Travel is back! If you visited any popular destinations in the last two years, you’ve probably realised that they were more crowded than usual. Or have you noticed that pretty much everyone on your social media feed is posting about their travel?
The narrative is clear when you look at the numbers. International tourism ended 2023 at 88 percent of pre-pandemic levels, according to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the year.
The narrative is clear when you look at the numbers. International tourism ended 2023 at 88 percent of pre-pandemic levels, according to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the year.
Whether your goal is to see the Olympics, your favourite pop singer perform or to explore new countries, many are already thinking about where they want to travel next and putting these plans in motion.
Even with travel back on the cards for many, the reality is that many are faced with balancing their desire to travel with the increased cost of living. Booking.com surveyed 27,000 travellers across 33 countries for its 2024 travel predictions, and 62 percent of respondents said the increased cost of living will play a limiting factor in their travel plans this year.
Even with travel back on the cards for many, the reality is that many are faced with balancing their desire to travel with the increased cost of living. Booking.com surveyed 27,000 travellers across 33 countries for its 2024 travel predictions, and 62 percent of respondents said the increased cost of living will play a limiting factor in their travel plans this year.
For more on inflation and its impact, read our article on Higher prices, lower income: Winning the race against inflation.
1. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail
This well-known saying holds true for travel as well, and planning well ahead of time will ensure you maximise your trip budget. Flights are typically cheaper when you’re further out from your vacation. Plus, if you’re planning to travel during a popular period like Ramadan, the school holidays or the popular summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, you probably need to book your accommodation in advance.
2. Destination dupes
This was one of the biggest TikTok trends that emerged last year, and it looks set to continue this year. The idea is to look for “dupes” or less touristy options to popular destinations. Some examples in Asia include Komodo Island instead of Bali, Malacca instead of Kuala Lumpur and Taipei instead of Seoul. Alternatively, pick a destination closer to home as flights will usually be cheaper and spending less days away means you won’t spend as much money.
3. Getting the most bang for your buck
Picking a destination based on its favourable exchange rate can help stretch your travel budget further. Exchange rates can change quickly, but the past year has seen Japan, Australia and Malaysia top the list of most popular destinations based on the weakness of its currency relative to the Bruneian dollar. Having a foreign currency savings account can also make it easier to manage and maintain your travel transactions. This is a not widely known but Baiduri Bank’s multi-currency ATM at the Brunei International Airport (BIA) allows you to withdraw other currencies without lining up at the bank. Available currencies include the US dollar, Euro and the Singapore dollar.
Picking a destination based on its favourable exchange rate can help stretch your travel budget further. Exchange rates can change quickly, but the past year has seen Japan, Australia and Malaysia top the list of most popular destinations based on the weakness of its currency relative to the Bruneian dollar. Having a foreign currency savings account can also make it easier to manage and maintain your travel transactions. This is a not widely known but Baiduri Bank’s multi-currency ATM at the Brunei International Airport (BIA) allows you to withdraw other currencies without lining up at the bank. Available currencies include the US dollar, Euro and the Singapore dollar.
4. Travel like a local
Start by looking through travel blogs or local guides for ideas on where to stay. For example, staying in an apartment, versus a hotel, or exploring local neighbourhoods instead of touristy areas, will allow you to stretch your dollar further. By staying in a local area, you can discover lesser-known gems. It also allows you the opportunity to strike up conversations with locals and you can ask for recommendations on where to shop and eat. Often, there are free cultural activities or discounted entries that you may not know about. Finally, take public transport. Avoiding tour buses and taxis not only saves you some money but you will also gain a deeper understanding of your destination by fully immersing yourself in local culture.
Start by looking through travel blogs or local guides for ideas on where to stay. For example, staying in an apartment, versus a hotel, or exploring local neighbourhoods instead of touristy areas, will allow you to stretch your dollar further. By staying in a local area, you can discover lesser-known gems. It also allows you the opportunity to strike up conversations with locals and you can ask for recommendations on where to shop and eat. Often, there are free cultural activities or discounted entries that you may not know about. Finally, take public transport. Avoiding tour buses and taxis not only saves you some money but you will also gain a deeper understanding of your destination by fully immersing yourself in local culture.
5. Banking on perks and promotions
Many use their credit cards for travel but how beneficial is it really? It is safer and more secure, plus you get to earn bonus points or Royal Skies miles that could translate into travel perks. For example, if you have a Royal Brunei Visa Infinite Credit Card or Royal Brunei Visa Platinum Credit Card, perks include up to 7 kg extra baggage allowance, special rates for the Sky Lounge at BIA and earning Royal Skies miles for everyday spending.
Many use their credit cards for travel but how beneficial is it really? It is safer and more secure, plus you get to earn bonus points or Royal Skies miles that could translate into travel perks. For example, if you have a Royal Brunei Visa Infinite Credit Card or Royal Brunei Visa Platinum Credit Card, perks include up to 7 kg extra baggage allowance, special rates for the Sky Lounge at BIA and earning Royal Skies miles for everyday spending.
Here are the main takeaways
Revenge travel might be a thing of the past two years, but people are still making up for the lost pandemic years. To maximise your travel budget, start planning early, consider destinations closer to home, experience a city like a local and find out what travel benefits your credit card offers.
If you’re dreaming of saying “Bonjour, Paris” this year and checking out the city of lights, watch out for our upcoming promotion with Visa. If you spend B$100 in a single receipt with your Baiduri Visa Credit or Debit Card, you stand a chance of winning an all-expenses paid trip to the Olympic Games Paris 2024 for 2 adults.
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