One of the most intimidating parts of traveling abroad is getting around. It’s often a challenge trying to use the public transportation, especially if a language barrier exists. There is always that risk of getting lost or confused. Thankfully, over the past few years, navigating has become less and less difficult.

Researching your vacation ahead of time is the first step. Then, you should look for great deals on rental car, hotel room, or air fare. Try to also check out tours and activities that are available in your destination and find those that match your preferences and budget. Here are four tips to get you prepared for the best getaway possible.

1. Car Hires

To find the most affordable quote for a car rental, try visiting and comparing websites that have a wide network of dealers and get their prices. For example, if you’re traveling to Barcelona or Madrid, Car hires Spain can give you a rich selection with varying prices and vehicle types. Get a comprehensive view and pay attention to the details.

Just go on a car rental scanner website, type in your travel dates, and pick-up location. Car hires are impressively efficient because they save you time. Instead of opening several browser windows and visiting each website, you get all the information you need with just one click. Make sure you have the license and other documents required in the country you are visiting.

2. Be flexible when booking flights.

To get the best flight to your vacation, you should be pretty flexible when it comes to your travel dates. If you can help it, avoid getting fixated on a specific date. A simple move, like changing the dates of your travel can mean big savings! For example, weekend flights are generally much pricier than those scheduled on a weekday.

Consider other airports too. Some cities have two or more airports. For example, Paris is served by Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly Airport, and Beauvais-Tillé Airport. If you plan to visit Krakow and you can’t find an affordable flight, check Katowice Airport.

3. Compare tours and activities.

Tours are not just about the destination you’re viewing; it’s about the whole experience. Each tour guide and travel company will have a completely different feel than their competitors, so don’t pick the first company you see.

First, make sure that the tour company matches your demographic. If you’re looking to have a peaceful tour, it’s not smart to go on a tour with partying and alcohol.

Check the itinerary or the list of the activities planned for each tour. If you’re looking forward to shopping, check if they will be making a shopping stop. See if there are stops that can affect the clothes you need to pack. Decide if the itinerary is the best way to spend your day.

As long as you are aware of your budget and know the type of tour you want to attend, you should have no issues finding the right experience for you.

4. Find affordable accommodations.

Just because you want to stay at a nice hotel doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on it. There are some simple strategies that you can use to find the best place without breaking the bank.

One strategy is to bundle your flight and hotel booking, which can bring down the cost of the hotel stay substantially.

It’s also smart to sign up for a hotel’s loyalty program or hotel booking websites, since they are often generous. Before you know it, you’ll have enough free nights for your next vacation or get other perks like free airport transfers.

Booking Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a getaway with friends, or a solo backpacking trip, it is essential to find the right balance of preparation and fun. By doing the proper research and giving yourself ample time to plan, you can avoid many problems that could get you off-guard once you’re on the road.

Booking services like car hire in advance can help you save money in high-traffic and popular areas like Spain, France, and Italy. Booking your next flight on an odd day out of the week has the potential to save you a lot of money. So, it is useful to practice these tips whenever you find yourself in vacation-planning mode.