Travelling in India is fantastic because you can travel as cheaply or as lavishly as your budget requires. However, if money is a problem, consider these helpful hints for trimming your budget and tailoring it to your needs. Discover how to save money when travelling in India.
1. Travel during the off-season
In India, the off-season is technically the on-season. You can rest assured that if you book when the herd is not on its way to India, you can save a lot of money. And the most expensive and unaffordable five-star hotels welcome you with package packages and treat you like royalty. Take, for example, the ridiculously luxurious hotels in Goa, Rajasthan, and Kerala, which are like a trip to heaven when the dollar gang isn’t descending upon them during peak season. So visit these spots in the spring/summer and the hills in the fall/winter. Avoid long and festive weekends like Diwali, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve; bookings are always at a premium.
2. Don’t wait to book your flights
In India, most domestic airlines give discounts if you book ahead of time. So get on the internet and book your seats as soon as possible, because fares increase in price as the departure date approaches. You’ll end up paying only half the price of a last-minute ticket! Another trick is to book flights in the middle of the day – not only does this save you money, but it also allows you to shave off valuable sightseeing time from your itinerary. Flights in the middle of the day are far less expensive than flights in the early morning or late at night. So grab a bite to eat on the way! Another good tip is to avoid flying on weekends; the higher the demand, the higher the price.
3. Get a vacation bundle
Take advantage of today’s stagnant economy and book one of the many flight-and-hotel packages that online travel agencies continue to promote. When opposed to separate bookings, these package deals will save you up to 30%. You can also strike it rich with package deals that include flights to several destinations. So keep your eyes peeled on online opportunities!
4. The benefits of travelling by train
This tip isn’t for those who aren’t familiar with Indian railways or who shudder at the sight of a typical Indian city railway station. For the rest of us, it’s business as usual: train travel in India is relatively comfortable and inexpensive. The view and the unparalleled local interaction are two additional pluses. Taking the night train offers you a double benefit: you save money on your hotel room and get more sightseeing hours. But here’s a pro tip: stay away from shady people who sell you snacks or drinks!
5. Know everything there is to know about car rentals
Don’t be duped by sneaky taxi drivers; instead, book your cabs online through trustworthy companies. It is safer, less costly, and more dependable. If you must book a local, select a diesel vehicle because it is far less expensive. If you’re on your own, consider a two-wheeler – it’s less cumbersome and less expensive.
6. Bargain hard
Use your gift of gab to negotiate a lower price! It doesn’t matter whether it’s room rent, cab fare, or souvenir shopping; a good deal never hurts. If you don’t get a cost cut, you’ll almost definitely get a gift upgrade.