April 23, 2025
How to avoid overpaying while enjoying time abroad? Success Story
Traveling always brings emotions, new experiences, and discoveries. But inevitably, the question arises: how to avoid overpaying for vacation and get maximum enjoyment? I faced this dilemma during a trip to Thailand, where tourists are offered hundreds of excursions, services, and tickets with huge markups.
It turned out that if you know where to look, you can significantly save money without compromising comfort. I’ll share how I managed to avoid overpaying and still make my vacation unforgettable.
Tickets Without Markup: Where to Buy?
The first trap most tourists fall into is buying tickets for attractions on-site or through travel agencies. For example, in Bangkok, I wanted to visit the Grand Palace and the Golden Buddha Temple. It turns out that the ticket at the box office was more expensive than if I had bought it online.
I used the Puzzle Trip online app, where tickets were about 20% cheaper, and most importantly, I didn’t have to stand in line. It turned out that many attractions offer discounts for online booking, but few people know about it.
Excursions: Group or Private?
The second area where you can save is excursions. Many agencies offer group tours where you need to visit a dozen places at a frantic pace in a day. The price seems low, but in reality, you’re paying for transportation, tips, and intermediaries.
I wanted to see Phi Phi Island without crowds of tourists. Agencies offered standard tours for 30-40 people. As a result, I found boat rental with a captain in Puzzle Trip at a price almost equal to the group tour. Ultimately, I:
• Swam in crystal-clear water without sharing the beach with crowds of tourists.
• Stopped at scenic spots where I could spend as much time as I wanted.
Renting Transport: More Affordable Than It Seems
Many tourists think that renting a car, boat, or even a helicopter is something unaffordable. But in the app, I found available options with good discounts.
For example, in Phuket, I decided to have a special day:
• First, I flew by helicopter and saw the islands from a bird’s-eye view.
• After landing, a yacht was waiting for me, where I spent the whole day enjoying the sea and warm breeze.
At first glance, such a combination seems expensive, but thanks to flexible booking options, I spent less than if I had bought these services through an agency.
How to Avoid Overpaying While Traveling: Main Tips
- Buy tickets online – it’s cheaper and faster than at the box office.
- Avoid intermediaries – book excursions and transport directly.
- Compare prices – sometimes a private tour costs less than a group excursion.
- Use a trusted service with real reviews and photos.
This trip taught me that you can travel not only interestingly but also wisely. The key is to know where to look for the best deals. Now I always start planning by looking at services on Puzzle Trip, where you can buy tickets, excursions, and rentals without intermediaries. This not only saves money but also makes vacation more comfortable.
Now I know for sure: avoiding overpaying while traveling is possible!