Unless you haven’t been reading the news these past several months (or buying anything, for that matter) you are likely aware that post-pandemic inflation has wreaked havoc on pretty much everything from gas prices to groceries. In turn, these rising costs have had a cascading impact across the tourism sector of most countries in the world, leaving many people with fewer options of booking an affordable holiday.
However, despite the skyrocketing price tags of everything around us, analysts anticipate that this year’s summer season will be the busiest yet for popular tourist destinations and holiday resorts.
Having said that, in spite of these seemingly bleak conditions, there are still affordable and feasible methods for anybody on a budget to plan a well-deserved vacation this year.
Stick to a Planned Budget
This is a valuable piece of advice even outside of these costly times we’re living in: determine how luxurious a trip you can afford before deciding where to go and what to do after you arrive at your holiday destination.
For example, don’t start arranging a week-long vacation to an exotic and expensive tropical island if your budget just allows for a weekend road trip out of state. To gain a better understanding of your means ahead of time, calculate the precise amount of money you can spend on your vacation in advance, and then arrange your trip around that budget.
Nobody wants their trip to add to their stress by placing them in debt when they get home, or even worse, by running out of cash during the trip itself. Decide on a budget that you can comfortably cope with and stick to it when making any vacation plans.
Think Local
Many of us have been aching to fly out to a distant location for some international R and R, away from the tedium of our everyday locale. However, if you want to save money while still going on an enjoyable and restful vacation, you should definitely consider becoming a tourist in your own country.
Instead of splashing out on an overseas vacation, take a one-day or weekend trip to a nearby state or a nature retreat anytime you like. A good idea is to pick a less touristy sport so you can get a better deal on everything from lodging to dining out. You won’t even think about elbowing your way through huge tourist crowds in some country in Europe if you just end up booking a room in a nice bed and breakfast and finally try your hand at fishing, hiking, or canoeing.
For obvious reasons, staying local gives you more possibilities for low-cost arrangements, and if you’re traveling with friends, you can always split the cost of gas and even consider bringing your own road trip foods instead of eating out all the time for the duration of your trip.
Don’t Splurge on Flights or Accommodation
If you’re simply desperate to travel to another country this year, consider going low-cost on typically expensive travel elements, such as flight tickets and/or accommodation.
In truth, low-cost flights are still around, despite the fact that their prices have also gone up a fraction in recent years. In addition, you don’t need expensive lodging on a trip unless your idea of a good vacation is spending most of your time by a luxury hotel pool.
Leave yourself room to experience things. Accommodation and travel are the biggest costs, so cutting down on these first will help you have a more memorable vacation. After all, you’re going to spend your time being out and about while sightseeing, so you shouldn’t waste money on hotel rooms you won’t be using or first-class flight tickets.
Travel Outside of Peak Tourist Seasons
Apart from everything we’ve already listed, you can save a lot of money on airplane tickets and lodging by traveling during your chosen destination’s off season, while still getting essentially the same experience as you would during peak holiday season.
For instance, summer is a better season to go trekking in the mountains than winter, when the ski crowds are thicker—not to mention the myriad health benefits that pure mountain air may provide.
Additionally, instead of visiting a tropical resort in the summer, consider traveling in the spring. If you’re searching for beautiful white beaches, you’ll have virtually the entire beach to yourself. The water may be a little chillier than it is in the summer, however many tropical locations are hot and sunny well before summer arrives.
Avoid Shopping on Your Trip
The reason why people go on shopping sprees while on vacation is because they are not only in a different environment, but also in a different mentality and oftentimes on a completely different schedule, which might impact their better judgment. True enough, an item you like at a (well designed) beach town store might not look as good when you arrive home.
Keep in mind that stores and souvenir shops are created to incentivize you to buy something. And, let’s face it, not only does this make you spend more money while traveling, it most likely won’t seem as interesting or useful once you bring it back home.
For those reasons, when traveling on a budget, make it a point to pause and consider any superfluous purchases you intend to make.
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