Domestic airfares have gone up dramatically, but that doesn't mean you can't think of an overseas sojourn this holiday season. Travelling abroad doesn't necessarily mean burning a hole in the pocket, say travel experts. Proper planning and right execution can really help you save money as well as a lot of hassles.
One of the easiest ways to cut cost is to make the bookings well in advance. "You pay at least 25-30 % lower on international air travel. Hence the key to best travel deal is to plan early," says Noel Swain, EVP, supplier relations, Cleartrip. Most airlines sell tickets at discounted rates 7, 14, or 21 days before the departure dates.

Secondly, be flexible with your schedule. Flying on weekdays and not on weekends, or even at a different time of the day, can make a substantial difference . If possible, use public transportation in cities rather than taxis. "If you are opting for a cab, check with all major car-rental agencies in the destination city. Make the reservations before you leave home as it is always a guaranteed money saver," says Pratik Majumder, head of marketing & strategic relations at Yatra.com.

Some budget destinations you could explore this holiday season:

TURKEY

"It is popular for its history, white sand beaches, soaring mountains and its cuisine," says Majumder. "Starting from exploring history, nature surroundings, adventures , taste of different cuisines to mingling in a new culture, Turkey has attracted tourists for ages . Moreover, the country is famous for the hospitality extended by the localities," he adds. Holiday packages to Turkey starts from . 54,000 per person. The exchange rate for the Turkish currency (lira) is 29.8841 Indian rupees.

Remember:

If you are planning to travel in taxis, as in all countries , ask for a rough estimate of the fare before you board. Ask the driver to use the fare meter and check your change carefully.

THAILAND

Thailand is popular for its beaches , food, culture and the shopping options it offers for the different age groups. Pattaya and Phuket are very popular destinations among Indians. Travellers can also visit the islands like Coral Island, Ko Phai, Ko Krok and several others by renting a boat. Pattaya Thai Floating Market is a popular place for shopping in Thailand. The holiday packages to Thailand start from . 22,000 per person . The exchange rate for the Thai currency (baht) is 1.7462 Indian rupees.

Remember:

Laundry is very cheap and you can purchase anything you need over there. So you can pack light. When bargaining, check the price of an item in more than one place. Try and negotiate the price down by 15-20 % from the average price. Avoid swiping your credit card for security reasons.