Tips for Travelling without spending a fortune

Travelling - from time to time, we all do it, and sometimes it's for fun; other times it's for business; and still other times, it's for duty.

Now this post isn't about doing your OE on the cheap or the best way to backpack through Europe - there are many other wonderful resources out there which can tell you how to do that much better than I.

This post is about those last two categories - travelling for business or duty.

If you're travelling for business and your employer pays; great - little of this applies to you. But, how about if it's your OWN business, if you're a contractor, or if you're self-employed, and every penny comes out of your own pocket?

• When you have to travel, try to plan as far in advance as possible. The further out you book, the cheaper the options often are.
• Consider booking the cheapest, unchangeable fares and taking Cancellation Insurance: if the event you are going to is cancelled or changed, cancellation insurance usually covers your airfare costs.
• Look at all your transport options. Weigh up the benefits and costs of driving your own vehicle, taking a rental vehicle, and using public transport/flights. Drving your own car a long distance is often less of a saving than you might imagine, by the time you factor everything in.
• Check out accommodation options. Think outside the square - look for B&B's and homestays in the town you're headed to; factor in camp-grounds and chalets. Are there friends, workmates or relatives you could stay with nearby?
• Eating while you're away is one of the biggest hidden costs. When out of town, there's a huge temptation to eat all 3 meals at cafes or restaurants, or use room service. Don't be afraid to use the supermarket and purchase items to eat in your room, or to make your lunch.
• Familiarise yourself with the town you're going to. Check out a map before you go, and know your destination, the public transport and your accommodation. Don't get stuck with $100 cab fare before you've even begun!
• Use Wotif to find accommodation, and look at Grabaseat for flights.
• Finally, consider when you are travelling. Avoid peak hours of the day (between 7.30 and 9am, 5pm - 7pm) and peak holiday times. Know when the school holidays are, even if you don't have kids yourself.