By Anna Phillips
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Exams are over and summer has started, so now is the perfect time to start planning some great adventures. Holidays abroad don’t always need to break the bank though, and you can easily fund an exciting trip away if you’re frugal and careful with your spending. Here are some tips to keep in mind when booking your next travels:
Choose the destination carefully…
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Check out living costs in different countries to see how they fare in comparison to the UK. Eastern Europe and South-East Asia are typically some of the cheapest countries to visit. Take advantage of nomadlist.com, a website that compares living costs around the world. While it’s targeted at people looking to do freelance work, it can be useful for getting an idea of costs.
Look for cheap flights…
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Budget flight companies always have seasonal deals to certain cities for a fraction of the regular price. £7 return to Dublin? £15 return to Vienna? Keep your eye out for these changing deals and your city of choice might show up, or just be spontaneous!
Accommodation
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When looking for cheap accommodation, Hostels are usually the best option throughout Europe and afar. For free accommodation in most large cities, couchsurfing.com is a great company that matches you with a local who is willing to give travellers a place to stay. Rental website airbnb.co.uk also lets you rent great local accommodation at a reduced price if you want somewhere more homely.
Budget – and stick to it…
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When travelling, it’s easy to miss home comforts and want to wine and dine in restaurants every evening, eating as much local food as possible. Decide on a budget based on the rough cost of living, and stick to it.
Sightseeing…
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You don’t have to pay through your teeth to see some of the best things about a country. Most tourist areas have loads of free art galleries, monuments and interest points. Hunt these down online before you go, and print out a free tour guide to save you buying one when you’re out there.