How to Stretch a Dollar Series: Travelling on a Budget
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Having a good time during your mobility program doesn't have to mean spending lots of money. With the success of our Stretch a Dollar series, we take our thrifty tips to the next level: travelling on a budget!
You’re deeply committed to your mobility program, we know… but there’s this growing desire in you to discover more about your host country. You think, “Hey! Wouldn’t it be just dandy to explore nearby cities or even neighboring countries?”
It is a great way to gain new experiences and maybe even friends who can become fellow, life-long travelling pals. You'd get to know new regions, cultures, vibes, or even the local cuisine.
But how then you wonder, “How can I do all of this traveling and exploring on a budget?” Check out more nifty thrifting tips to get some ideas that you can try!
RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH!!
Don’t be too hasty to buy the first ticket you see. Before each journey, check out multiple travel routes. Most of the transport websites don't show all possible trains if they are owned by other companies and so you might miss out on some superb deals by their competitors.
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BUS vs. RAIL
Spend a little bit more time looking at what regional bus and train options there are, as well as private companies operating in that country. Low cost, long-distance buses are worth looking into – these companies have extensive networks and may operate on the route you are looking for at a fraction of the price of the national railways.
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COUNTRY-SPECIFIC DEALS
Some countries offer seasonal discounts and amazing offers, such as travelling around Germany for 9 euros during summer. That’s right! This screaming deal was reserved for the summer months from 1 June – 31 August and allowed you to travel on public transportation nationwide. This includes buses, trains and all regional trains (2nd class). Let’s not forget about subways, commuter trains, and regional trains operated by private rail companies. It gets even better in Berlin and Hamburg where there are even ferry routes that are part of the public transport system - you could have also used them with the monthly 9-euro ticket. Let’s hope they bring this scheme back for 2024!
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BOOK IN ADVANCE
This is a simple one: Book as soon as possible. A lot of the ticket prices increase closer to their departure.
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BE A BARGAIN HUNTER
Take time to window-shop and price compare from different travel providers. When you compare prices, you’ll discover some patterns like tickets tend to be cheaper on less popular travel days. Weekends are generally more expensive, so, if your mobility program schedule allows you to return on a Monday instead of Sunday, do it! It may make a world of difference in the price. Bonus: You may also avoid the masses returning from their weekend getaway.
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TO RESERVE OR NOT TO RESERVE, THAT IS THE QUESTION
Believe it or not, sometimes planning ahead and reserving your seat can add a few extra euros to the cost of your ticket. This tends to be the case for low-budget airlines. Admittedly, this tip is a tricky one… not reserving a seat may make for a very long and uncomfortable journey because you may be assigned a place that is unpleasant. On the other hand, choosing your seat may give you peace of mind – and for many, you can’t put a price on that.
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WIN
FREE TRAVEL!
And last but not least, the thriftiest way to travel is for free!
Enter the OLS Video Contest to win a 300 euro gift card that can be used on the All Aboard website that gives access to an Interrail/Eurail Global Pass. All you have to do is read the contest details here.
Don’t wait! The deadline for entry is 4 February 2024.
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SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
So let us know: How do you trim the fat off of your travel expenses? Are you one that always reserves a seat or do you chance it? What was the cheapest ticket you managed to find? Click Reply below to share your thrifty travel tidbits!
Iya, OLS Community Manager – English