Cheap Travel Tips
First tip is to stay longer in each location & go less places total. This saves money on transportation but also because it gives you time to get to know an area and find the good deals (best shops, local places to eat, etc.). Going from one place to another costs a lot! Try to go only to two places at the most! If you arrive at Copenhagen you could benefit of much less expensive accommodations and food on the Swedish side of the sound.
Staying on the outskirts of cities may be cheaper, but then you need to factor in the cost of getting from there to the places you want to see.
You could find good affordable accommodation all year round but you have to look for different profiles of the hotel. Conference hotels in the towns and cities are cheaper during summer season and weekends. On the other hand countryside inns, castles and manor houses will bring you an exclusive experience to bring home at a very affordable rate.
Hotels are really clean here and always with double beds and private WC/shower so booking budget accommodations is not a risky proposition.
Eat off the prix fix menu. Have your main meal between noon and 2 p.m. when a lot of restaurants have specials (limited offers during holidays and weekends). If you are in a hostel or B&B, you can go home for a hearty soup (in winter) or salad (in summer), or both, with good bread and a bottle of wine for dinner. Do not order soft drinks with your meals. It is better, and cheaper, to drink wine. You also do not need to buy bottled water in restaurants there, just ask for a glass of water. But allow yourself to enjoy a local culinary experience at least one evening!
Look for things to do that does not cost money like street markets, free concerts, church or school sponsored activities, local events. The local tourist boards often have an updated list of seasonal events. Some cities like Copenhagen, Malmo and Stockholm offer discount cards for transportation, museums and other attractions for visitors. This can be a big cost saver. Research ahead what each area is known for when it comes to local products for souvenirs. Buy food as souvenirs in grocery stores.
Breakfasts are always included in our hotels in Sweden and a great money saver. There is plenty to eat, which means you could skip lunch. Maybe just buying sandwiches at lunch or getting bread and cheese at the grocery shop, and then splurging for dinners.
Take the train if you want to move around. It is easier and faster than you probably think! Train travel in second class is fine.
Finally – get help from a travel agent! This will probably cut search cost and give you the most exciting and affordable itinerary since a direct contact to hotels and local knowledge will give you a better standard for less money. Most agents work on a commission basis, which will give you quality without a higher price level.
Photo Karin Oddner Eco Fair in Malmö.