Save TONS on Your Next Vacation
Traveling can be expensive. Between the cost of the travel (airfare, gas, baggage fees…) and all of the extras involved with taking a vacation, the cost adds up quickly. Many people get discouraged, or cancel the trip altogether. But, there is a better way! If you plan in advance, a vacation doesn’t have to break the bank.
Plan in advance!
When planning a vacation, this is the most important step to save money. Planning in advance can save you money on airfare and room and board, because you can plan far enough in advance around peak seasons. For example, headed to the beach/coastlines in summer is going to increase your rates, as summer is a peak travel time.
Purchasing your airfare in advance also allows you to save money, as you aren’t paying increased rates for last minute booking. In fact, research has shown that you should purchase your plane tickets seven weeks in advance for the best rate. The same applies for booking your lodging – booking in advance will help you secure the lowest rates.
Skip the restaurants
The second largest travel expense is food. While on vacation, people typically spend close to $150 a day on food, vs. an average of $375 per month regularly (per person). That is a HUGE difference, and can really break the budget after a 1 week vacation (over $1000 on food per person). Instead of eating out for three meals a day, plan to cook or pack a lunch for two of those three meals. How can you do this?
Well, if you plan ahead, you can easily ensure you have the ability to eat home cooked meals. Our preference is to book places with a kitchenette (mini-fridge, sink and a coffee pot). If that’s not possible where you’re going, you can still prepare homemade food, just be sure to use non-perishables. Think things that don’t need to be refrigerated, shelf-safe breakfast and lunch foods. Cereal with almond milk, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, etc. Shelf-stable fruits are a great option too, like bananas, apples, and oranges. You could even purchase a small, disposable cooler (or if you’re on a road trip, bring one from home). Fill it with ice from the hotel everyday, and you can keep perishables cold too!
Heading to the local grocery store and planning meals is possible wherever you travel, domestic or international. And it’s a great way to save money while traveling!
Shop for deals
This is probably our favorite travel tip – shop around! If you’re planning a trip somewhere that involves events, theme parks, shows, etc, shop around for the best deal! Costco is a great place to find theme park tickets at a discounted rate, if you have a membership of course. Another great option is to check through your employer. Many corporate employers have a “corporate discount” site where you can purchase tickets at a discounted rate. Groupon and AAA are other examples of where you can find deals on travel.
Plan more, save more.
Ultimately, saving money on travel comes to down to planning. We talk about this all the time, but having a plan starts with a budget. Once you have the budget, you can save money every week or every month, as often as you need to, to save for a vacation. Then, plan your trip in advance. Outside of extenuating circumstances, travel does not need to be planned last minute. And as a result, can save you hundreds!
What is your favorite travel tip? Let us know in the comments below. Happy traveling!