Budget-Savvy Vacation Tips
While vacations are typically linked to being expensive, they don’t necessarily have to break the bank. All it takes is a bit of planning, creativity, and savvy decision-making to create a memorable getaway on a budget. Whether you head to Aber Bay in Wales or Disneyland in California, detailed below are some of the top tips for planning a budget-friendly vacation.
Plan Ahead
Perhaps the most effective way of saving money on vacations is to plan well in advance. When you start early, it’s much easier to find lower rates for flights, accommodations, and activities. You can also be notified of price drops by signing up for fare alerts from airlines and travel websites. Giving yourself at least three months will allow you to save a lot of money, particularly if you’re looking to travel during peak times.
Travel During Off-Peak Times
Another effective way of reducing the cost of your trip is traveling during off-peak seasons. At these times, flights and accommodation tend to be more affordable, and popular tourist attractions are also typically much less crowded. There are many destinations out there that provide off-season bargains, and you can plan your trip around these times. For instance, the fall and spring are the cheapest times to go to beach destinations, and the weather still tends to be pleasant during these times.
Be Flexible with Your Destination
For those looking to travel on a budget, flexibility is key. Rather than getting your heart set on a specific location, you should be open to exploring different options. Google Flights and Skyscanner are just two of the tools you can use to find the cheapest destinations from your nearest airport. The beauty of this approach is also that you’re likely to discover some less touristy places that are just as beautiful.
Use Alternative Accommodations
Hotels are just one of the many lodging options that are available in this day and age. Some more affordable options include hostels and vacation rentals. Airbnb, Hostelworld, and TrustedHousesitters are just some of the websites that present you with various budget-friendly accommodation types. Similarly, if you have family or friends in the location you’re looking to stay, you could always save some money by staying with them. In addition to being more affordable, this also provides you with a more authentic experience.
Travel Light
When you limit the amount of luggage you’re taking, this will help you save money on baggage fees. Similarly, it’ll make it easier to use public transportation. Tips for traveling light include packing versatile clothing items that you can mix and match with one another. Packing your carry-on well eliminates the need for checked baggage, making everything cheaper and easier in the long run.
Take Advantage of Public Transportation
Rather than using taxis and rental cars, you can save money by using public transportation. To make the whole process less daunting, you should do your research about public transportation in your destination city and plan your routes in advance. A number of touristy cities offer tourist passes that allow for unlimited travel on buses, trains, and subways for a fixed period. As well as being the cheaper option, this provides a more authentic city experience.
Eat Like a Local
One of the biggest expenses when on vacation is dining out, but you can save money by eating where the locals eat. Not only will these restaurants be cheaper than tourist traps, but they’ll also be much more authentic, which is a win-win situation. If you opt for accommodation with kitchen facilities, you can also make your own food to save on costs.
