Joanna James
Warm and friendly people, a host of nature's treasures are complemented by an ancient culture and heritage on this paradise isle enticing visitors. Read on to find ways of getting more value for money and not a strain on your wallet whilst you enjoy yourself in Sri Lanka.
The Low or offseason in Sri Lanka is May to November. During this period hotels, restaurants and other tourist attractions offer attractive deals for visitors. Grab these deals on the interesting things to do in Mirissa by paying much less.
Air travel during the low season is as much as 30 to 50 per cent less than during the peak periods. And these attractive airfares can be snapped up fast if you plan your trip well in advance, so do this on your next visit to Sri Lanka.
Consult your travel agent or browse the web to get a good deal on your air ticket to Colombo as travelling via an intermediate point is most often cheaper than travelling direct.
If you travel light this is an ideal option as you get to the main city Colombo in 30 minutes and pay less than 5 US Dollars for a seat in an air-conditioned coach,
A central place to cover the attractions or sites you had planned will make your local travelling cost much less as experienced by guests at Lantern Boutique Hotel, So choose your place of stay with care.
Homestays provide a dual benefit to visitors with quite competitive rates with tasty homemade meals (if you opt with Breakfast or on half board basis) and also the experience with a local family.
When booking tours with an early departure from your accommodation, refrain from using the 'Bed and Breakfast' basis at the accommodation as breakfast will be a part of your tour package.
With an extensive route network for both mediums of travel, seeing places in Sri Lanka is extremely cheap by public transport.
Enjoy the many varieties of food available at dine-in or takeaway places such as cafes, restaurants and hotels serving tasty fare at attractive prices.
In cities such as Mirissa on the southern coast, it is practical to rent a tuk-tuk or a scooter for the day to do more attractions with less hassle giving you time for enjoyment at the attraction.
Look out for hotels offering combo deals with tickets for attractions in the vicinity, you save money by going for such a deal as you receive concessions from both parties.
When you plan for a longer stay at places such as Airbnb, book for a couple of nights initially. Once you have checked in, a request to extend the stay may elicit a special concession than the regular daily rate.
When on a long stay if you are also preparing some of your meals, shop for the vegetables, meat and fruits at local markets which are cheaper and fresher.
This is a prudent thing to do when you are doing a safari or a guided tour as the cost of the vehicle or the tour is shared between the group as against paying all costs yourself.
Some of the attractions have an entry fee associated, do a bit of research to pick on those that are less costly and are providing a similar experience to you.
Though varied options are on offer at exclusive hotels, also be open to using Spa and Wellness treatment from other well run centres which offer a good therapy or treatment using similar products at a lower cost.
Exclusive shops and many shopping centres offer a range of clothing however, browse the markets and factory outlets for equally good clothing at less than half the price quoted at exclusive shops
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
