birds and reptiles are also commonly sold.

AFRICA: In many Southern African countries (such as South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe, as well as in Egypt and Nigeria) ivory may be commonly found on sale. In Egypt, watch out for endangered spur-thighed tortoises sold either live, or converted into objects such as musical instruments or fire bellows, and also reptile and cat skins. Shells, corals, lizard and crocodile skins, ivory and bird of prey feathers may be found on sale in Kenya.

What you can do to have a wildlife friendly holiday

On holiday

 • If you think that you have seen or been offered something made from an endangered species, inform the local police, your hotel management, tour operator and the local tourist board.

• Don’t take part in activities which cause cruelty to animals or fuel poaching – for example having your photograph taken with chained wild animals, trophy hunting, taking rides on sick, overworked horses, donkeys or camels, or visiting circuses or bullfights.

• Do not buy any live animals to bring home. The capture and transport of reptiles, birds and amphibians – many of them endangered – to supply the live pet trade results in 90% of animals dying. Many more die within their first year due to owners’ lack of knowledge about how to cater to their complex, special needs.

• In restaurants, don’t eat meat which you suspect comes from endangered species. It could be part of the huge international bushmeat trade, which is pushing many species, including gorillas, chimpanzees and forest elephants dangerously close to extinction. Animals used are generally killed in extremely cruel and unsanitary conditions, and some such meat has also been linked to serous diseases such as HIV, Ebola and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

• While diving or snorkelling do not stand on, touch, or remove corals or shells. Corals provide critical food and habitat for reef life, are extremely sensitive, and can take decades to recover – if at all.

• Support sanctuaries and reserves which work to preserve endangered species and their habitats, and take part in non-consumptive activities such as nature treks and photographic safaris.

What should you take home with you?

Why not look for alternative souvenirs such as locally made handicrafts that benefit the local community? Or you could spend your money on donating to, or visiting, projects that work to conserve habitats and protect endangered species, such as animal sanctuaries.

At home

If you think that you have seen or been offered an endangered species product, contact your local police or, in the UK, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Pass the word – tell your friends and family to avoid buying products made from endangered species in other countries.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) works around the world to protect wildlife and its habitats. With offices in 16 countries, including the UK, the organisation runs projects to help animals in 60 countries.

IFAW’s ‘Think Twice’ campaign aims to change consumer behaviour and therefore reduce demand for wildlife souvenirs by raising the public’s awareness of the threat that this trade poses for wildlife conservation and animal welfare, and of the possible penalties for bringing home souvenirs from endangered species.

To find out more, visit: www.ifaw.org.

Author: IFAW

Eco-friendly travel is easier than it looks, and despite the hype, travel and tourism are not all bad – in fact they can benefit the environment in the right circumstances. Follow our simple steps to make sure your conscience stays 100% green while on holiday. It’s as easy as A-Z…

Ask the locals for recommendations on their food, restaurants, places to go, and avoid the tourist honeypots, imported products and globalising chains. Don’t know what it is? Looks strange? Smells funny? Try it! Just think how off-putting some of our delicacies might seem to foreign visitors – Stinking Bishop cheese and Marmite sandwich, anyone?

Borrow travel gear such as backpacks, camping equipment and so on from friends, or lend them yours. It’s not worth using resources for items you only need once or twice a year.

Carry reusable travel accessories such as the Onya bag, cutlery like the ingenious Spork, the X-Bowl, and chopsticks if travelling in Asia, and save resources. In China alone, an estimated 45 billion pairs of disposable chopsticks are used and thrown away annually. This adds up to 1.7 million cubic metres of timber or 25 million fully grown trees every year.

Don’t think your choice won’t make a difference. Even a weekend break can impact the environment. Pass on green inspiration to children – show them the importance – and fun – of taking care of our planet with the help of engaging books such as Dinosaurs and all that Rubbishby Michael Foreman and 10 Things I Can Do to Help My World, and quiz games like What in the World am I? and, for older kids, Save the Planet.

Energy can be saved in the same ways when you’re away as when you’re at home – so stick to your routine of turning off lights when leaving a room, taking showers instead of baths, recycling wherever possible, and so on. Get more tips in How can I stop climate change?

Flask– Take a flask or thermal mug for hot drinks and reuse your water bottle, rather than re-buying drinks in plastic bottles or polystyrene cups. If you’re travelling in a country where tap water is unsafe to drink, take a water purifying kit.

Genuine– Check your ‘eco’ resort or tour provider’s true value. The Green Travel Guide helps you find eco-friendly ways to travel abroad, holiday accommodation and food.

Holiday at home instead. For the ultimate eco-holiday, stay close to home for the holidays and rediscover loads of amazing places to visit, within easy reach by foot, train or coach. See our range of books re-introducing you to the pleasures of the UK, such as the Eco escape books, Britain and Ireland’s Best Wild Places and Time Out’s Seaside.

Indigenous- Buy locally crafted gifts that will not have been imported (adding to greenhouse gas emissions) and that support home-grown communities and craftsmanship. After all, why buy a souvenir from Paris that was made in China?

Jumpers are good investments, especially if you’re heading to chillier climes. Make sure your jumper is fairtrade, and pile on two or three at a time so that you can keep the heating down in your accommodation too.

Keep air conditioning off in your accommodation or hire car – air-con releases tonnes of CO2. Electric fans use much less energy and are still effective cooling devices. Shade sun-facing windows to help keep rooms or parked cars cool too.

Laundry– Save on it by not having your hotel towels changed every day – many hotels display a small notice in bathrooms, that only if you want towels replaced, you put them on the floor, otherwise leave them on the rail, making it clear to the chambermaid you mean green. This saves both energy from the washing machine and detergent from polluting waters. Some hotels give you the chance to choose how often you have your bed linen changed during longer stays, too.

Make your holidays longer. If you’ve travelled a long distance to a destination it’s more sustainable to stay there a longer time, rather than taking shorter holidays many times throughout the year. Plus it gives you the chance to travel slower and really get into the place that you’re visiting. For tips on taking it easy, read Go Slow England.

Night flights are twice as bad for the environment than daytime flights. Scientists have found that the warming effect of aircraft is much greater when they fly in the dark, because of the effects of the condensation trails they leave. So if you must go by plane, make sure it takes off in daylight.

Offset your carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and make your trip carbon neutral with organisations such as www.climatecare.org and www.futureforests.co.uk. The carbon emissions from a return flight between London and Malaga, for example, can be offset for £3.30. Even better, join the Low Fly Zone’s Flight Pledge and register your intent not to fly for environmental reasons. The more who sign up, the more the government will take notice. Find out more with The Rough Guide to Green Living.

Pay to see endangered wildlife and help keep them protected in countries where if it wasn’t for tourist interest, the animals would be hunted or culled. See Nature Trek and Wild Asia for trip ideas. Don’t, however, pay for souvenirs made from any animal product, especially from endangered species. Over 800 species of animals and plants are currently banned from international trade and a further 30,000 strictly controlled by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and EU legislation including many corals, reptiles, orchids and cacti as well as tigers, rhinos, elephants and turtles.

Question your holiday activities – do you really need to play golf, go quad-biking, jet-skiing or hunting? Quad-bikes are not only noise polluting, but their tracks damage the ground and ecosystems. Most jet-skis use engines which emit 20-40% of their fuel unburned. And there’s no need to explain the detrimental effects of hunting… For holiday activities that are just as thrilling but are glowing green, try mountain-biking, wild swimming and wildlife-watching instead. Other low-carbon activities include canoeing, sailing, climbing, diving, horse-riding, cookery classes, learning to belly dance, and bushcraft and survival courses. For more inspiration, see Wild Swimming and 50 Quirky Bike Rides.

Refrain from wandering off designated footpaths to avoid erosion and destruction of vegetation, and from feeding wild animals. Have you ever heard of a monkey or an elephant eating potatoes? Then don’t feed them your chips. If the animals eat your food, they won’t ‘prune’ the native vegetation by eating the fruits and leaves, could pick up illnesses, and may become dependent on humans feeding them.

Stay in a homestay, house swap, host accommodation or a tent, rather than financing the hotel trade. Habitats are destroyed and significant resources used for the building and running of hotels, yet millions of hotel beds are unused most of the year – a terrible waste.

Take the train to almost anywhere in Europe and even into Africa and Asia without setting foot on a fuel-guzzling plane. Rail travel makes the journey an added perk to your holiday, rather than an uncomfortable ordeal. The Man in Seat 61 Mark Smith shows you how in his informative book and website, and check out Time Out’s Flight-free Europe. Reminisce on rail journeys of bygone eras with First Class – Legendary Train Journeys Around the World.

Use biodegradable and concentrated all-purpose soap to prevent polluting waterways and to save on packaging. LifeVenture’s is also organic and can be used for washing your body, face, clothes, and even fruit.

Volunteer and give something back to the country hosting you – plant trees, build wells or schools, monitor wildlife…there is something to match everyone’s skills. Websites such as www.responsibletravel.com and www.voluntaryprojectsoverseas.org are good places to start, as are informative books such as Working with the Environment, Green Volunteers and Lonely Planet’s Volunteer.

Walk or cycle instead of taking taxis or driving short distances and save on fuel emissions as well as giving yourself the chance to appreciate your natural surroundings. See our walking and cycling pages for more inspiration.

Xenophile- It’s good to love all things foreign! Many places rely on tourism as their main income, so without your interest in foreign lands, many communities, historic sites and nature areas would suffer.

Years- Be careful how you dispose of your rubbish – an aluminium drink can will last for about 495 years; steel items for 95 years; ordinary plastics for 220 years; disposable nappies for 550 years; plastic bags for 500 years, and glass could last one million years.

Zzzzzz- Sleep soundly, knowing you’ve done your bit for the planet, even while on holiday.

Further resources

• See real-time simulation of CO2 emissions, birth and death rates of every country in the world: www.breathingearth.net.

• The Green Travel Guide – your passport to responsible, guilt-free travel

• The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) – international campaigning organisation investigating and exposing environmental crime – www.eia-international.org. 

Author: Rachel Ricks

Follow these easy budget travel tips and you may save a penny or two on your holidays, without compromising on the good times.

• Research every stage of your trip thoroughly to make sure you’re getting the best deals on transport and accommodation, and to find the restaurants and shops that don’t charge ‘tourist prices’ – a good guidebook will point you in the right direction. See how to buy cheap flights online.

• Haggle and barter! In some countries this is expected and is considered respectful. It’s a great way to practice your language skills and interact with the locals as well as getting a reasonable price. Don’t settle for the first price offered – you can often get it cheaper by playing it cool, pretending to walk away, or by coming back later on, and by standing firm on your price limit. Dress down – if you look wealthy the price of the item might start even higher than normal. Keep it friendly and you’ll have fun.

• Ask the locals where they would eat or shop, and how much they would pay for an item, taxi trip or how much they would tip – this way you avoid being overcharged. Always agree the fare before getting into a taxi; this is especially recommended in many Asian countries.

• Time long rail or coach journeys overnight so that you can save on a night’s accommodation, and get to your destination refreshed and with a full day ahead of you. For superb, thorough guidance on rail journeys keep the The Man in Seat 61‘s book close at hand.

• Eat at local street stalls and markets, where the food is considerably cheaper than restaurants, and offers a more genuine experience of the country’s cuisine and social life. Or cook in your hostel’s kitchen or self-catering accommodation and prepare packed lunches.

• Rent an apartment or do a ‘house swap’ if on holiday with your family or a big group as it often works out cheaper than booking individual hotel rooms, plus you get to cook meals at home.

• Share taxis, rooms and food with other travellers and you could end up paying just a fraction of the cost. Plus it’s a chance to meet new people and share travel stories.

• Save before you go by borrowing key items such as backpack/ suitcase/ sleeping bag/ tent from friends. Or buy second-hand and sell again when you’re done with them – there are many websites for this, also where you can also swap items with other users.

• Set a daily budget for spending money, and stick to it. In some countries you can get away with less than £10 a day for accommodation, meals and a couple of bus fares.

• Look out for when museums and galleries have a free or reduced-price entry day, or buy a city package ticket (such as the London Pass) that includes entry to several museums, and sometimes bus tours, making it cheaper than if you paid for them all separately. Or skip them altogether and get a truer feel of a city by visiting its churches (even attend a service), monuments and parks, or by simply wandering the streets, markets and sitting in squares and piazzas – all of which of course are free to do. See Tokyo for Free.

• Free mementos can offer much better memories than overpriced, mass-made souvenirs. For example, a pretty pebble, leaves pressed in a book, or a bus ticket can all help you remember much more powerfully the experiences, colours, sights and smells of a trip.

• Look out for banks offering commission-free currency exchange, or head straight to the Post Office or Marks & Spencers in the UK who offer major currencies commission-free. Check online for the best excahnge rate before you go.

Author: Rachel Ricks

Get some helpful hints and tactical tips on how to buy the cheapest flight available online. We’ve tried and tested all of these techniques for ourselves and have always come away with a good holiday bargain…

Book separately when you fly together

You have more chances of getting a better deal if you book all tickets individually. Contrary to common sense (that you get a stronger offer if you buy more), buying flights online is ruled by seat availability. This means that if there is only one cheap seat left and you are trying to buy two tickets for the same flight, the airline will automatically exclude you from the cheaper offer.

Opt out

Most airlines’ online shops “opt you in” for all their extra costs – or at least their less obvious extra costs. So when you go through an airline shopping basket, be sure to un-tick all options that you are really not interested in. For example, when you pass through the “Passenger Details” options, some companies automatically tick your choice to “add 1 bag” or “online check-in”, or automatically add travel insurance to your purchase.

Get a flight for free

If you are flying a long distance you should join “Frequent Travellers” schemes. Accumulating air miles could get you a free ticket on a short flight somewhere closer to where you live. For example, going on a trip to New Zealand from London will fly you from London to San Francisco and back, almost for free, on another holiday.

Clear your browser’s cache

Some websites track how many times you have checked a flight’s price and increase it the more you look at it. Internet tracking methods are harmless and generally allow for a better service, but certain companies will misuse them to increase the price of a flight every time that you check it.

To be sure that you don’t fall into this trap, clear your browser’s cache before checking again. Different browsers call these methods by different names. For example, if you use Microsoft Internet Explorer you will need to clear your “Cookies” and “Temporary Internet Files”, but if you use Mozilla Firefox you will find everything grouped under “Private Data”. So, when you look for a flight and you don’t buy it straight away because you are not really sure about it, be sure instead to clear your browser’s records before checking again, or you are likely to be presented with a more expensive price – even after 10 minutes.

Buy locally or buy as you fly

Airline tickets, even the online ones, always cost less if bought locally or closer to the destination of your arrival. So if you are holidaying in a country but you need to fly internally several times, it will be cheaper to book local flights online when you arrive instead of doing it at home before leaving. Same thing if you are on a long journey that covers many countries, on a gap year or a career break: it’s worth doing your research in advance and then buying your flights as you travel.

For example if you are on a trip in South East Asia and you travel from London, buy your Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City ticket when you are in Singapore. This way you will find better deals and calm your fear of not finding a ticket. All this is the reverse in Japan, where you can only obtain a Japan Air Pass if you buy it from outside the country (for more info on Japan Air Passes have a look at japan-guide.com).

Break your flight

Most of the times it is more expensive to buy a direct flight than to buy a flight that stops one or two (or even three) times on the way. Especially when using an online travel or flight agency, indirect flights will be cheaper, as you’ll be likely to fly with various companies at the lowest prices available. So if time is less precious than money, opt for an indirect flight.

Save on card fees

It might just be a small amount, but paying by debit card instead of credit card, can sometimes save you that extra £5 that is added on top of the flight’s costs.

Don’t settle for the first deal

Spend more time searching for a flight or wait to buy your ticket when the sales are on. Unless you immediately find what you want, it is likely that with a little more research you’ll get a better deal.

Sales time

All major airlines will have sales at some point during the year, but the best periods to find great discounts are at the end of summer and at the end of winter when holiday trends slow down. And it’s generally during the first few days of September and January that you can find really superb offers.

Buy accommodation with the flight

If you’re booking a flight and need accommodation too, it’s cost-effective to get both in a bundle. A lot of travel companies reserve more flight options for customers who book car hire or accommodation together with their air ticket.

Use famous flight comparison sites and airfare listing and alert sites

It’s worth spending some time checking through various airfare search sites when looking for a cheap flight and then comparing the prices found with the single airlines’ website prices. This is useful in two ways that are almost contradictory: on one side, the more the flight comparison site is renowned and popular, the higher the chances are that they would have access to further discounts or even better deals from both airlines and travel agencies.

On another side, it is likely as well that the local airlines will give you a better deal. In this case checking a flight search site is useful because it will give you access to information about the airlines and their prices. In both cases a double search will allow you to really find the best deal online.

Another interesting point to make is the difference between what are called “flight comparison sites” or “airfare search sites”, and “airfare listing and alert sites”. While the first (big giants like Expedia.com, Lastminute.com, Travelsupermarket.com, Kayak.com or Skyscanner.net) simply search, compare and list airfares, the second not only search air prices but give you a list of low fares and/or alerts about such fares, either delivered by email or posted online (check the American Airfarewatchdog.com, Farecompare.com, Orbitz.com, Travelocity.com, and Smartertravel.com). However…

Don’t rely solely on flight comparison sites or airfare listing and alert sites

A lot of cheap, local and very reliable airlines are often not included in either high street or online travel agencies’ searches. Companies like Ryanair.com for Europe or VirginBlue.com.au for Australasia are in fact only available through their own websites. It is then useful to browse through the first few result pages of your search engine and then compare what you find. Quite often, very good, independent and reliable information is posted on travel blogs or chat forums, like , that might not appear in the first page of your Google or Yahoo results.

Fly midweek

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are the days to fly if you want to save money. Not only are weekend cheap flights more difficult to catch, but sales and discounted tickets tend to be on midweek days too.

Watch out for local events or holidays

Don’t try to fly into or out of the USA around Thanksgiving or in Italy for Ferragosto, because all flights will be packed or really expensive. It will be the same on all other national holidays or for sport or musical events, religious celebrations (did you ever find a cheap last minute Christmas ticket?) and political elections.

Travel with a parcel

Some air shipping companies or major airlines still offer what are called “Courier Flights”, although this is a less common service nowadays. The deal is you get a really cheap ticket in exchange for taking care of a parcel, letter, or an item that has to be handed over upon arrival at a destination.

This might mean that the amount of luggage you can take is restricted, that the cheap flight is only applicable one-way, and that you don’t have much flexibility with the travel dates, but you’ll generally pay half the price of a normal ticket on long-haul flights.

A good website to get information on courier flights is Air Courier International. Alternatively, check Jupiter Air Oceania.

 Find more budget travel tips.

Author: Margherita Poggiali

The staff at Stanfords are very well-travelled – as you may already know from reading our We’ve been there section – and we have all partaken in our fair share of budget travel too. Here are everyone’s top tips and experiences of travelling on a shoestring…

Jenny Savage, sales advisor

My best budget experience was running out of money and I ended up working in an Irish pub in Peru! It was really good fun despite me speaking very ropey Spanish, and I wasn’t expecting to stay in Cuzco for more than a few days to do the Inca Trail and ended up there for three months. It was so enjoyable – I got to know the locals, lived in a cool little shed/house that I paid £20 a month in rent for, and I lived on tips from nice American tourists.

Make sure you know exactly how much money you’re going with otherwise you get a very nasty shock when you realise it’s run out. Also try and set yourself a limit of a certain number of pounds a day, depending where you are, try to stick to it but not at the expense of enjoying yourself. I met people travelling who were so obsessed about their budget that they weren’t doing half the things they actually wanted to do. So make sure you see everything you want to see, but it’s always possible to eat cheap. Eating where the locals eat is always the best way to eat cheaply, and fill yourself up on 2 for 1s and all-you-can-eat buffets. Eat one big meal at lunchtime and live on bar snacks in the evening.

Julio Gil, customer service

Find a company where you can rent a flat and it works out much cheaper than a hotel. I have used Enjoy B&B a couple of times. Continue reading Our Top Budget Travel Tips and Tales