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The post 10 expert tips for budget-friendly travelling appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

Google search interest for the phrase ‘cheap summer holiday’ has risen by almost 167% in the past month, as people look for budget-friendly getaways to recharge after two years of travel restrictions.

With this in mind, Forbes Advisor reveals how travellers can get the best value for their hard-earned money this summer, amid rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.

1. Pay attention to traveller reviews​

Advice from fellow holidaymakers is invaluable when deciding how to plan your upcoming trip. Reviews can provide useful tips on major attractions, including which ones to steer clear of, the best times to go to avoid the crowds and maybe even how to get a cheaper ticket.

2. Utilise local knowledge

Locals are always the best source for recommendations on authentic (and cost-effective) experiences. Make the effort to learn some basic local phrases, as this will make it easier to strike up genuine conversations with residents who know the best spots.

3. Contemplate booking everything separately

For many of us, holiday packages can be the right option from both a financial and enjoyment perspective, but the convenience could also cost you more. Don’t be afraid to look outside of these ready-made deals and consider booking everything individually. Often you will find savings in making these micro-decisions yourself, as well as greater freedom over what your holiday will involve.

4. Buy the essentials in advance

Many essentials such as sunscreen and insect repellent can be more expensive at your destination, especially if you are purchasing in a touristy area, or the airport. Stock up on these items before you leave home. Also double check what your weight allowance is, as most airlines will charge you a lot for any excess baggage, so it is worth weighing your suitcase before you leave for the airport to ensure you are underweight.

5. Try self-catering accommodation

With the rise of sites such as Airbnb, it’s now increasingly easy to find and book an entire apartment or residence when going on holiday, as an alternative to hotel accommodation. If you decide to go down this route, check to see that everything you need to whip up a storm in the kitchen is included or you may find yourself having to eat out anyway.

6. Do your research & shop around

When you know which type of trip you’re looking for, it is worth shopping around, checking the prices across various outlets (in incognito mode!), and even gaining a basic understanding of airline booking codes and how they affect your fare. This can help make sure you’re getting the best deal on your holiday. It is also worth noting that Sundays are usually the cheapest times to book flights, and Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to fly, but this can fluctuate depending on the destination and airline.

7. Go all-inclusive

If a package deal suits your holiday needs best, consider going full board or all-inclusive. It might seem pricier at first, but your holiday’s meal (and often alcohol) costs are managed before you even get on the flight. Some destinations also offer bundles for sightseeing tours and attractions, where buying tickets in advance can save you money.

8. Be flexible

Amongst all of the holiday planning, try to leave some room for impulsive, last-minute decisions. This could mean taking part in a new guided tour based on recommendations, or perhaps the opposite for something you choose to avoid. In these circumstances, flexible tickets with free cancellations can be very useful and relatively cheap.

9. Staycation to save money?

Many of us will be considering an internal holiday to save a bit of money, but with the cost of rail travel and sky-high petrol prices, a staycation can often end up costing you more. Especially if you are heading to a popular destination or one of your country’s beautiful coastlines.

10. Purchase travel insurance just in case

It’s important to buy travel insurance as soon as you book in case you need to cancel your trip. Your policy will also cover the cost of emergency medical treatment and give you financial protection against the loss or theft of your baggage and belongings. Crucially, you can tailor your policy to suit your destination and the type of holiday you’re planning.

The post 10 expert tips for budget-friendly travelling appeared first on Travel Daily.

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The post Travel sector working to keep Australia safe appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

Australia’s Travel Agents and businesses are doing their bit to help Australians travelling and keep Australia foot-and-mouth disease free.

The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) says travel professionals are doing what they can to raise awareness of the necessary steps to keep the highly contagious disease out of Australia including:

• Not bringing meat, dairy or animal products into Australia including freeze-dried or frozen products
• Making sure shoes, clothing and equipment used near animals or in rural areas are cleaned properly including soles, laces and external surfaces before boarding flights to Australia and declare them on arrival
• Declaring any travel in rural areas or near farm animals in the incoming passenger declaration

AFTA has shared the Australian Government’s Factsheet “Keep Australia foot-and-mouth disease free” with all members for clients travelling to and from Indonesia and is promoting on social media.

AFTA continues to work with the Department of Agriculture to finesse resources for travel professionals.

Dean Long, CEO AFTA, said: “Australia’s travel agents and businesses and AFTA are proud to be doing what we can to help keep Australia safe from foot-and-mouth disease. This is a significant threat that all Australians need to understand and take seriously.”

“There are a number of simple steps that anyone coming into Australia and especially those coming from countries where foot-and-mouth exists including Bali and Indonesia can and must take to protect Australia’s livestock industries, and avoid a flow on effect that could cost Australia more than $80 billion if there were an outbreak here.”

“Closing the highly important Indonesian travel corridor at this stage would be a very blunt measure with massive economic and cultural damage for the Australian marketplace and the Australian Travel sector when there are still prevention measures being fully deployed.”

“We obviously need to strike the right balance given everything that is at risk including for Australia’s cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, buffalo, deer and camels and our farmers while also keeping the critical travel artery between Australia and Indonesian including Bali open safely.”

The post Travel sector working to keep Australia safe appeared first on Travel Daily.

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The post The Yosemite less-travelled appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

Yosemite National Park, famous for its iconic granite monoliths and rushing waterfalls, has a quieter, less crowded side. A significant 95% of visitors only see 5% of the park, which has over 750,000 acres of outstanding scenery and bucket-list-worthy hikes to be explored. Over half of Yosemite is in Tuolumne County, where there’s plenty of room to roam away from the crowd, making it a perfect destination for summer visitation.

Until 30 September, advance reservations will be required to enter and drive through Yosemite National Park for under £2. See below for a list of unforgettable sights travellers can experience – with or without a reservation.

Natural Wonders

Head through the Big Oak Flat entrance of the park and enjoy a hike to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. The smallest of the park’s sequoia groves, Tuolumne’s home to about two dozen mature giant sequoias. Growing only on the western slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada, these giant trees can live for more than 3,000 years and are immense, majestic trees that have inspired travellers for decades. Reservation needed.

Even in the height of summer when Yosemite is being explored by visitors from around the world, Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is an oasis of calm. Yosemite Valley’s slightly smaller twin is off the beaten track and offers spectacular scenery of granite monoliths. The water hides an additional 300 feet of granite cliffs and provides fresh drinking water for the San Francisco area. Tip – arrive early as parking is limited. No reservation needed.

Visit the incomparable open scenery of Tuolumne Meadows, a spectacular subalpine meadow surrounded by granite domes and cliffs. One of the largest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada, Tuolumne Meadows offers scenic views, hiking opportunities, ranger programmes and campgrounds for those looking to truly escape into nature. Reservation needed.

Hidden Hikes 

Hike along the Tuolumne River to scenic Carlon Falls to enjoy the perfect place to cool off and have a picnic. Carlon is a nine-metre-high waterfall with a pool at its base that’s perfect for cooling off on a warm summer day. The trailhead starts in the Stanislaus National Forest, meaning this hike is ideal for those who just missed a park reservation. No reservation needed.

Marvel at some of the park’s tallest waterfalls – Tueeulala, Wapama and Rancheria. One of the most popular hikes, the five-mile  Wapama Falls Rancheria Falls Trail offers spectacular views of all three waterfalls and the stunning valley that links them together. Reservation needed.

Getting there: The easiest way to get into the park is by booking a ticket on public transportation. The Yosemite Area Regional Transit System (YARTS) includes entrance into the park with a ticket, so a park reservation is not needed for a park reservation. Or book a guided tour operator, which not only allows you entrance into the park but a local expert who will be able to guide you through. No reservation needed.

The post The Yosemite less-travelled appeared first on Travel Daily.

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