The saying ‘you get what you pay for’ might as well be a travel prophecy. Sure, counting pennies and saving money on deals might feel like a win, but some savings come back to bite you. There is a fine line between saving money and sacrificing the experience.
I’m a firm believer that if you’re putting so much money and time into a trip, you might as well commit to the quality of the experience. Some corners are not worth cutting, especially when they leave you stressed, uncomfortable, and more jet-lagged than necessary.
Here are a few situations where traveling cheap might cost you – whether in time, energy, or enjoyment:
Getting up before dawn for an early flight
Early flights are usually the cheapest, and there is a good reason for this. They often come with hidden costs. Consider the cost of transport to the airport at an odd hour of the morning. When many public transport networks aren’t running, you’ll likely have to splurge on a taxi or Uber.
Then there’s the lack of sleep and the hassle of waking up at 3 a.m. You’ll be tired and stressed before your trip even begins. You’ll also be hungry once you get on the plane. But since you saved and booked a budget airline, you might have to pay $15 for a small bowl of stodgy oats.
Waiting for the shuttle to an off-airport rental car
Off-airport rental car services are almost always more affordable than those at the airport, but they often include lengthy waits for shuttles and navigating unfamiliar areas, all with your luggage in tow. And, that’s considering there is even a shuttle to take you to the car rental service. If not, you’ll have to spend on a taxi.
And, then there’s the return. Rusing for a flight is stressful enough without having to drop off a car and catch a shuttle to the correct terminal. If convenience is a priority, spending a bit extra here is a no-brainer.
Dragging your suitcase on public transport
Public transport is usually the most affordable way to get from one place to the next. But when you’re traveling with your luggage, it’s not always ideal. Lugging your heavy suitcases up and down subway stairs and onto crowded buses can be exhausting, especially after a long journey.
I always recommend splurging for a cab or Uber to get to and from the airport. Not only will it save you time, but it will also save you the hassle of navigating an unfamiliar transit system before you’ve had a chance to download an e-SIM.
Staying in a cheap hotel far away from all the action
Budget accommodations on the outskirts of a city might seem like a good deal until you factor in the time and cost of getting into the city. Staying closer to the city and the main sights and attractions often means you’ll be able to walk to restaurants, museums, and activities. And those that you can’t walk to easily will still be a quick bus or subway trip away.
On top of this, city outskirts are usually less cared for and more dangerous. Staying far from the action might even negatively impact your overall impression of the destination.
Not spending money on an experience you’re interested in
Certain experiences, like scuba diving or touring an archeological site, might seem expensive upfront but can end up being the highlight of an entire trip.
Since you’re making the journey, make sure you take advantage of the unique attractions and activities that you might not be able to do back home. Skipping them to save money will lead to regrets later – especially if it’s a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity.
Stressing over your flight-connection
Saving money with a short layover might seem like a good idea, but it’s a real gamble. If your first flight is delayed, you could end up missing your connecting flight. This is especially risky if you book flights on different airlines that aren’t affiliated with one another. In this case, you might have to book and pay for an entirely new flight altogether.
Other than the stress of rebooking, you’ll also risk losing accommodation reservations at your destination.
Waiting in line to buy a ticket instead of paying the booking fee
Many popular attractions offer pay-in-advance tickets so you can reserve your spot at an attraction before the day. However, since the sites that offer these tickets charge a booking fee, you might think it’s in your interest to stand in line and get tickets on the day. Well, you would be wrong.
Especially for timely events or during extreme weather, waiting in line for tickets to a sports game or a concert can be enough to ruin the whole experience. Rather, pay upfront so you can stroll into the venue or attraction with the confidence that you’ve reserved your spot.
Taking the regular train instead of the high-speed train
Regular trains are always cheaper, but they often take twice as long to reach the destination. High-speed trains, like the Shanghai Maglev or Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains, can get you from city to city at 350 mph.
It might be pricier, but it’s also faster, smoother, and often a more comfortable journey. On short trips, this can make a big difference and give you more time to explore the city instead of sitting on public transport.
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