Summer travel season is just around the corner and it’s only getting more and more expensive to see the world. If budget is important to you then try saving major buck with some helpful tips. Your wallet deserves a break as well, so try to save a few bucks this summer by avoiding some extra expenses.

Airport parking fees

Airports can be some of the most expensive places you’ll visit on vacation. Airline baggage fees, high foods costs and now add in insanely high parking rates and you’re already breaking the bank before you even leave town.

On average on site parking at airports hovers around $20 per day, which can really add up. It’s time to get resourceful in finding a cheaper alternative to parking on site. Many hotels offer free parking with one night’s stay, so search around for some great deals.

Many people will just find a ride to the airport and leave your car at home. Car services like Uber and Lyft can be very convenient for situations like this. You of course can always ask a friend for a ride, calling in a favor is a great way to save money.

If parking at the airport is your only option then search for discount lots around the airport that will generally be half the price of on-site lots.

Baggage Fees

Airlines now charge insanely high baggage fees and even higher penalties for overweight bags, so make sure you pack smart. It’s good practice to weigh your bags before you go to the airport. Make note of the baggage restrictions and see how much a bag can weigh before they charge you an overweight fee. Generally the limit is between 50-60 pounds per bag. Most airlines charge between $30-50 per bag, so it usually saves you money to carry on more than you check. Reputable airlines offer two free carry-ons for free, so take advantage of their generosity. Some budget airlines charge for every add-on like carry-on bags and choosing your seat.

Hotel Fees

Hotels are picking up on this ala carte style of charging guests so get ready for tons of hidden fees next time you stay at a hotel or resort. Of course the mini-bar is where they get you, steer clear of in room dining in general. Hotels are now charging for early check-ins, holding luggage at front desk and late checkouts, so be aware that they will try and squeeze every cent out of you.

Eating Out Constantly

Eating out on vacation is where a good portion of money ends up being wasted. Try cooking or preparing one meal a day and see how much you save overall. Maybe you will be swayed to eat two meals a day on the cheap and one nice restaurant meal.

Rental Car Expenses

Rental cars often end up being huge wastes of money. If you are going to be at a resort the entire time, why rent a car. Most resorts offer a free shuttle service and cabs are usually so cheap.

If you must rent a car, make sure you aren’t wasting money on expenses that are not needed. Your insurance should cover your car, so avoid the rental car insurance; it’s a scam. Pay with a credit card, as they will insure most purchases and services.

Peak Travel times

The best way to save big on summer vacations is avoiding the busiest times. Try and fly out on a Tuesday and return on a Tuesday, Wednesday or a Saturday. Avoid holidays like the plague; they are the most expensive time to travel and often the busiest.

Save money all over the place if you just keep your eyes open and are ready for the curveballs that will be tossed your way.

It is possible to do your laundry when traveling, and if you plan to do this, it is best to bring a lightweight travel bag for your laundry items. You can place all your dirty clothes in a separate bag. However, if you plan to go backpacking, then you must be planning to bring only a few clothes and do laundry during your vacation.

Well, this is possible, too. There are options where you can take care of your laundry when traveling. You either do the laundry yourself, look for a laundry service from your hotel, or check nearby laundromats.

Ask for hotel services.

Full-service hotels have several offered amenities, and this includes laundry service. Most hotels offer laundry services, generally washing, drying, ironing, and folding clothes. Some even have dry cleaning services.

You can ask or call the front desk for these services. Usually hotels do laundry pick up NYC in every room, and you just have to place your clothes in their laundry bag. Expect that the laundry service offered by hotels will be expensive. It might be the most expensive choice.

Handwash clothes in the sink or bathtub.

Some hotels do not have an in-house laundry service. Meanwhile, others may have, but with hefty rates. If you have already booked the hotel, you can handwash your clothes in the sink or bathtub.  However, the downside of this option is your clothes may not be completely dry.

If you plan to do this before travelling, it is best to pack clothes made of quick-dry fabrics. These types of materials dry faster, which is suited for travel. But, if you have yet to book the hotel and found out that their laundry service is expensive, you can look for another accommodation.

Book accommodation with laundry option.

You can book lodging where you can stay comfortably. Browse booking.com or Airbnb for apartments or houses that offer a laundry option. You can ask the host if laundry detergent and cleaning products are left at the place or if you have to bring these things with you. However, you have to expect this accommodation to be costlier than rooms without additional amenities.

If you are tight on budget and your Airbnb accommodation does not have a laundry option, you can look for a laundry service nearby.

Look for a laundry service nearby.

Laundry services nearby or laundromats are a big help to travellers who only packs lightly. Some laundry services offer self-service washing and drying machines. However, this is not ideal for travelers, as their time is precious. Fortunately, some laundry services have additional services, such as laundry pickup and delivery.

Final Takeaway

If you plan to take care of your laundry when traveling, you must be ready to ensure that your vacation is smooth sailing.  Consider your travel location to determine if it is best to do laundry during your trip. What might worked during your previous trip may not work well in the next.

Tourists will be required to wear digital wristbands in Thailand. This will enable the Thai government to easily track their health status while touring the said Southeast Asian country.

To sever possible COVID-19 transmission, Thailand plans to require would-be tourists to wear digital wristbands while staying in the country. This mandate will allow the government to track their whereabouts including their health as they visit Thailand’s different traveler destinations.

Last month, the said Southeast Asian nation opened its borders to a group of Chinese visitors—the first ever arrival since April when Thailand halted inbound travels to control COVID-19 transmission. The country has been doing quite well in the battle against the novel coronavirus. Hence, it has been reluctant to reopen its doors to visitors wanting to explore its various tourist spots.

The recent October group of Shanghai tourists were automatically required to undergo a 14-day quarantine period, especially since they planned to stay within the country for a month. They were also relegated to a government-accredited hotel.

Nevertheless, aside from the automatic quarantine period, recent Thailand updates assert that the nation now plans to mandate all approved, incoming tourists to wear digital wristbands, “Smart Bands” as they are called. These devices will help the government track the tourists, particularly their health, as they visit the different places within the country.

The said digital device measures the body temperature of the wearer which will, then, notify nearby health centers. Tourists who wear digital wristbands will also be able to ask for help should they ever get lost while touring the country.

Not all would-be visitors will be able to enter Thailand, however. At present, only visitors from low-risk areas will be given a Special Tourist Visa. This visa can be obtained by paying 2,000 Baht ($64.25).

Additionally, a would-be tourist needs to have a “fit-to-fly certificate” from a certified doctor, a negative PCR COVID-19 test result, and a health insurance policy of at least $100,000 that will cover COVID-19 treatment within the country.

If you plan to travel to Thailand, you must be able to secure these requirements before buying your ticket. See to it that you will be coming from a country that is enlisted as a low-risk area by the Thailand government. You should also obtain the necessary “fit-to-fly certificate” from your doctor, have a negative PCR COVID-19 test at least 72 hours before your flight, and an insurance policy of the above-stated amount before you can apply for the said Special Tourist Visa.

As of writing, Thailand has only less than 4,000 total COVID-19 cases, a far cry from the overall COVID-19 cases worldwide that has already reached more than 46 million. Hence, the Thai government strictly monitors tourists who are allowed to enter their borders. The planned mandate to require tourists to wear digital wristbands while staying in the country will greatly help control possible COVID-19 transmission which may be brought on by the gradual reopening of its borders.