Lower your travel expenses with the FIRST Classic Credit Card

‘Work, save, travel, repeat’ – a mantra any passionate traveller would recommend. And they are not wrong. Travel is a healthy pursuit, but to enjoy it more often, controlling your travel expenses is essential.

Ultimately, your budget dictates how many vacations you can take each year. Travelling on a budget maximises your trips and makes them more frequent. As a budget-conscious traveller, sticking to a plan and tracking expenses can make all the difference. This is where choosing the right credit card can make a huge difference.

Let’s explore exactly how to achieve this.

Travelling on a budget with FIRST Classic Credit Card
 

If you’re looking for the perfect credit card to bring down your travel expenses, the FIRST Classic Credit Card by IDFC FIRST Bank is made for you!

This credit card has been thoughtfully redesigned with the budget-conscious traveller in mind. Its sleek, contemporary look doesn’t just stand out – it resonates with your lifestyle, making it a natural extension of your journey. While the look is new, the trusted features remain the same, empowering you to manage your travel costs easily.

Here are a few reasons why the FIRST Classic Credit Card fits seamlessly into your budget travels:

1. Reward points benefits – With the FIRST Classic Credit Card, your reward points never expire. You can use them instantly for both online and in-store purchases. This makes planning your next travel destination easier as reward points add up fast. You can earn 3X reward points on online and offline purchases up to ₹20,000 per month. Enjoy 10X points beyond that limit and on your birthday.
   
   
2. Travel conveniences – Enjoy a comfortable domestic travel experience with the exclusive privileges of the FIRST Classic Credit Card. You get four complimentary railway lounge accesses every quarter and annual roadside assistance of ₹1399. Refuel on your road trips and save travel expenses with a monthly fuel surcharge waiver of up to ₹200.
   
   
3. Save on your lifestyle expenses – Be it on your travels or everyday life, the FIRST Classic Credit Card offers exclusive discounts. You get a 25% discount on movie tickets every month. You also get offers on over 300 brands throughout the year, discounts of up to 20% in over 1500 restaurants and 15% in over 3000 health and wellness outlets.
   
   
4. Repay with ease – Budget travel gets easier with easy EMI options. Convert transactions of ₹2500 and above into EMIs with just a few clicks on the mobile app. Easily manage your finances by transferring balances to the FIRST Classic Credit Card.
   
   
5. Universal use – You can link the FIRST Classic Credit Card to your UPI wallet and use it for everyday payments. Paying your travel expenses becomes easier when you have the UPI.

Additional tips for travelling on a budget
 

When travel expenses rise, it impacts both your budget and motivation for future trips. To enjoy more trips without overspending, follow these simple tips –

1. Plan proactively – Last-minute travel plans often lead to higher expenses, while early planning helps keep costs in check. Select the dates, finalise your destination, check peak season rates, book travel tickets and accommodation, get your leaves approved, and so on.
   
   
2. Fly high, spend low – Airfare can consume much of your travel budget, especially if you travel overseas. Here are some ways to save on flights –
   1. Lower the travel expenses by opting for budget flight carriers
   2. Use flight comparison sites to compare fares and find discounted tickets
   3. Search in incognito mode and/or delete your internet cookies to avoid fare increases based on your search history
   4. Find out the days and times when travel bookings are comparatively cheaper. For instance, an early morning flight during the mid-week can cost you less
   5. Compare the round-trip cost with two individual one-way trip costs
       
3. Travel light – Save money by limiting your check-in luggage. Travelling light benefits you throughout the trip: no porter fees, smaller cab options, and less worry about luggage safety. A pro tip is to wear heavier jackets and boots while flying and packing the lighter ones in your suitcase.
   
   
4. Cost-effective accommodations – Another trick to lowering travel expenses is choosing your accommodation wisely. Staying in the city centre or a luxury resort with premium amenities will increase costs. However, if you stay in a basic hotel, a homestay, or a bed-and-breakfast, you can save every day. Adventurous travellers can also save more travel expenses by camping out with rented gear.
   
   
5. Experiences over luxuries – Most authentic travel experiences cost very little. Explore the city on foot, visit bazaars, try out the roadside eateries and cafes, and negotiate the right price for souvenirs. These activities help manage expenses while immersing you in local culture.
   
   
6. Save on food and drinks – If your accommodation has a kitchen and fridge, you can reduce the number of fancy dinners. Instead, buy groceries in the local supermarket and cook something you like. Explore unique local produce to experience the region’s food culture firsthand. When dining out, opt for popular street food spots over trendy restaurants to enjoy hearty meals at a fraction of the cost.
   
   
7. Sightseeing on a budget – Many destinations offer free or low-cost entry to religious sites, castles, and historical ruins. Even museums and galleries may have admission-free days and hours. Enjoy natural beauty at free-access sites like woods, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Not to mention, these choices will end in many memorable travel moments.
   
   
8. Save as you spend – Finally, there are a lot of travel expenses to be saved simply by choosing the right payment option. The right credit card, such as the FIRST Classic Credit Card, offers reward points useful for travel tickets and other purchases. Using them, you can save every time you shop and eat out. Easy credit card EMIs ensure you can cover your travel expenses conveniently.

Travel within your budget
 

Embrace the journey of affordable travel with the redesigned FIRST Classic Credit Card by IDFC FIRST Bank. With every transaction, earn valuable reward points, enjoy exclusive discounts, and save on travel expenses – all with a card crafted to reflect your lifestyle.

The FIRST Classic Credit Card isn’t just a payment tool; it’s your reliable partner in exploring the world on a budget.