So for all of you travelers, take a vacation without spending a fortune with these helpful tips and tricks:

1- Be savvy when choosing your destination

Paris and London are dream destinations, but they’re expensive cities with complicated visa processes. Why not skip the visa step at all? Opt for one of the countries that require no visa or offer visa on arrival for Egyptians such as Jordan, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Georgia, and many others… and save yourself the hassle and expenses.

However, if you have your heart set on Europe, there are several countries or cities to explore that won’t break the bank. Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic are all Eastern European cities that offer beautiful landscapes, rich histories, and a different culinary experience for the fraction of the cost of Western European countries.

2- Travel off season

Each country has a different high season. Find out what it is for your destination and try to avoid it as much as you can. Traveling during the off seasons means attractions and public transportation will be less crowded with tourists, locals will be friendlier, and prices will be significantly lower.

3- Fly on a Tuesday

Flying on a weekend could save you a couple of vacation days at work, but flying on a Tuesday will definitely save you money. When booking your plane tickets, look for days in the middle of the week rather than weekends — that’s where the low prices are.

Also, booking in advance makes a world of difference in prices. According to experts, the best time to book a flight for a trip during winter is 62 days in advance, for spring 90 days in advance, summer 47 days in advance, and fall 69 days in advance.

4- Ditch fancy hotels

A fancy hotel is an experience on its own, but if you’re on a budget, look elsewhere. Four- and three-star hotels are as reliable and clean as expensive ones. Renting an apartment, such as through apps, can be a great option for a big group to split the cost, or if you’re on your own, rent a room in one. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, opt for a hostel. They’re cheap and give you the opportunity to form friendships with other travelers.

5- Failing to plan is planning to fail

Plan every part of your trip before you travel. Ask friends and acquaintances about their experiences in the destination you’re going to. Check online; travel blogs or Facebook groups for travelers usually offer good advice. Accumulate this knowledge and translate it into a detailed plan of where you’ll go, what you’ll visit, and where you’ll eat, so you don’t end up in a tourist trap paying a large sum for a mediocre experience.

Divide your expenses in advance between cash and card, and if you find yourself in need of using your card more than you originally thought, use it for purchases instead of withdrawals, as the fees and charges will be significantly less.

6- Claim tax back

If you’re planning on shopping, look for shops that offer tax back. Several countries have high sales taxes and as a non-resident, you have the right to a tax refund. Keep your passport with you when shopping, fill the forms at the stores, and when you get to the airport, present the forms to the designated office and get your money back.

7- Localize your experience

Buy local SIM card to avoid roaming charges, use public transportations instead of taxis, experience local restaurants, walk around… the more you localize your trip, the more you’ll see and the less you’ll end up paying.

8- Use frequent flyer miles

One of the best tips to travel on a budget is to collect frequent flyer miles; you could even pile up enough to end up with a free flight! CIB offer clients the Mileseverywhere credit cards in association with Egyptair; the cards offer you the opportunity to earn miles with every pound you spend. If you love travelling, this is the credit card for you!

Now you’re ready for your next vacation. Apply for the CIB-EGYPTAIR Mileseverywhere credit card, and book your next flight, without worrying about your expenses.

Much of the information in this article is transcribed from other sources. CIB does not make any warranties about the reliability or accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information in this article is strictly at your own risk, and CIB will not be liable for any losses in connection with it.