You can’t live life without vacations. It is always more fun when you have something amazing to look forward to, even if it will take a little bit of money out of your savings. Working and never taking a vacation will definitely take a toll on you in the long run, so instead take some time out for you and your family within your budget!
Weigh Your Options
It is either best to plan your vacation well in advance or book at the very last minute. Many people are unable to book at the very last minute due to work and money, but if you can it will save you a lot of money. If you are looking for just a weekend travel and are flexible, try looking for tickets the night before you are leaving, often times they are marked down a significant amount. Booking in advance will also benefit you and give you the most options. All the travel websites offer different prices you just need to take your time and search out all your options. Looking at these websites during off-peak times (say 2:00am on a Wednesday morning) is when they often post many of their deals. Although the times may be a little bit inconvenient, you may save a couple hundred dollars!
Travel Light
Nowadays airlines will charge you for anything possible that they can get away with. Luggage is one of the biggest factors that people need to take into consideration. Travel as light as you can! Some airlines are even starting to charge for any bags you check (not just the 2nd bag). Make sure to check with your airline’s website before you get to the airport. This way you will know all the rules and regulations about what luggage they allow and what they don’t. You definitely don’t want to be paying huge fees once you get to the airport because it is just money down the drain.
Exotic Vacations
Traveling overseas doesn’t always have to be extremely expensive. Although it will be more expensive than traveling a few states over, it may also be an experience that you will enjoy for the rest of your life. Our partners at MainStreet.com suggest several countries that make great travel locations for cheaper than somewhere like Europe. Some of these countries include Thailand, Cambodia, Egypt…the list goes on! Check out the full article here for more information and what the countries have to offer.
Utilize Hostels
Hostels are a great thing. Many people think that they are typically dirty and not safe (and don’t get me wrong, you may find some that aren’t great) but usually they can be a really great place to save. Hostels are much cheaper than hotels; you just have to find the right ones. Doing your research and also seeking out recommendations from people that have stayed in some will help you out a great deal. Firsthand experience from friends, family, and co-workers will be your best indicator of how safe, clean, and nice the hostel actually is. Don’t give up too easily either! Sometimes hostels offer shared rooms for cheap or you can spend a little more to have your own room. Just think, when you are on vacation how much time are you actually spending in your room anyway?
Travel to Less Tourist Driven Areas
Places like Aruba, Hawaii, and the Bahamas are more often than not driven by their tourists. When tourism is slow, these locations struggle. Make sure you are trying to go to a location that is not so geared towards the typical tourists. Usually this will cut down on your costs and make your vacation more enjoyable. Although you will always see deals and offers for places like Disney World…this does not mean it will be the cheapest vacation. Make sure you are also taking into consideration the costs that you will incur while you are on vacation as well. Places that are driven by tourism will typically hike up their prices because they know people will pay it. If you take a more low key vacation it can be really cost saving. Another thing is to travel at times when other people may not be. Don’t go away at your typical Christmas, New Years, Spring Break…instead look into off-peak times where kids are in school and people have work.
All of these suggestions depend on the type of vacation you are looking for. If you have kids then Disney World may be the best place for you to go, just try not to spend as much money in the parks and instead pack lunches and snacks. If you are a couple wishing to see the world, take into consideration some of the suggestions from MainStreet.com. All in all though, a vacation does not always have to be a drain on your wallet, it may just take a little longer to find the right deals!
Photo: Kevin Rosseel
January 30th, 2009 at 3:12 am
there is certainly an element of unknown when you book a vacation. Sometimes is it much cheaper to book in advance but if you check in the last minute you might also find bargains that are better than early discounts.
May 20th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
It is so awesome to travel around Hawaii! It makes me feel at ease and relaxed.