Here at DontFlyGo.com we’re big proponents of travelling overland and impressed that there’s been a definite spark in interest in the subject with travellers from all over the world. But did you know, aside from environmental reasons, that overland travel can help keep your travel costs down too?
Here are six great ways that this type of travel can help you save big bucks. Perhaps with the savings you can splash out and treat your whole family (yes, even your boring grandparents) to a nice trip away too!
Fuel Expenses
Overland travel generally involves low-cost and fuel-efficient vehicles that spread the cost of petrol or gas used to transport you to your dream destination. Hook up with like-minded folk on sites like CouchSurfing.com and organize things like car-pooling and you can knock those prices down even further. There’s also the option of going the ultimate green-friendly route and hopping on a bicycle or walking your route. There are plenty of travellers who have gone before you who’ve done the same. Just ask those brave souls who’ve walked the Camino!
Other Vehicle-Related Expenses
One of the major, and most expensive, downsides to flying is having to make your way to the airport in the first place. Consider that and the fact that you have to find and pay for things like Heathrow parking or Stansted Airport parking and you’re holiday bills will quickly begin to add up. Go the overland route however and you will rarely incur any further costs – especially if you don’t own a vehicle and have to pay to keep it somewhere while you roam around your new surroundings.
No More Hidden Costs
Head on over to any flight comparison website today and you’ll notice, pretty soon after you snap up a flight, that the given price isn’t that at all. So what’s the deal? Many airlines chuck on lots of hidden costs that you don’t see when you’re shopping around for flights. These might include the cost of checking on luggage and even booking fees. Surely it’s better to skip all that and make things a little simpler by continuing onward on your overland travels?
Lower Insurance Costs
If you have ownership of a vehicle or have ever purchased flight insurance then you’ll know how much these extra costs add up when you’re planning your travels. Hire a car abroad to get around and insurance is often times more expensive than the actual hire rate. Avoid these costs completely by opting for other travel options like taking a train or a bus and you’ll be surprised at how much you can save in this area too.
Better Chance at Finding Better Deals
Taking your time to travel by moving slowly overland opens you up to more possibilities in the realm of accommodation and attractions. Rocking up on the day to a hostel or popular site might mean that you can snag last-minute spots at discount prices. Heading into a town or city late at night and knocking on hostel doors has been a great way for many travellers to find good deals. Booking everything beforehand, along with your flight, means that you’ll pay inflated prices on everything.
So that’s the end of our list of five reasons. Do you have any further ideas on how overland travel can help save you some seriously big bucks?
Let us know in the comments below…