TRAVEL: Top tips for budget friendly travel - at the airport

Photo credit: Pure Travel
So last time we spoke, I offered up some tips on how to save money when planning your holiday (you can read that here!) Now that we're all booked, you can look forward to heading off somewhere nice, and keeping your wallet full as you do so. Your first and one of your most expensive stops en route will be the airport, known for hiking up prices once you're trapped inside past security. However, there are a few handy tips to save where you can at the airport, and even before you get there - enjoy!

 

Airport

·      Consider how you’re going to get there

Driving and parking at the airport is often seen as the most reliable means of transport to the airport as you’re mostly in control of your journey (with the exception of traffic) and not relying on anyone else, but it can also be one of the most expensive when you take into account the cost of airport carparks. See what your public transport options are for getting to the airport as sometimes these can be just as easy and much cheaper. This applies for both the home and away part of your journey, as you can save money at both ends. Do your research as some cities even have super cheap public airport transport – Riga for instance has travel from the airport to anywhere in the city for 2 Euros, and the Metro in Berlin is under 10 Euros. Check too if your accommodation has an airport shuttle, or if they can organise a taxi for you to share with other passengers which can help to cut down the costs. If you do need to park at the airport, make sure to book in advance as this can save you a pretty penny or two!

·      Don’t get caught out by ridesharing apps

Ridesharing apps like Uber and Cabify are often a cheap and convenient way of getting to and from airports and around the city your visiting. However, particularly when it comes to airports, check beforehand whether rideshares are allowed to go to the airport, as there are certain restrictions on this depending on where you go. I tried to get an Uber to the airport when in Mexico, only to be forced to pay a cancellation fee and sort out expensive alternative transport when I was told that Ubers weren’t allowed to go to the airport. This can be stressful and costly, so good to check in advance.

·      Bring a water bottle

If you’ve ever travelled before, you’ll know that airports are often ridiculously expensive – once you’re in, you’re in, and they take advantage of this. Couple this with enhanced security measures and that means you can’t even bring some water through with you. However, empty that sucker out and you have something you can fill up once past security, for free, meaning no cost to you in the airport or on the plane for drinks. Plus, should you be visiting a country where the tapwater is safe to drink, and you can save even more money by bringing your own water bottle with you throughout the day.

·      Bring snacks for the airport

Coupled with the above, the airport can be a hungry place. I often find that I leave the house to head to the airport at a time before I would usually eat, and then end up hungry whilst waiting for my flight with nothing but overpriced food options surrounding me, so having some granola bars or even a packed sandwich in my bag can be a lifesaver. This is particularly useful in this day and age of delayed flights, when you don’t know how long you’ll be waiting in the airport so being prepared with your own snacks from home is a good idea. Likewise, if you don’t eat them all at the airport, you’ll have something to snack on whilst out exploring your destination – helpful especially in rural areas where there might not be too many grocery options around! 

·     Think about getting a lounge pass

When looking at your next bank, have a check to see if they offer lounge access at airports with some of their options, as this can be an easy way to make sure you’re well looked after at airports and sometimes with no additional cost. Most airports around the globe have accessible (ie not associated with a specific airline) lounges where you can eat, drink, charge your devices and read whatever papers and magazines they have on offer to your hearts content. If you’re a keen traveller like I am, this can work out cheaper than buying food, drink and entertainment in the airport.

·      Learn to pack light

Hand luggage is free. Most other bags beyond this are usually not. Even budget airlines are jumping on the bandwagon and making the size of hand luggage you can bring on board for free smaller and smaller so you’re more likely to pay to bring a larger bag on board – Ryanair used to allow small wheelies on board for free, and now you’re only allowed a handbag or rucksack. However, I take this challenge in my stride (anything to save more money to spend for my next trip!) and have become somewhat of an expert at packing light. Make a note of the absolute essentials that you without a doubt have to bring; think about whether you really need that many changes of clothes, or bring more outer layers (no one will know you’re wearing the same shirt multiple days in a row if you switch up your jumpers and jackets!); and always, always leave a little room at the top of your bag in case you’re bringing back any souvenirs!

I hope you enjoyed today's blog! If you did, or if you think I've missed a key tip (and I'm always looking for more!) drop me a message on Twitter @CiarasCountry or in the comments below. In the next edition of this series, I'll be offering tips and tricks on how to save money on accommodation, so make sure you're tuned to one of my social channels to find out when that will be posted. Let me know as well if you'd like me to share my essential list for packing light to help you with this tip on your next trip. Thanks for reading!