8 good tips for going to Sri Lanka without breaking the bank
Are you planning to go on a trip to Sri Lanka soon and want to maximize your vacation budget without restricting yourself? Discover in this article 8 tips for saving money without depriving yourself.
1. Make your reservations in advance
This is no surprise to anyone, but booking in advance is the best way to pay less for your plane tickets and accommodation. This is all the more important as these two expense items will represent the majority of your vacation budget to Sri Lanka. Statistically, you will benefit from the best prices by booking your plane tickets to Sri Lanka between 5 and 6 months in advance, so plan ahead and start looking at least 6 months in advance.
2.Go during the off-peak season
The months of December, January, July and August are usually the most popular months for a tailor-made trip to Sri Lanka, it is also the time when plane tickets and accommodation are more expensive. If you can leave a little before or after the most popular periods is a good way to benefit from ideal weather while benefiting from more competitive prices.
3. Make a stopover
The only airline to offer direct flights to Sri Lanka from France is Sri Lankan Airlines. While a direct flight is tempting, it remains significantly more expensive than opting for a flight with a stopover, sometimes double the price. By choosing instead to fly with Emirates or Qatar Airways and make a stopover in Dubai or Doha, you will easily save a few hours of delay.
4. Reserve your parking at the airport
The price of parking at the airport varies depending on supply and demand. If you are looking for long-term parking at the airport and have to park at the last minute in one of the official car parks, it could easily cost you half the cost of your plane ticket. Find out in advance and consider comparing nearby private car parks, which often offer more competitive prices.
5. Use public transportation
Many vacationers to Sri Lanka choose to book a car with driver. Unlike the Indian public networks where a car rental in India is ideal for traveling, Sri Lanka has a good public transport network at very affordable prices. Allow 0.20 cents per hour for your bus journeys and 0.50 cents per hour for the train.
6.Avoid spending in highly touristy places
Whether to buy souvenirs, eat or take a Tuk Tuk, you will often benefit from much more attractive prices by traveling a few streets from the places most frequented by tourists. It’s also a good opportunity to discover the country!
7.Enjoy the local gastronomy
Like most vacation destinations, you’ll find establishments serving dishes you’re familiar with. However, local dishes are often better and more affordable, even more so if you eat vegetarian. The national dish “Curry and Rice” is however quite spicy, do not hesitate to ask without chili if that is too much for you.
8.Take advantage of free activities
Beaches, swimming, walks or even visiting tea plantations are all activities for which you will not have to spend anything (or almost nothing). Enjoy!