5 Ways to save money on transportation during your trip

Travelling is an integral part of life for many Indians. Over the past five years, there has been a significant increase in the number of Indians travelling both domestically and internationally. According to a report by the Ministry of Tourism, the number of domestic tourists increased by 18.2% from 2015 to 2020. With the improvement in infrastructure and rising disposable incomes, the number of Indian travellers is expected to grow by another 20% in the next decade. This surge in travel has led to higher expenditures, particularly on transportation. Whether you are a budget traveller, a planned traveller, a frequent traveller, or a digital nomad, there are ways to save money on transportation and make the most of your travel budget.

Understanding the Types of Travelers

1. Budget Travelers:

Budget travellers are always on the lookout for the most cost-effective options. They prefer to stretch their money as far as possible, often opting for cheaper accommodations, food, and transport. They might use public transportation, stay in hostels or budget hotels, and seek out street food or local eateries to save money.

2. Planned Travelers:

Planned travellers are meticulous planners. They usually book their trips well in advance, taking advantage of early-bird discounts and deals. They tend to have a fixed itinerary and budget, ensuring they get the best value for their money. This group often uses travel apps and websites to compare prices and find the best deals on flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses.

3. Frequent Travelers:

Frequent travellers, including business travellers and those who often travel for leisure, look for convenience and efficiency. They are likely to enroll in loyalty programs and frequent flyer miles to maximize their benefits. They might spend more per trip but are strategic about using rewards and discounts to save money in the long run.

4. Digital Nomads:

Digital nomads are individuals who work remotely while travelling. They seek long-term stays and affordable yet comfortable modes of transportation. They often need reliable internet access and a workspace, which means their travel choices are influenced by these requirements. They might choose budget-friendly yet cozy accommodations and make use of coworking spaces.

Regardless of which category you fall into, here are five ways to save money on transportation during your trip while maximizing your travel experience.

5 Ways to Save Money on Transportation During Your Trip

1. Utilize Public Transportation

Leverage Local Transport Networks: Indian cities have extensive public transportation systems, including buses, trains, and metros. These are not only cost-effective but also offer a chance to experience local life.

Discount Passes and Cards: Many cities offer daily or weekly passes for unlimited travel on their public transportation networks. These passes are especially useful for tourists who plan to explore extensively within a short period.

2. Carpooling and Ride-Sharing

Use Ride-Sharing Apps: Apps like Ola and Uber offer ride-sharing options that significantly reduce transportation costs. These services often have promotional codes and discounts for frequent users.

Carpooling: Platforms like BlaBlaCar connect drivers with passengers heading in the same direction. This not only saves money but also provides a chance to meet new people and share travel experiences.

3. Plan and Book in Advance

Early Bird Discounts: Whether it’s flights, trains, or buses, booking your tickets well in advance can lead to substantial savings. Many transportation providers offer early bird discounts that can be as high as 50%.

Flexible Travel Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, use fare comparison websites to find the cheapest days to travel. Mid-week travel is often cheaper than weekends.

4. Use multipl Travel Goals and Vouchers

Set Travel Goals on multipl: By setting travel goals on multipl, you can save regularly for your trips. multipl invests your savings in mutual funds, ensuring that your returns are maximized.

Benefit from Vouchers: When you achieve your travel goal with Multipl, you receive vouchers for hotels, travel aggregators, and other travel-related services. These vouchers can significantly reduce your overall travel costs.

5. Explore Alternative Transport Options

Bike Rentals: In many tourist destinations, renting a bike can be a cheap and convenient way to explore the area. Services like Yulu and Zoomcar offer affordable bike rentals.

Walking Tours: Many cities offer free or low-cost walking tours. Not only are they cost-effective, but they also provide an in-depth experience of the local culture and history.

Spend and Travel Planning for Different Categories

Budget Travelers: Focus on utilizing public transportation, carpooling, and walking tours. Use discount passes and plan trips during off-peak seasons.

Planned Travelers: Take advantage of early bird discounts and flexible travel dates. Utilize multipl’s travel goals and vouchers to save more.

Frequent Travelers: Enroll in loyalty programs and use ride-sharing apps. Save regularly with multipl and benefit from additional travel-related vouchers.

Digital Nomads: Opt for long-term rentals and explore bike rentals. Use multipl to save and invest, maximizing your returns for future travel.

Conclusion

Travelling doesn’t have to be expensive. By utilizing these five ways to save money on transportation, you can make the most of your travel budget and enjoy your trips without financial stress. Whether you are planning a short getaway or a long-term journey, integrating these tips into your travel plans will help you save significantly. Start planning your travel goals with multipl today, and take advantage of their innovative spendvesting approach to make your travel dreams a reality.