How to Travel Cheap in the PhilippinesIn traveling, three of the most expensive expenses are transportation, accommodation and food. Imagine saving atlas 30% from flights. This savings can be used to book tours or hostels.
1. Book on a Tuesday (or Wednesday).
Airlines usually have cheaper flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays compared on weekends since there are more people looking for flights on weekends. This is just simple economy, the more the demand, the higher the price.
Insider Tip: It is also cheaper if you book 45 days +/- before your intended departure. I don’t know the reason for this. But this worked for me a lot of times already.
2. Bring your own food.
Easy, I usually bring my own food during flights. For one, I’m pescatarian and local airlines in the Philippines don’t offer vegetarian options. Think about this, a regular meal costs around $6.00 as opposed to preparing your own food. Plus you get to eat what you like.
Extra Tip: I also bring with me finger foods like raisins, nuts, crackers and trailmix. This also helps save money especially in case of flight delays.
3. Use online flight compare tools.
Using online flight scanning tools like Traveloka give you all the options of flights (and hotels too) and show to you the cheapest one you can get along with how many hours the flight would be and where it would be stopping if not a direct flight. This is also a great way to see other countries even only at the airport lounge. They also give you up to 20% discount codes so you really save a lot. So you not only save on flights, you save on hotel too. 😉
Insider tip: Install the app too on your smartphone. Imagine doing everything with the power of your fingertips.
Read More: How to Travel Cheap in the Philippines
4. If possible, do away with the check-in baggage.
Most low-cost airlines have check-in baggage as options. I saved more about US$100 for not bringing check-in baggage on my connecting flight to Dubai since I don’t have to pay for Marhaba service and of course I don’t need the add-on payment for baggage,
Extra savings: This also makes you mobile when you arrive at your destination airport which gives you an option to take the public transit giving you more saving compared to taking the airport taxis.
Extra tip: Once when I bought some stuff from Davao I just sent my stuff via JRS Express (you can also use LBC) straight to my home taking away the burden of carrying heavy package and the package is delivered right into my doorstep. I paid extra P100 as oppose to buying the 15kgs check-in baggage but then I am mobile and I don’t to carry this along the way.
5. Notice that airlines has pre-checked meals, seats, insurance and other stuff you don’t need.
This is annoying because you have to un-check the this pre-checked stuff you don’t need. So be careful with pressing that “Next” button when booking flights as it automatically is charged to your card. You can request seat anyway at the check-in counter when you check-in early and re-read Tip #2 with regards to food.
6. If possible, use Paypal (or Debit card) not credit card.
Paypal is the future of online payments. Most airline companies charge more when you are using create card compared to when you are paying using Paypal. This is probably because when you use credit card, the airline needs to wait until the credit card company credits your payment to them.
Extra tip: I’m no fan of credit card because of interest rates, so if I am you, I would get a debit card. No charges and you get to pay right away giving you the discipline of getting what you only can pay.
Read More: Important Travel Documents You Need While Traveling Long Term
7. Maximize your Miles.
I have heard so many travel hacks just using miles. Frequent flyers miles are awesome when you use them correctly. To put is plain and simple, airline miles are like any other rewards program. You get miles or points for flying with a certain airline, and eventually those points accumulate and you get something for free. My tip here is to do research and call the company that is giving you miles. I would also note that there are times it is better to pay for the ticket itself than to use miles.
8. Sign-up for free airline newsletters.
Airlines inform their subscribers 24 hours in advance for promo fares. So not only that you get spams, you also are alerted when promo fares are on. You get the news first so you get to book first and get your preferred flight dates.
Did I forget something? Please add if you can think of any stuff that can help others save of flights. Thank you so much!
The bit about booking your flight on a Tuesday or a Wednesday is true. I’ve often read it in other sites as well.There is a specific time also where the flights are cheapest. I believe it is on a Tuesday night at 9PM. Don’t know if it applies everywhere (with the different time zones).
https://afu.ac.ae/en/collection/
Thanks for the great tips