9 tips to reduce cost while traveling in India

“Travelling is a rich man’s privilege.” This is a myth which is spread by people who have forgotten that the world they live in is immensely huge and the places so diverse, that there are enough places for all kinds of travellers, be it budget or lavish spenders.

We intend to break apart the myth that travelling in India is expensive with this post. Exploring India and travelling here is a very affordable business and most favourite tourist destinations in India are exceptionally cheap in terms of food and stay.

In my previous post, we talked about 7 ways in which you can dodge the effect of demonetization while travelling in India.

Here are 9 ways in which you can minimize your expenditure while you travel in this unique land of culture, diversity and awesomeness.  

1. Plan your trip yourself

Do not lose control of your trip dates, itineraries and timings. The Internet is more than competent to help you customize your trip and allow you the freedom to reschedule at any moment you desire while you plan your trip for travelling in India. Continue to be the captain of your ship. Believe in yourself and things will work out just fine. Make extensive use of coupon sites while you do these.

2. Bargain more than you think is polite

While making your hotels and travel bookings online, make sure you do not forget to ask for better deals. Also when in India, (Especially if you are a foreign guest) you should feel comfortable bargaining up to more than 40% of what is asked of you by auto-rickshaw and merchandise shops/stalls.

3. Make extensive use of price comparison sites

Check prices of multiple car rental companies, hotel booking portals and airline companies and compare them among competitors. Choose accordingly. You can sign up online for getting registered in these companies’ mailing list and get regular updates regarding offers and deals.

4. Make smart decisions to minimize your accommodation costs

A smart thing to do is to plan your itinerary such that it allows you to travel overnight. It will take away your night stay charges. However, it might not be possible in all cases, you should try to get some sleep while travelling in India during the day for that.

If this still doesn’t comfort you, while travelling to popular tourist destinations in India, there are many cheap and decent homestay and Dharmshala options available.

5. Avoid hiring any travel guide

Rather than hiring a professional guide to take you across the history and perks of a city, it is better if you generally get cosy with the locals. They will try to genuinely help you with some tips to keep the budget minimum and recommend genuine merchants where you can shop cheaply in the vicinity. Maybe you can ask them to help you with some bargaining.

Even if you feel the necessity to hire a guide, do not believe everything he says or follow him religiously. Talk to strangers instead.

6. Use public transport as much as you can

Use public transport when travelling in India. That is an absolutely unique adventure. If you feel energetic, are open to some really hilarious moments & conversations and won’t mind a little inconvenience, just hop on a local bus or train. You will be ridiculously pushed and pulled and dragged and scratched and it is an incredibly hysterical journey whatsoever.

7. Tipping is not a culture here. Chill!

Indians do not really believe in leaving tips as a thankful gesture unlike consumers of other countries. The service providers do not mind this act as well. So you need to understand that you won’t be judged if you do not leave any tip or a small tip. It’s all ok.

8. Try Indian street food

Indian street food is unparalleled when it comes to tackling the taste buds and at the same time calculating its influence on the consumer’s pocket. It is simply stupendous. Also, since there is colossal competition, there is a common pressure to maintain the quality as well. So, relax while you snack some pakodas at a street stall.

9. Know the right time to visit

Always aim to visit India during off-seasons. Try avoiding Decembers. Every tourist destination you go to in December is overcrowded. About all other months, they are less packed, far cheaper and hence extreme fun. Also, book your flights when it is cheapest.

Apart from these, there are many small things you can take care of to keep your budget intact while travelling in India. Buy a good pair of shoes that shall last the trip. Go street shopping. India is the place more than any to shop at streets. There is no lack of talented and underrated artists and craftsmen who are bound to sell their stuff at rock bottom rates.

GetMeCab will be absolutely delighted to take care of all your travel concerns. Book your one-way or round-trip car rental services with us today.

More Articles To Read : 

https://www.getmecab.com/blog/Top-10-Stunning-Places-to-visit-in-Mumbai-During-Monsoon

https://www.getmecab.com/blog/Places-to-Visit-in-Kashmir-The-Heaven-on-Earth 

https://www.getmecab.com/blog/Queen-of-Hill-Stations:-Mahabaleshwar