Whether you’re exploring the Garden Route or jetting off to Thailand, travel savvy can save you cash and headaches. Tim and Fin share Unique Travel Tips (you haven’t heard a million times) based on their own costly missteps – here’s how to avoid the same pitfalls.
Only book your first two nights
Spot a tempting deal for a guesthouse or bungalow online? Before committing to a long stay, hold off. That “ideal” place might be next to a noisy bar or a farm with early-rising roosters – details reviews might miss. Book just two nights initially.
Why? It gives you a solid starting point to explore better options – like a quieter stay or a more convenient location.
Go budget-friendly for those first nights and tough it out if needed. Love the place? Negotiate a cash deal with the owner to skip booking fees – most are happy to agree.
Walk a bit, save a lot, and eat where the locals eat
Prices drop fast when you step away from tourist hotspots. A drink might halve in cost 100 metres down the road from a popular waterfront or beach. Street food often beats restaurant fare too – locals expect quality where visitors rarely venture. Seek out the busy spots filled with residents, not tourists.
Buy tours wisely
Splashing out on a safari or a boat cruise? Get the details. Is it a private room or shared? Meals included? A proper bed or just a hammock? Avoid surprises like extra fees or unwanted wake-ups. Negotiate – hint at a competitor’s lower price and watch the cost dip. For big spending, check online reviews. Better yet, ditch the polished pitch and ask a local – think a driver who might show you a stunning sunrise for a fraction of the tour price.
Stay kind, even when it’s tough
Crowded transport hubs or pushy queues can test your patience anywhere. Take a deep breath and keep smiling – most people are wonderful, and one rude encounter doesn’t define a destination. Stand your ground in line if needed, but don’t let it ruin your mood.
Indulge in home comforts
After weeks or months away, a familiar bite – like a burger or a favourite drink – can feel like a lifeline. It’s not giving up; it’s a mental reset. Treat yourself to a taste of home, then dive back into exploring refreshed.
Compiled by Warren Hawkins Source: Tim and Fin Travel
