Traveling to a foreign country gives you a lot of exciting and amazing experiences but it can also cause you to spend more than what you planned. If you are visiting India, here are some important tips on how to save while exploring.
1. Save on flights.
Neither much in advance nor waiting ’til the last moment is advisable as you make your flight booking. You also need to remember that Fridays and Sundays are busiest and hence can be pretty expensive days to travel by flight. Hence, it is best suggested to be flexible with the dates so that you can have your tickets booked for a much lower price. Consider traveling during off-season to get the best deal.
2. Opt for trains where available.
Train journeys in India are less expensive. Though it can be challenging to many, it can also be a lot of fun. This is one of the best ways to get closer to the soul of the country. By flying to and from various destinations, you not only pay more but also see less of the country you are touring. Trains in India connect you to most of the places and where train services are not available, you can always get down at the nearest station and seek other public transport or hire a cab.
3. Eat well for a lower price.
Sounds tempting? Book your accommodation in hotels that offer special discounts on meals for their guests. Some hotels offer you free breakfast. Of course, there is really nothing ‘free’ in the business world but you definitely get it for a better price.
4. Bargain: your shopping mantra.
Never hesitate to bargain. Even shops that have a ‘No Bargain’ board hanging near the cash counter may be willing to relax their rule for a while if you really do it right. Most of the shops, though, love to engage in bargaining. In shopping bazaars you can really bargain quoting half the price. However, it may not work out all the time but at least you did not lose anything for trying, right?
5. Carrying food helps your health and wallet.
You sure would have chosen a decent hotel to stay during your holiday. However, as you travel to different travel destinations in India, you may not always land in the right restaurant to have your meals.
Hence, it is best suggested to carry your food with you. This will help you save a good deal of money.
6. Compare rates.
While planning to tour different travel destinations in India, compare rates offered by various travel agents. Go for the best rate after ensuring that the quality of services is equally great too. There are many online sites that give information on the rates of various travel packages. Choose the best after studying reviews by users, which serve as a yardstick to measure the travel agents’ services.
7. Rent a bike.
Bike rentals are readily available in certain parts of India. You can avoid car rentals and seek to hire bikes for a local trip.
8. Get friendly with the locals.
Getting friendly with locals helps you get valuable information on almost everything from great but unpopular tourist destinations to how to save money while you are there. Having a reliable local person to guide you will help cut down costs considerably. You will be guided to the best shopping place and to the best shops that offer quality products for reasonable price.
*Header image credit: Alexandra Lande/Shutterstock.com
Author Bio: Rohit Agarwal is a professional architect and a passionate traveller. He has traveled to various important tourist destinations in India. He loves to share the lessons he acquired from traveling at www.transindiatravels.com and his blog represents him best.
I think, it works in almost each country.
Yo! awesome blog you have here.. LOL Anywayz, was great meeting you in Bandung.. Don’t forget to exchange links with me k? :D take care babe:)
Nice post. India is an amazing place like none other! And outside of Mumbai, you can save a lot of money too. As far as traveling by train, even if it wasn’t less expensive, it would still be the way to go. There’s nothing like traveling while looking out at India through those open barred windows of the Sleeper Class!
Oh man, the train, the foods, the colours, I really need to make it to India. My list of places just keeps growing. Need time to just hold on a moment so I can stop my life, keep it all on pause and go see EVERYWHERE.
I love India! Aside from being very interesting place, it is very cheap when compared to european countries ! But little bit more savings wont hurt , too :)
Hey Rohit!!
With the rate at which marketing, business and currency differences are spiking, such ideas are more than required to read and follow. Sometimes our dreams can be expensive and it’s not easy to match the same with the growing economy. Good going and these ideas are realistic.
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Great post! Nice detailing and its definitely going to help travelers who are new to this mystical land. All the very best to you. Look forward to your updates.
nice post… hoping to visit India very soon!
India is one of my top 5 list of countries to visit soon this year!
These are great tips. I think travelling frugally in India is not just good for your finances but also get you to travel well and see the real India. Otherwise it is all too easy to surround yourself in a cocoon.
nice tips but these are regular choices for less expensive travels but i was looking forward to know about the local food junctions where we can find traditional indian foods and traditional indian local home stays and lodges where we can have social experience as well as close by look of the indian culture. Would you suggest some posts like these for me