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How to save on multi-leg travel

If you’re planning a trip, knowing how to save money can make a big difference in your budget. As a multi-city traveler, I’ve found that visiting multiple cities can often be more cost-effective than staying in one place. In this article, I want to share some of the strategies I use to explore multiple places without driving up transportation costs. You’ll learn how to combine stops, use alternative transportation, and take advantage of deals to optimize your itinerary and keep your budget pretty much the same 💪😃.

Close airports but different prices

If you're looking to save money on flights, comparing nearby airports can make all the difference. Airports within a short distance of each other often offer different fares due to factors such as airline competition, airport taxes, and flight demand.

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For example, a direct flight from Rome to Amsterdam with a generic low-cost airline could cost you from €170 up to more than €280 in high season. Honestly, I think it's quite a high figure for a 2-and-a-half-hour flight, considering that you can find return tickets Rome-Eindhoven for only €55 with a considerable saving of more than €120/150. In addition to saving, you will also have the opportunity to visit different cities using practically the same starting budget. Another example is the Rome-Dubai flight that you can buy for no less than €200. Rome-Abu Dhabi with the same airline will cost you about €100 less. Another example slightly different from the previous ones. Cairo has two airports: Cairo International Airport and Sphinx Airport, slightly further from the city. A return flight in the first will cost you no less than €280 while in the second you can buy tickets with a well-known airline for only €100.

In short, before booking a flight, always check if there are cities near your destination and see if airlines offer tickets at reduced prices. To do this, you can use services such as Google Flight or SkyScanner.

Ground transportation: the most convenient option

Have you landed in a different city but don't know how to get to your final destination? Ground transportation can be the most convenient option. Using trains, buses, or car-sharing services can be not only economical, but also an interesting way to explore new places.

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Continuing the previous example, if you land in Eindhoven but your final destination is Amsterdam, you can take a train and save a lot of money compared to a direct flight. Train tickets start at around €20 and take around 1.5 hours to get to the Dutch capital. If you want to save even more, you can consider a bus (e.g. Flixbus) which costs more than half but will also take longer to get to your destination. Using this approach, you will still have more than €100 left over that you can use to visit Eindhoven as well or stop in some intermediate city.

Always check if the cities are connected by train or bus. Although this is extremely obvious in Europe, it is not in other parts of the world.

Plan your itinerary well

Another effective strategy that I have personally tested concerns the order of the cities to visit. When planning a trip with several destinations, perhaps in different states, it is useful to check the costs of flights between cities on your itinerary. Flight prices can vary greatly depending on the route and direction of travel. Sometimes, starting from one city rather than another can result in significant savings on subsequent flights. For example, if you plan to visit three cities, check which combination of flights offers the lowest prices. Often some airlines offer discounted fares on specific routes, so it can be advantageous to start your trip from a different destination than the one originally planned to cover long distances at a lower cost.

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For example, a few years ago I took a trip from Barcelona to Lisbon. The original idea was to start from the furthest city (Lisbon) and gradually get closer to Italy. However, I noticed, at least during the time I took the trip, that the price of a flight from Rome to Lisbon (€110) was much higher than Lisbon to Rome (about €50). The flight to/from Barcelona, ​​on the other hand, had no substantial price differences. So I replanned the trip by doing the reverse route and this allowed me to save dozens of euros.

Using Self-Organized Stopovers

If you take multiple flights during your itinerary, don't focus on the same airline. Planning stopovers independent of those offered by airlines can be cheaper and offer more flexibility. Check flights separately and create your itinerary with flights offered by different airlines.

Choosing the right day and time to fly

This point is more general and applies to any air travel. It is now known that flying on weekdays and at less convenient times, such as early in the morning or late at night, can lead to significant savings. Airlines often lower ticket prices during these periods to fill seats.

If you plan to take several flights during your itinerary, keep in mind that traveling early in the morning will allow you to save tens of euros.

Many travel sites offer packages that combine flights and hotel stays at discounted prices compared to buying them separately. This can be advantageous if you already have a destination and a specific period in mind. The same applies to multi-leg trips. Buying flights combined with accommodation in the arrival city will allow you to save dozens of euros.

Conclusions

Planning multiple leg trips can seem daunting, but with the right strategy, it can be a cost-effective and adventure-filled experience. Comparing prices between nearby airports, taking advantage of ground transportation options, carefully planning the order of your destinations, and arranging self-guided layovers are all tactics that will save you significant amounts of money on your travel budget.

Whether you're exploring new cities, navigating alternative airports, or optimizing your itinerary, always remember that flexibility and thorough research are your best allies. Every trip is an opportunity to discover something new, and with an informed approach, you can enjoy your trip without financial worries. Happy travels! 🚀🌍

Thank you for reading,

Explorer's tale.

Last update: 25/06/2024

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Alessio

I am Alessio Lucciola, a passionate explorer who has recently discovered solo travel. Although I have always had a passion for adventure, it is only in recent years that I have embarked on this extraordinary backpacking journey.

Whether you're an experienced traveler or planning your first solo trip, you'll find inspiration and valuable information to make every journey unforgettable.

Welcome to Explorer's Tale!