1. Traveling in the off-season is the foundation of saving money.
2. Plan your routes wisely to avoid retracing steps and save big.
3. When hiring a car, discuss with the driver in advance that the price will be lower if you pick up other passengers along the way.
4. Don’t take a flight—take the train. Sometimes taking the train can save you more money than taking the bus. When buying train tickets, if there are non-air-conditioned options, go for those—you can save half the price, though the conditions may be less comfortable.
5. Take public transportation as much as possible within the city.
6. When taking a taxi or hiring a car, ask the driver if they’re also going to your destination. If so, the price can be cheaper since they’ll be heading back anyway. If you catch a ride on a car returning from another booking, you’ll have even more room to negotiate, as drivers often factor the return trip’s fuel cost into the one-way fare—meaning someone else has essentially paid for part of your trip.
7. When choosing transportation routes, sometimes transferring en route can save you a lot. Key tips: (1) transfer wisely; (2) combine different modes of transport; (3) study maps and transportation schedules carefully and think creatively.
8. Check the room before negotiating the price.
9. If you’re traveling alone and no single room is available, but you don’t want to share with a stranger or rent the whole room, ask the hotel to assign you a room only after the others are fully booked.
10. When checking in, ask whether breakfast and local phone calls are included.
11. Getting on a long-distance bus outside the station can sometimes be cheaper, though not always. Also, getting on midway allows for bargaining. With faster trains now, many overnight trains are perfect for independent travelers. Sleep on the train, arrive in the morning refreshed, and combine transportation and accommodation costs into one money-saving trick.
12. If you arrive in the morning, don’t rush to find accommodation—many rooms might still be occupied. It’s also harder to bargain while carrying your luggage. Store your bag at the train station, explore first, keep an eye out for suitable hotels, and check in and negotiate prices in the evening. If no one has checked in yet, you might get a better rate.
13. When dining, ask if napkins come at an extra charge—if they do, skip them and bring your own.
14. Bargain as much as possible—whether it’s food, lodging, transportation, or shopping. Even places that seem unbudgeable might actually offer some wiggle room. Avoid shopping when tour groups are around.
15. Traveling in a group of 2–4 people is the most economical.
16. You can get free timetables at ticket booking offices. You might also score free maps (albeit simpler ones) from star-rated hotels, saving you map purchase costs.
17. If you’re a student, always carry your student ID—many attractions offer student discounts that can save you a lot.
2. Plan your routes wisely to avoid retracing steps and save big.
3. When hiring a car, discuss with the driver in advance that the price will be lower if you pick up other passengers along the way.
4. Don’t take a flight—take the train. Sometimes taking the train can save you more money than taking the bus. When buying train tickets, if there are non-air-conditioned options, go for those—you can save half the price, though the conditions may be less comfortable.
5. Take public transportation as much as possible within the city.
6. When taking a taxi or hiring a car, ask the driver if they’re also going to your destination. If so, the price can be cheaper since they’ll be heading back anyway. If you catch a ride on a car returning from another booking, you’ll have even more room to negotiate, as drivers often factor the return trip’s fuel cost into the one-way fare—meaning someone else has essentially paid for part of your trip.
7. When choosing transportation routes, sometimes transferring en route can save you a lot. Key tips: (1) transfer wisely; (2) combine different modes of transport; (3) study maps and transportation schedules carefully and think creatively.
8. Check the room before negotiating the price.
9. If you’re traveling alone and no single room is available, but you don’t want to share with a stranger or rent the whole room, ask the hotel to assign you a room only after the others are fully booked.
10. When checking in, ask whether breakfast and local phone calls are included.
11. Getting on a long-distance bus outside the station can sometimes be cheaper, though not always. Also, getting on midway allows for bargaining. With faster trains now, many overnight trains are perfect for independent travelers. Sleep on the train, arrive in the morning refreshed, and combine transportation and accommodation costs into one money-saving trick.
12. If you arrive in the morning, don’t rush to find accommodation—many rooms might still be occupied. It’s also harder to bargain while carrying your luggage. Store your bag at the train station, explore first, keep an eye out for suitable hotels, and check in and negotiate prices in the evening. If no one has checked in yet, you might get a better rate.
13. When dining, ask if napkins come at an extra charge—if they do, skip them and bring your own.
14. Bargain as much as possible—whether it’s food, lodging, transportation, or shopping. Even places that seem unbudgeable might actually offer some wiggle room. Avoid shopping when tour groups are around.
15. Traveling in a group of 2–4 people is the most economical.
16. You can get free timetables at ticket booking offices. You might also score free maps (albeit simpler ones) from star-rated hotels, saving you map purchase costs.
17. If you’re a student, always carry your student ID—many attractions offer student discounts that can save you a lot.
