You know what it feels like to return from vacation. You feel rested, rejuvenated, even eager to get back to your old routine and to see your friends and co-workers once again. That’s why it’s so important to take time off and see a part of the world that you never visited before. It gives you a fresh perspective on life, recharges your batteries, and gives you something to look forward to in the upcoming months.
So, how do you pay for a vacation when you’re on a tight budget? You apply the following tips to keep costs down. This allows you to enjoy the luxury of getting away from it all without paying for it later. Here are a few tips to get you started.
- Look into the most cost efficient way to travel. Some people believe that flying is the least expensive mode of transportation and that is sometimes the case. If you are able to use frequent flyer miles or get an incredibly low rate, traveling by air can be very easy on the pocketbook. For larger families, however, the expense is greater so driving may be cheaper. If all of you are arriving to the same destination, the only real expense is gas and food.
- Stay in a hostel, at a campground or in a low cost rental home. Although there are plenty of hotel and motels that offer decent rates, a weeklong stay for any traveler can be pricey. That’s why it pays to think outside the box. A rental home’s cost split among several adults can be very affordable. You also have access to a full size kitchen and other types of amenities that aren’t offered at many hotels and motels. You can also spend a few nights camping in a tent or if you’re a solo traveler, at a hostel. Also, don’t forget to check out volunteer vacations.
- Avoid eating in restaurants for every meal. Fill a cooler with easy-to-prepare meals, snacks, and plenty of refreshing drinks. This will help minimize costs and even afford you the opportunity to check out the local farmer’s market or organic store. You can try out food that is common in an area of the world that you haven’t visited before. This can be a treat in and of itself. Make eating in a restaurant a special occasion and by all means, order water instead of expensive soft drinks and fruit juices.
- Take advantage of free attractions, festivals, and workshops. Who said you can’t live the high life on a budget? The way that you do that is by attending free concerts, visiting no cost museums, and signing up for complimentary workshops in the city that you’re visiting. This allows you to stretch your vacation dollar even further and still have a memorable time.
Although many of these tips seem like no-brainers, you would be surprised to learn how many people are willing to go all out on their vacation. They don’t mind working extra throughout the year so they can spend extra while they are away. You can have the best of both worlds by simply changing the way you approach and plan your trip. You can enjoy all the fun of a luxury vacation without all the costs.
Author: Charissa
Charissa is into frugal living and saving money.
