Budget Travel Tips

 In Kenya, it's currently the low season period, which means the hotel/lodge rates are mostly cheaper than they usually are! It also means that if you have been planning for a trip and are tight on budget, this is the best time for you to pack up and head for that much awaited getaway!Although we are half way off the season, here are some tips that can guide you while planning for a budget trip.

1. Travel off- season.
Unlike most countries who base their travel seasons on their weather seasons, In Kenya our travel seasons are built around periods where we receive high numbers of tourists, due to the attractions such as the Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration or Public holidays. 2nd January - 31st March is termed as green season, 1st April - 30th June termed as Low season, 1st July - 31st October is High season, 1st November - 20th December is Green season and 21st December -1st January is High season. This would therefore serve as a guide as to which travel dates would be most suitable to fit your budget.

2. Travel on double occupancy.
This basically means, sharing a room with someone is generally bound to be cheaper.

3. When flying to the destination, plan well in advance.
This is how it works with a majority of the airlines, if you book and have your ticket issued as early as possible, you are more likely to buy it way cheaper than the person who buys it one week to the travel date. With airlines it's the earlier you buy, the cheaper it will be.

4. Buy package deals.
Package deals usually consist of everything including transport, and most times, they are negotiated rates meaning if you buy each part of your travel separate, it will probably cost much more!

5. Brown bag healthy snacks and meals to avoid pricey airport or train food. Book a hotel room with a kitchenette, to save on meals.

6. Consult with your travel agent to preplan trips; surf the Internet for immediate deals. Basically, do a bit of research to make sure that you are getting the best out of you money's worth!

7. Ask your travel agent where to change your money to get the best exchange rate, if you are a non resident.

8. Be flexible with your travel dates. At time weekdays are much cheaper than the weekend rates.

9. When going by car, use the most fuel-efficient model on hand (subcompact, compact and hybrids are best). To save even more gas, use cruise control, keep to the speed limit, run the air conditioning as little as possible and pack the trunk before loading down the roof.