Are you planning a vacation? Are you beginning to realize that it will cost more than you expected to get everything you want? Are you hoping to find a few good ways to save some money?
Like many people, the cost of travel may be the only thing holding you back from vacationing on a regular basis.While there is no denying the fact that you will spend money any time you go on vacation, there are steps you can take to save. Depending on your approach, you may be able to keep hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in your pocket.
So, with all this in mind, let’s examine 5 of the best ways to save money on your next vacation:
1. Drive, Don’t Fly
Despite the fact that there are times when flying is more convenient, this isn’t always the best way to travel.
For example, if you’re traveling with your spouse and several children, it’s typically cheaper to get in your car and drive to your destination.
Tip: this isn’t always possible, such as if you are visiting another country or traveling thousands of miles to reach your destination.
2. Eat In More Often
Dining out is one of the most enjoyable parts of any vacation, but you don’t want to get into the habit of doing this too often.
For example, there is a big difference between eating out once a day and three times per day. If you limit yourself to dining out once a day, you’ll find it much easier to stay within the lines regarding your food budget. You may even find that you’re able to splurge and some of that saved money on local cuisine.
3. Use Credit Card Points
This is one of the best ways to save money on a trip. It’s also one of those things that many people overlook.
Take for instance a person who owns an SEO agency. Since this person is likely to spend a lot of money on his or her credit card, there’s a good chance they have plenty of points to spare.
You don’t have to use your points every time you take a vacation, but you should consider when it makes sense to do so. You may come to find that you have enough points stocked away that you can take a trip for almost nothing. How nice would that be?
4. Travel During Off Peak Season
This won’t work every time you’re taking a vacation, but it’s definitely one of the better ways to save money. Maybe you want to take a beach vacation. While the summer months make the most sense, don’t overlook just how much you could save by hitting the sand during the spring or fall seasons.
Yes, this will call for a change to your schedule, but it may be well worth it if you can save a lot of money.
5. Cut Back on Your Hotel
It’s easy to overspend on your hotel, as you want to stay in a nice establishment that will allow you to rest in comfort.
However, there’s something you need to remember: you’re only going to spend so much time in your hotel. The rest of your trip you’ll be on the go.With this in mind, you may feel comfortable cutting back on your hotel as a means of saving money. So, instead of booking that five star resort, you can search for something a bit more modest.
Tip: use the internet to compare rates and features, as this will provide you with a high level overview of what the area has to offer.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to save money on a vacation. You need to get creative when planning your trip, as changing your way of thinking will go a long way in helping you save.
When was the last time you took a vacation? Were you happy with how much money you spent? Did you take any steps in particular to save? Share your thoughts on vacation planning and setting a budget in the comment section below. Your advice can help other travelers save big, too!
Victoria Howes is an entrepreneur, traveler, and consultant to multiple brands including Travelocity, Hotels.com, and Homeaway. Follow her adventures at victoriahowes.com.
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