(Newswire.net — March 2, 2020) —
Almost everyone wants to travel, but finances are one of the most common problems someone encounters when planning to explore other regions. Budgeting your vacation is possible, but it’ll take a lot of cutting corners and research. Fortunately, we did some of the work for you. Here are some of the many ways to save money while still living your best life on the road.
Package Deals
Companies acknowledge how expensive it is to travel, especially if you’re a family of four or more. They make vacationing more affordable by combining travel expenses into a single bundle at a discount price. Rentalescapes.com mentions how you can have everything you want when you use a rental service.
Getting the best from your budget will require some math to figure out whether the package is worth it. For instance, if you’re staying with a friend or you have a means of transportation, it may be cheaper to pick a flight by itself rather than a deal that includes all of the above.
Search for Free Activities
What you do while you’re at your destination may be the most expensive part of your holiday. Unless you’re there specifically for a certain event or attraction, there are many things you can do that are within your budget, or completely free of charge. Look for activities such as:
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Sightseeing
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Points of interest
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National parks
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Historical sites
Every destination has something different to offer, so look up potential attractions that fit your budget. Trust us; you’ll still have an amazing time regarding how much (or how little) you spend.
Plan Your Location and Commute
Not counting flights, another significant expense is the transport you need to get from the hotel to the activities of the day. Map out where you’re interested in staying and visiting, and how much you’re expected to spend in-between places. With some research, you can cut down costs and make reservations so that you can keep your commute to the minimum.
Take Advantage of Loyalty or Reward Programs
Airline companies and chain hotels have programs that will grant you points every time to book with them. Opening and using certain credit cards can also earn you some discounts with flights and other vacation expenses.
Timing is Everything
When planning your trip, there are two time-related things that will make a significant difference in how you save.
Get the Most Out of Your Stay
You may expect that staying extra days will make your vacation much more expensive than it should be, but sometimes that’s not the case. Depending on where, when, and how long, adding more days can be only cost a few bucks more. The prices aren’t linear, so you’ll need to play around with the numbers to find out if you can get a good deal out of staying longer.
Travel Off-Season
Traveling off-season is one of the surefire ways to save on your vacation. Since there are fewer tourists and traffic, businesses offer discount rates and sales to compensate for it. Be careful; there are cut-off dates when prices will climb back up, so avoid staying too close to the beginning of the on-season as well.
Book in Advance
The further in advance you plan your vacation, the more options you have on hotel rooms and airline seats. Plus, it will give you plenty of time to find the best travel deals.
Save on Meals While on the Road
Expenses on food add up, especially if you eat out frequently. Here are some ways to cut down on meal costs while still having a great time.
Go All-Inclusive
If you factor in how much you spend on food on vacation, it can go into the hundreds. Opt for an all-inclusive resort so you can enjoy three meals a day, drinks, and more as a package deal.
Book a Room With a Refrigerator, Microwave, or Kitchen
While not many enjoy the thought of cooking on their vacation when they’re supposed to be relaxing, it’s a cheap food alternative before a big outing. You can also have reheat leftovers from a large lunch or dinner.
Buy From Local Stores and Restaurants
Unless you don’t feel safe straying away from the tourist area, a few blocks can mean the difference between overpriced food and a regular-priced meal from a local restaurant. This is a great option if you’re interested in trying food that’s authentic to the area.
Carry Snacks and Water With You
Having quick and cheap snacks and bottled water with you will keep you from buying overpriced food while you’re out. It will also hold you off until you get to your room or a more affordable restaurant.
Have a Big Lunch
Dinner is often more expensive, so it’s a good idea to take advantage of lunch specials. Not only will you be less hungry for longer, but you’ll also likely have leftovers for later.
Traveling Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
While traveling is one of the most sought after activities, it has a reputation for being luxurious and out-of-reach. Don’t let social media and celebrities trick you into thinking that vacationing is out of your budget. With enough planning, you can visit your dream destination without breaking the bank.