How to Save on Travel and Accommodations at the Global Laser Fair (2023 Edition)

The 2023 edition of the world's biggest laser exhibition is just around the corner. How can you save on travel and accommodation costs? We provide the latest practical strategies to help you save money on airfares, hotels, and transportation.Whether you are a first-timer or a veteran, you can find a money-saving trick that suits you!

The key to saving money is to use public transportation.

Reserve a special fare early.

During the exhibition, airfares to the city can skyrocket, so it is recommended that you keep abreast of flight schedules at least two months in advance.Use price-comparison tools (such as Google Flights or Skyscanner) to set up alerts for price drops, and be particularly aware of the promotional periods on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.If you are flexible with your time, arriving one or two days before the exhibition or staying an extra night after it ends can often save you 20-30 % on your expenses.

Make good use of local public transportation.

Don't rush to rent a car or call a taxi. Most trade show cities have excellent public transportation, and in some cities, such as Munich and Shanghai, there are buses that stop right next to the exhibition halls.It is best to download a local transit app (such as Citymapper) before you leave home, and to purchase a multi-day pass.For example, during the Berlin Laser Expo, a five-day transportation pass cost just 35 euros, saving nearly 200 NT dollars over a single taxi ride.

Choosing accommodation and negotiating prices.

First consider hotels that have cooperated in the past.

The organizers of a conference often have a special rate with the hotel that is 10-15 % lower than the rate on the hotel's own website.Remember to reserve through the exhibition's official website, and to note your exhibition status when ordering, to have a chance to receive a free room upgrade.If the hotel is full, you can try contacting the hotel directly and asking for a quote. Sometimes you can get breakfast or a later check-out time.

Short-term rentals are more flexible than hotels.

Traveling with friends: For those traveling with friends, Airbnb or Booking.com offers whole-house rentals that can be split among the group, bringing the price down to as little as a third of a hotel room.The best way to save money on food is to rent a place with a kitchen, and cook your own meals.Choose a great host and a place with a rating of more than 4.8 to avoid being in the wrong location and missing out on the show.

Hidden savings tips.

Share cars to save money.

They can also make arrangements to share rides to and from the airport, hotels, and conference venues.In Taiwan we have DiDi, and abroad there's BlaBlaCar. Safe and fun.Last week, a reader wrote in to say that he saved NT $ 1,200 on taxi fares by carpooling for four days at a laser show in Tokyo.

It's free, so why not?

More than 80 % of large-scale exhibitions provide shuttle buses, which cover the airport, subway stations and the main venues.Remember to pick up a transportation guide at registration or follow the organizers 'social media accounts to get the latest bus schedule.Don't underestimate the value of this service. Last year, the shuttle buses at the Shenzhen Optoelectronics Exhibition saved exhibitors an average of NT $ 80 a day in commuting costs.

Using points for benefits.

Wasting air miles and hotel points Airline miles can be used to upgrade to a more comfortable seat on a long flight, and hotel points can be redeemed for free breakfasts or for extending your stay.If you are a frequent traveler, it's best to stay with one chain (such as Marriott or Hilton) so that you can quickly accumulate points.