Travel Tips to Stretch Your Budget and Enhance Your Journey

With over 25 years of expertise in the corporate housing sector, Stress Free Corporate Housing offers a wealth of knowledge to enhance your travel experience while saving you money. Explore our list of money-saving tips, ranging from savvy booking strategies to indulging in delightful meals without breaking the bank. Uncover practical and cost-effective methods as you plan your trip. Gain valuable recommendations to optimize your budget both before and during your travels. 

Put yourself at ease by beginning your journey with a trusted housing provider that offers global inventory. Our extensive database features thousands of outstanding properties across the globe, ranging from apartments and condominiums to townhomes and houses. With this multitude of options, Stress Free Corporate Housing excels at finding the most suitable temporary or extended stay housing solutions for any situation, need, or business sector. Begin your journey with a trusted supplier of corporate housing and accommodations that offers global inventory. Stress Free’s extensive database comprises thousands of outstanding properties across the globe.

Tip 1. Choose the Off-Peak Period and Plan Ahead When Possible. This tip is among our top three recommendations. Opt for traveling during the off-season. Let’s say your career has brought you to Europe. Buy tickets to fly earlier in the week (preferably on Monday or Tuesday instead of Thursday or Friday), which results in more favorable deals. Additionally, the second flight of the day is often more budget-friendly than the initial one.

Explore potential discounts prior to your outing. Take the time to identify establishments that provide discounts for students, seniors, and AAA members. Leveraging savings opportunities can significantly expand the flexibility in your budget, allowing for additional financial freedom during your trip.

Expatriates, by virtue of living and working in a foreign country, are presented with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of the world in myriad ways. Once settled in your apartment home, you may wish to visit other cities and nearby countries, as several are reasonably close together. Many share borders with each other. such as Ireland and the UK, Germany, Italy and France.

Historical Exploration: From ancient ruins to centuries-old architecture, expatriates often have access to a treasure trove of historical sites and breathtaking locations. Situated just beyond the Italian-French border is the captivating region of Liguria, the westernmost part of Italy. While many are familiar with areas like Tuscany, Liguria boasts its distinct charm, with Genova serving as its capital.

Embraced by the French border to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Alps and Apennine mountains to the east and north. Liguria comprises four provinces: Imperia, Savona, Genova, and La Spezia. Notable destinations within Liguria include the luxurious town of Portofino and the renowned Cinque Terre in the east. This enchanting region is often referred to as the Italian Riviera. Whether you opt for the scenic route by car or the convenient train journey, Liguria promises a delightful experience along the enchanting Italian Riviera.

With over 25 years of expertise in the corporate housing sector, Stress Free Corporate Housing offers a wealth of knowledge to enhance your travel experience while saving you money. Explore our list of money-saving tips, ranging from savvy booking strategies to indulging in delightful meals without breaking the bank. Uncover practical and cost-effective methods as you plan your trip. Gain valuable recommendations to optimize your budget before and during your travels. 

Tip 2. Begin your journey with a trusted supplier of corporate housing and accommodations that offers global inventory. Stress Free’s extensive database comprises thousands of outstanding properties, ranging from apartments and condominiums to townhomes and houses. Have or want a pet; Stress Free can find pet-friendly accommodations.

Try On-the-Go Wi-Fi 

Tip 3. Discover the convenience of compact and affordable portable routers, commonly referred to as ‘pocket Wi-Fi,’ now readily accessible in regions like Europe and Asia. Simply book the service to gain access to the internet, with a modest daily rental fee that offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive international roaming charges. Obtain this device and service effortlessly to stay connected wherever you go. Choosing the option of the international monthly plan for longer trips lets you add a bundle of minutes, texts, and data. An international monthly plan can cost $100 per line on a mobile network operator like Verizon.

Stay Connected: Keep in touch with family and friends back home, as well as other expats in your destination country. Join expat communities or forums online to exchange tips, advice, and experiences with fellow expatriates.

Tip 4. If you decide to rent a car, check out AutoSlash, a platform that locates the optimal rate for a rental vehicle without requiring prepayment. Autoslash aggregates top rental car deals at your destination. Input your travel details and receive the best deals via email within minutes. I’m told their service is entirely free of charge.

Customer Service Supported Stays

Tip 5. Select a Corporate housing provider that you can count on.

Ask if an on-call team who you can reach during off hours is available. Our commitment to delivering top-notch customer service since 1999 ensures that every step of the process is not just stress-free but genuinely exceptional. Make sure you can access support 24-7.

Tip 6. Ensure you travel with your passport

An important reminder: Carrying your passport when crossing borders into another country is imperative. It’s advisable to always have your passport or a copy of it on hand at all times. Identification is a requirement, so it’s essential to keep this from slipping your mind in the excitement of your new destination.

Tip 7. Walk as much as possible. Here is why:

Including walks in your travel plans can enrich your vacation, providing a mix of wellness, discovery, and cultural engagement, ultimately enhancing your overall experience.

Exploration and Discovery: Walking allows you to explore and discover hidden gems that may not be accessible by other modes of transportation. You can stumble upon charming alleyways, local markets, and unique landmarks that you might miss when using a vehicle.

Immersive Experience: Walking through a new destination provides a more immersive experience. You can engage with the local culture, interact with residents, and get a feel for the rhythm of daily life in a way that’s impossible when moving rapidly in a car.

Health: Traveling often involves indulging in local cuisine, which may be rich and calorie-dense. Walking helps counteract the effects of overindulgence and promotes physical activity, contributing to better health and well-being during your trip. Walking can relieve stress, allowing you to clear your mind and enjoy the surroundings. It’s a slower pace that allows you to appreciate the beauty of the destination without the rush associated with other modes of transportation.

Photography Opportunities: Walking allows you to take your time to capture beautiful moments and scenes through photography. You can stop whenever you want to snap a picture, creating lasting memories of your travels.

Local Interaction: Walking through neighborhoods provides opportunities for spontaneous interactions with locals. Whether it’s asking for directions, engaging in conversations, or receiving recommendations, walking facilitates a more direct connection with the community.

Tip 8. Explore the Local Outdoor Market Scene

Embrace the adventure of shopping in foreign outdoor markets—an authentic way to experience local life while saving significant money. Many expats prefer accommodations with a kitchen over a hotel, as it allows them to prepare at least one meal daily.

Tip 9. Experience Local Cuisine

Opt for local dishes over international cuisine, not only for their affordability but also for their superior taste. Western food, such as pizza and burgers, tends to be more expensive due to the imported ingredients. Instead, indulge in the local flavors. In destinations like Italy, consider yourself on a food exploration and fortunate that the food the locals eat may only be surpassed by the experience of being in an outdoor museum with abundant opportunities to experience some of the world’s greatest works of art up close and personal; such as the Travoli Fountain or Michael Angelo’s statue of David, in Florance.

Travoli Fountain

Numerous museums, galleries, and attractions offer free admission days. Several Italian art museums, including the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, allow free entry on the first Sunday of each month. The Louvre in Paris is also free on the first Sunday of the month. In some instances this complementary admission is during a specific time frame, such as October to March. 

The Louvre in Paris

Tip 10. Opt for a Generous Lunch

Consider scheduling your main meal for a late lunch rather than dinner. Many establishments offer lunch options comparable or identical to their dinner menu at a slightly lower cost. In Europe, multi-course lunch specials are prevalent and won’t break the bank.

Tip 11. Read to discover some of the best things to do at a destination, ask for local recommendations. 

Talk to locals. Ask where the best food, museums, and activities are that interest you. Ask for their recommendations. Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues who have visited the same destination. They may offer valuable insights and suggestions. Use social media platforms to ask for recommendations from a broader audience.

If you enjoy magical and majestic gardens, discover 62 acres of historical and natural beauty nestled within Paris’ Luxembourg Park. Immerse yourself in the enchanting gardens at your leisure, aided by GPS navigation and an engaging self-guided audio tour accessible on your smartphone. Look for local events, festivals, or special activities during your visit. This can add a unique and cultural dimension to your trip.

Tip 12. Currency Exchange: Research the currency exchange rates and consider the best options for exchanging currency. Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist areas, as they often offer less favorable rates.

With an extensive global inventory encompassing diverse accommodations, including apartments and houses, Stress Free specializes in customizing temporary or extended-stay solutions to suit the distinct requirements of both clients and various business sectors. Their dedicated focus on clients and travelers ensures the elevation of accommodation quality and traveler support, enhancing the overall experience.

Image Gallery (59)