Vacations are all you’ve ever wanted. Before you can get away, you should prepare your budget and learn what you can do to start saving money on your vacation! After all, paradise often comes at a price.
Whether you want to explore a tropical island or go on a road trip with your friends, there are clever tips that add relief to your wallet, no matter where you go! Here are 17 ideas for saving money on your vacation, ensuring you get the most out of your trip!
1. Travel During Off-Peak Times
Be strategic about when you travel. If you catch a flight during off-peak season, you’ll likely get cheaper airfare and additional accommodations. You may even get upgraded to first class! As a bonus, hotel rates tend to drop and there are fewer crowds, resulting in a more relaxed vacation.
2. Set Up Flight Alerts
Do your research. Many airlines offer flight alerts, so you’ll know when there are discounts, special promotions, or reduced fares to various destinations.
You should also compare various prices on flights on travel comparison websites. Booking at the right time can save you a substantial amount of money, so it’s worth doing your due diligence.
3. Use Public Transportation
Instead of renting a car or taking taxis, use public transportation wherever possible. Buses, trains, and metros are usually much cheaper. Better yet, walk to the places where you need to go! Many cities have scenic routes you can take, and you may just stumble upon a few hidden gems along the way.
4. Pack Smart
According to a recent survey, 45% of people admit to overpacking for their vacations. When your luggage is too heavy, you may get charged for excess baggage fees if you don’t keep it lightweight.
To avoid this issue, research the climate of your destination and plan outfits accordingly. Pack versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched, and take advantage of laundry services at your hotel if they’re available.
5. Book Accommodations with Kitchen Facilities
If you can, book an Airbnb or hotel suite that has a built-in kitchen facility. You’ll save money by reducing the need to eat out for every meal.
Visit the nearest grocery store and stock up on enough food for snacks, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Local restaurants are fun to visit every once in a while, but your finances should make your own meals whenever possible.
6. Be Strategic With Souvenirs
Souvenirs are nice, but you don’t have to buy a keychain for every person you know. Instead, buy an item that comes with multiple little gifts all in one package.
If you do want to buy souvenirs, purchase small gifts for your immediate family and stay within your set budget. You don’t have to go overboard!
7. Travel with a Group
Traveling is so much better with family and friends. Not only will you have more fun on the trip, but you can also split expenses for everything along the way.
Group travel can also qualify you for group discounts on activities and tours. Look up activities in the area ahead of time to figure out what’s available to you.
8. Look for Combo Deals
Are you interested in traveling to a specific destination? See if they offer combo deals that bundle several attractions for a reduced price.
These can be of great value, especially if you plan to visit multiple museums, parks, or landmarks. Popular destinations want the trip to be as much fun as possible for tourists to encourage them to come back again in the future.
9. Utilize Discount Cards and Memberships
The AAA, AARP, Costco, and many student organizations offer travel discounts. Many employers are also offering travel discounts since this is an enticing benefit for new employees.
Certain destinations offer tourist discount cards that provide reduced rates on attractions, meals, and transport. Ask the concierge when you arrive at the hotel or resort where you’re staying!
10. Book in Advance
It’s always a good idea to think ahead! Booking your stays in advance can often secure you better rates on hotels, travel, landmarks, and other activities in the area.
Keep in mind that some hotels offer early bird specials. These can be more economical than last-minute bookings. If possible, figure out where you want to go well before you decide to visit
11. Use Reward Points and Miles
CNBC reports that only 8% of frequent flyer airline miles are redeemed by travelers. This is s shame since these are missed opportunities for discounted vacations.
Part of saving money on your vacation is being aware of all that’s available to you. Check your airline miles as well as your credit card rewards programs for potential savings.
12. Avoid Peak Travel Days
Just like you should travel during the off-season, you should also avoid peak travel days like the plague. In the case of airlines, peak days are weekends or the days right before and after major holidays.
Mid-week flights often offer lower round-trip fares. As a bonus, there are also fewer people on the flight so you don’t have to worry about taking forever to board when the time comes.
13. Choose Less Popular Destinations
From family-friendly theme parks to beautiful villages across seas, there are many travel destinations that people forget about. These locations are your golden ticket to exploration, and an overall, more affordable travel experience.
For a fraction of the cost, you can lounge on the beach, ride an intense roller coaster, or go on a jungle safari. It takes research to find these hidden gems, but it’s worth your effort.
14. Stay Outside Major Tourist Zones
When it comes to saving on your vacation, it pays to be a little bit isolated. After all, accommodations just a few miles away from major tourist centers can be significantly cheaper.
You can easily access main attractions without paying for the location. Take public transportation or invest in a ride sharing service if needed.
15. Bring Your Own Snacks and Water
Cotton candy, popcorn, and frozen yogurt are undeniably delicious, but buying snacks and drinks at tourist attractions can be expensive. Pack your own snacks and refillable water bottles to save money throughout the day.
Some attractions are strict about bringing in outside food and drinks inside. Luckily, this information is almost always posted on the respective websites.
16. Find Free Activities
Surprisingly, there are enjoyable activities in almost any destination that are completely free. Research these activities in your desired destination ahead of time.
Walking tours, museum free-entry days, public performances, and natural attractions like beaches and parks are some examples. You can also see if there’s an open market, town fair, parade, or any other event going on around the area.
17. Negotiate Rates
Consumers have more power than they realize. Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices in some destinations. Bargaining can be part of the local shopping culture and can help you get better deals on souvenirs and other products. Be willing to negotiate!
Vacation Awaits
Smart planning and a few strategic choices can make a big difference in your travel budget. Saving money on your vacation means you have more freedom to explore new places and create lasting memories. Remember that every little saving can help make your trip more enjoyable. Happy travels!
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Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.