Flying higher without splurging

I like to think of myself as a budget traveller. But don't get me wrong: I'm not always a backpacker looking for the cheapest flea pit to stay in. What I mean is I always set a budget for overseas holidays and try my best to stick to it.

You may find it easier to keep to a budget when you're in a new territory since you will be more spending conscious. But there is a risk that if you don't know what to do and where to go, you'll resort to the safe options for travel and accommodation, which are usually the expensive ones.

So if you decide to be an individual traveller instead of a pampered tourist in a group and you don't want to shell out a fortune, you should do your homework ahead of time. Once you pick a destination, start collecting information, reading about high and low seasons and trying to find good deals.

Since airfares take a big chunk of your budget, check out low-cost airlines. Make sure the fares are inclusive of airport fees and taxes, and consider all associated costs before making a choice.

For example, if you're based in Dubai and flying from Sharjah, add the cost of a taxi to the airport or of parking your car there while you're away, and the cost of transportation at the other end.

Hotels

When it comes to accommodation, hotels may offer better rates if you stay longer and in the off-season. So enquire about several dates and lengths of stay. But try to understand the specifics of each country.

For example, Turkey's hotels will give you cheaper rates on the phone or by email than if you show up in person. In Egypt, you may get a lower hotel rate than foreign residents and even Egyptians if you book through a tour operator.

While internet blogs and discussion forums are the easiest information provider on these issues, a decent guidebook can be very helpful if you understand how the reviews are written.

On my first trip with a guidebook, I ended up in a Shanti Lodge hotel in Agra, India. The hotel review said "basic", which I understood as not including facilities such as a gym or a swimming pool. But what I found was cracks in the ceilings, stained sheets and hardly any running water.

I was ready to skip the Taj Mahal and take the first flight home, but I decided to try another hotel, which was reviewed as spotlessly clean.

That proved the turning point for the whole trip and it justified the price difference. So always have a back-up option. Pick two hotels from different price categories, and base your budget on the higher one.

Insurance

Another important factor in sticking to your vacation budget is to buy travel insurance. While many European countries make this a condition for granting a visa, it may be advisable to always be covered.

Remember, you're more vulnerable to illness during travel as a result of changes in diet, weather and daily activities. And medical costs can easily add up to a financial disaster if you need to be evacuated home.

If you're renting a car, shop in advance and try to book online.

But if you're not planning to drive, don't spend your money on taxis. A friend of mine missed a lot of Istanbul since she did not consider the city's buses, trams and ferries as transportation options.

So on a recent visit to Istanbul I decided to use the city's well-developed transport network, which meant I paid less and saw more of the city.

One last tip: resist souvenir shopping. I understand it is hard to do. But don't be carried away. Unless you're really impressed by certain items, keep souvenirs to a minimum.

But don't compromise when it comes to getting the best out of your holiday. Spend on a guided tour if you need to, travel to more cities, taste the local dishes, visit sights off the beaten track so that you go home with a real experience but without overspending.