Not all of us are blessed with bottomless bank accounts. So finding ways to cut costs and get the most from our surf travels is essential.
Whether you’re jetting off for some cold water waves in Stavenger, Norway or plan to bask in some Balinese barrels, consider these money saving tips to get the most from your surfing travels.
1. Check the price of traveling with your surfboard
Although the standard price for budget airlines is around £50, you should always check the airlines official website. Even if you check price comparison sites, the information stored on these sites aren’t always completely accurate and can change over time.
Parking4Less posted an article, which discusses how many airlines tend to leave additional costs off their original ticket prices to help maximise ticket charges. The blog post which is entitled ‘Beware of Cheap Flights Extra Costs’ details how budget airlines look to charge passengers for extra luggage, being accompanied by infants, EU levvy, airport taxes, service charges and much more. So always research baggage restrictions to see how much it will cost you to travel with your board.
2. Weigh your board beforehand
It’s important to know the weight of your board because it will impact your luggage allowance. On a long haul flight, you’re typically allowed 30kg for your baggage allowance that’s stowed away in the lower part of the plane.
This tends to differ dramatically when you are flying on smaller aircrafts. It’s best to either check the airline’s website or check the airport you are traveling from. For instance, Heathrow Airport has an archive whereby you can source all baggage costs from the various airlines that fly in and out on a daily basis.
3. Pack light
Yes, this pretty much all revolves around not going over the top when it comes to the weight of your suitcase and additional luggage. For the most part, hotels, bed and breakfasts and hostels have laundry facilities, so pack light. It’s better to get things washed and ironed somewhere while you’re away than over pack and incur costs from the airline you’re traveling with.
Hopefully, these tips will help you on your next surfing trip. If you have any additional tips for our readers when it comes to packing, feel free to impart your knowledge in the comments below.