Teach Middle East Magazine Sep-Dec 2019 Issue 1 Volume 7 | Page 54

Travel TOP TIPS TO HELP YOU TRAVEL ON A BUDGET T hings are changing in the Middle East, and everyone seems to be on a budget nowadays, but if you are like me and live for your holidays, I have some top tips that will help you to continue to enjoy travelling without breaking the bank. 1. Collect air miles Everyone might have heard of air miles, and chances are, you are already a member of one or more air miles programmes with different airlines. Collecting air miles on just one airline is, in my opinion, the slower way to get to a free or discounted flight, instead, I recommend joining a programme which allows you to collect air miles which can be used on any airline. In the Middle East, Airmiles.me is an excellent programme to join, as it will enable you to collect air miles on your everyday purchases in selected shops. If you are not scared of credit cards, then HSBC bank offers an advanced master card which allows you to earn air miles every time you use it. I use this credit card exclusively for all my purchases, and I pay it off monthly. So far, I have been able to redeem several free tickets on the airlines of my choice. The only thing to be aware of is that the interest rate is quite high, so make sure to always clear your balance when the bill is due. If you mostly travel on Etihad or Emirates airlines, several banks offer cards on which you can gain miles on either of these two airlines, every time you spend. 2. Look for a deal Sites like Groupon are increasingly offering discounted holidays to various destinations. The only drawback is that as educators we can only travel in the high season when these deals might not be available, but if you are flexible with your destination and flights, you might still be able to bag a bargain. The trick is always to check the deal sites and to act fast. The Entertainer, which is an app offering two for one deal on hotels, is also another great option. Use a two for one deal on hotels with the Entertainer and a budget airline like Fly Dubai, and you have a winning combination. There are also travel companies like Holidayme. com and The Holiday Factory, which offer affordable packaged holidays to various destinations. 3. Travel with a group Many educators travel together; they share transport, tours and accommodation, which then makes the trip more affordable. Can't find a group? Start one, all it takes is a post on your social media, stating where and when you want to go, while inviting others who would like to come along to get in touch with you. The advantage of group travel is that you are able to take advantage of group rates on flights, hotels and tours. Check out groups on Facebook like; Lovin Dubai Travellers and Abu Dhabi Travelers where you can meet likeminded people and ask for advice on various destinations. 4. Consider a staycation If you cannot afford to fly and travel is an itch that you must scratch, then a staycation might be just what you need. There are plenty of exciting places close by or a short drive away that you can explore. Check out the neighbouring cities, emirates and countries. Get a group of your friends and rent a villa by the beach or a cottage in the mountains. Don't be the person who spends many years living in the Middle East without exploring all the fantastic places that are right on your doorsteps. 54 Term 1 Sep - Dec 2019 After the Bell