Rund's Halloween Makeup TutorialOct.27.2020
Travel can be expensive. But, there are definitely some easy ways out there to save on vacation. If you’re looking to enjoy a getaway, that won’t have you contemplating robbing a bank to recoup some of your funds, check out these money saving tips. You can totally have fun, and not put yourself in the poor house in the process.
There’s a tendency to really want to splurge while on vacation. Because, well, you’re on vacation! But, one of the best ways to not overspend is to set yourself some realistic boundaries. Having an overall figure in mind on what you’d like to spend in total is a good thing. Once you know how much money you are working with, you can plan accordingly. If you’re an avid shopper, set a limit before you go!
Ask yourself what is most important to you when you’re on vacation. Do you love checking out the local foodie scene and having sumptuous meals? Is it important to you to have comfortable, and maybe a bit more upscale, lodging? Or, are you all about the experiences and seeing the cultural museums, hot spots, and doing “extra” activities? Once you figure that out, you can juggle your funds a bit and decide where to allocate most of your travel money.
Timing can be everything. A great deal of travel destinations have off-seasons. During these periods, pretty much everything is cheaper. This includes things like lodging, airfare, and even sometimes food and ticket prices to museums and the like. Plus, you’ll have the added bonus of your vacation local being less crowded. Just make sure the weather is manageable when you go. Sometimes off-seasons are rainy or cold times of year, which might impede your plans. But hey, umbrellas and coats exist for a reason.
Even after you arrive at your vacation spot, getting around can be expensive. All those train, taxi, and boat rides can add up quickly. While there is something to be said for picking a vacation spot that is off the beaten path, being able to get around on the cheap can definitely help you save. If most things you wish to see/experience are within walking distance, that’s a huge plus in the money saving category.
Who doesn’t love staying in an opulent hotel or resort? Sure it’s fun, but it can do a real number on your wallet. If you want to save, check out options beyond typical hotels. Consider renting on Airbnb. You can typically find lodging through the site at a fraction of what the local hotels are charging. You can even rent a single room through some Airbnb listings for next to nothing. If you don’t plan on spending much time at your accommodations, why spend a bundle? There’s always hostels as well, which don’t offer much privacy or extra perks, but are super cheap and a great way to save for other things while on vacation. You could even consider a split stay. Start off or end your vacation in a more splurgey bit of lodging, and then switch to something cheaper.
If your lodging has a kitchen, or even just a microwave and fridge, use them. Hitting up all those charming cafes and tantalizing restaurants adds up fast. Find a local grocer and pick up some staples and snacks. If your hotel offers free breakfast, make use of it! Ain’t no shame in your free breakfast game! Also, if you eat out, opt for a big lunch over a large dinner. Lunch prices are typically lower for the exact same thing served at dinner time.
Sometimes when we’re on vacation, we’re tempted to shove as many things as possible into our day. Making sure you have some downtime to just relax, people watch, and wander, can actually help you save. Many vacation spots offer tons of free activities as well, just do a little research beforehand.
Some more metropolitan vacation spots offer city cards. With these, you can pay a flat rate, usually dealing with how long you intend to stay. From there, you can massively save on everything from public transit, museums, dining, and other activities.
