Planning a vacation can be tasking both mentally, physically, and financially. However, devising a means to cut costs and save money during the vacation can go a long way in reducing the bulk of the challenges.
One major challenge faced by travelers involves the financial expenses accrued during the trip. More often than not, this discourages most people from embarking on a journey to their desired destination.
However, this ought not to be the case, as everyone deserves some vacation time after long working hours all year round. Hence, it is important to devise proven means of cutting costs, working on a budget, and saving money, and still get the best out of the vacation.
Here are ten trusted ways to achieve just that, without compromising the pre-planned standard, no matter the nature of the vacay.
1. BOOK FLIGHTS AHEAD
Booking flights months ahead is one sure way of saving money on a vacation. Flights booked months prior are usually cheaper than last-minute bookings. To make the most out of this tip, it is important to sign up for travel newsletters in advance.
This can keep you updated on the cheapest flight deals available at a particular period. By a streak of luck, the best deal could fall within your travel period. And booking ahead gives one all the time in the world to hunt for great deals.
Don’t be afraid to reschedule travel dates to fit a tempting deal, as having a flexible travel date is an added advantage when trying to save money on a vacation.
2. TRAVEL OFF SEASON
Another travel tip useful in saving vacation funds is to travel during off-seasons. Going off-season usually guarantees cheaper flight options and more affordable lodgings.
Furthermore, there would be less crowd to deal with, which guarantees more fun, and lesser waiting time in queues. That’s one sure way to accomplish more routines during the vacation.
3. VISIT LOCATIONS WHERE YOUR HOME CURRENCY HAS HIGHER VALUES
Get more value for your money by vacationing in countries or cities where your home currency is worth a fortune. That way, with only a few bucks, you could enjoy the vacation to the fullest, secure VIP treatments, and explore more places.
Countries like Mexico, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Guatemala, and most African countries would be your best bet. You’d be surprised at how much fun you could have without exceeding the budget.
4. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF COUPONS AND FREEBIES
Embarking on a vacation avails one the perfect opportunity to make use of all those coupons that’s been storing up all year long. Be it travel coupons, online shopping, leisure centers, or accommodation coupons, those discounts could amount to a fortune combined in the long run.
5. EXPLORE DIFFERENT HOUSING OPTIONS
This tip is useful for saving money, especially when embarking on a family vacation. Rather than go straight to booking a hotel, try exploring other lodging options like hostels, bed-and-breakfasts, or rentable apartments.
These options may prove more convenient, and finance-efficient. A large family on a vacation, for instance, would benefit more from renting an apartment for the entire duration of the vacation, rather than pay for two or three adjoining rooms in a hotel.
6. TRAVEL WITH YOUR OWN FOOD TO SAVE MONEY
Bringing food along while traveling is a sure way to save money, as it helps avoid the pocket-draining ordeal of purchasing food in airports or known tourist locations.
Additionally, checking out lodgings that have microwaves or a mini kitchens can make it easier for one to purchase groceries and rough something up.
This goes a long way in sparing you the extra costs accrued from eating out. Don’t forget to include a beverage to go with the yummy homemade snack.
7. HAVE A WATER BOTTLE HANDY
The whole concept of bottled water could seem like a rip-off when you end up spending a fortune on a drink that is readily available in drinking water fountains.
A proven way to work around this extra cost is by carrying a water bottle when traveling. That way, you could always refill them for free from water fountains when they run out, instead of buying.
8. HIT THE FLEA MARKETS AND LOCAL STORES
When vacationing in a foreign land, a rule of thumb is to do as the locals do. By implication, it is important to utilize their means of transportation, shop at the local grocery stores, and hit the farmers’ market for anything you might need.
As much as possible, avoid patronizing shops located in the tourist-designated areas or around airports. These stores offer products at exorbitant prices, with the sole aim of exploiting uninformed tourists.
9. SAVE MONEY BY LOOKING OUT FOR FREE ACTIVITIES
Hitting the movies is hardly worth it when the same film would likely run in a drive-in theatre for free later in the day. Therefore, before deciding on activities to embark on, be sure to research a little to find out what activities would go down for free.
Checking out community calendars, or associating with the locals would help you have better knowledge of such free or discounted funfests.
10. HOUSE-SIT OR PET-SIT IN EXCHANGE FOR LODGING
A good travel hack to help save money while on a vacation is by opting to take on a job as a house-sitter or a pet-sitter. Such opportunities come up when the owners of a house are embarking on a trip, and need someone to look after their pets, or man the house while they are away.
Filling in the position for them helps save you a hundred percent fees on accommodation. Bonus points if you get unlimited access to the kitchen!
Remember, going on a vacation to any destination, and having some savings left from the budget afterward is possible. All that is required is proper planning.
