You probably deserve a vacation. Maybe it’s been a long time since you were at the beach, were in a foreign city, or wandered a couple towns over. Perhaps this is the first time that you have ever planned a vacation.
Unfortunately, vacations cost money. It’s easy to immerse yourself in vacation fantasies, but it’s important to understand how to maximize your vacation budget. You can do this with a little planning. Learning how to budget during a vacation can help you to make memories without going bankrupt.
Here are some tips on how to maximize money during a vacation.
1. Drive Instead of Flying
When possible, driving can be cheaper than flying – particularly for short trips or when traveling as a group or family. In addition to saving money on airfare, driving gives you more flexibility regarding your plans. You don’t have to worry about tight layovers or missed flights. You can just enjoy the open road as well as your freedom.
You might also consider a rental car once you arrive at your destination to save money on local transportation. Consider shopping around for rental cars and booking a rental car well in advance to possibly nab a better deal.
When driving on vacation, stay aware of the importance of safety and the common collisions that can take place when you’re negligent or dealing with foreign traffic laws.
2. Set a Budget
Before planning budget details, set an overall budget. Setting the proper vacation budget is personal. Many factors come into play, and it ends up depending on what is feasible and comfortable for you.
Some experts say that family vacations, on average, cost from five to ten percent of your annual income. So, if you make $80,000 per year, then your vacation budget may rest between $4,000 and $8,000.
Once your budget is set, the other details of planning your vacation can be determined. Find a balance between feeling free while traveling and not being stressed when you get back home. This is difficult, but possible.
3. Embrace Flexibility
By embracing spontaneity and flexibility, you can reap many rewards. Let’s say you have a specific country on your bucket list. By being flexible regarding the specific location in that country and what time of year you visit it, you could be more likely to get a great deal.
When being flexible during travel, you get to pick and choose that which is most important to you. Perhaps you want to stay in a city’s most bustling part, but are willing to forego a dining experience over a full evening in favor of going out during happy hour.
Create a list of your top priorities, such as travel times, activities and adventures, and lodging locations. Maybe it’s your top priority to go on a ski adventure, but the next best thing would be a trip to Italy. Rank these items in terms of importance and plan from there.
4. Consider Inexpensive Activities
The destination isn’t the entire vacation. Activities are part of a vacation, too, and they don’t need to come with price tags. No matter if you are planning a full vacation or just a cheap weekend getaway, many activities can be enjoyable without leaving you bankrupt.
Local markets: From artisanal crafts to fresh produce, a local market offers a view into local culture, and can feature affordable shopping options.
Hiking and nature walks: A lot of outdoor attractions are free to visit and readily available. Local beaches, trails or parks can offer great experiences and may provide unexpected opportunities and activities.
Self-guided tours: You don’t need a tour guide when you have the internet to assist you in exploring cities’ histories and architecture.
Cultural centers and museums: A lot of cities have days with reduced or waived entry fees. Doing research and planning ahead can help you to take advantage of opportunities like these and enjoy enriching experiences for a low cost.
Classes and workshops: Communities may offer low-cost or free workshops such as cooking classes, cultural dances or pottery making.
Also consider researching activity package deals. Tourist centers in cities sometimes offer up packages which include discounts on multiple activities or outings. You can also save money by utilizing public transportation. A bonus from using public transit is that you reduce your chance of being injured in a broadside collision or other type of accident.
Conclusion
When you go on vacation, it’s important to balance having fun and keeping your bank account healthy. That’s why it’s a good idea to plan a budget for your getaway ahead of time. Follow our tips above to ensure you have an inexpensive, unforgettable journey.