BUDGETINGLIFESTYLE & TRAVEL

Guide to Your Vacation Budget

Planning for a vacation can be exciting. Whether you’re thinking of traveling domestically or out of the country, planning your trip ahead of time is a vital factor to save you money. It may be difficult to determine where to start the process of organizing a trip. You might also feel stressed about not having enough money or not knowing how to budget effectively for your travel expenses. Let’s go over a few tips and tricks that can put you on track for a budget friendly vacation.

Flights

Paying for a flight in today’s economy can be costly. Make sure you research costs for flights to and from your desired destination. Out of convenience, some may only look into round-trip costs for their trips, but what many people don’t think about is the savings that can come when you purchase tickets for your flights separately. A flight coming back from your vacation spot can be a lot less expensive than going there. Additionally, try going to the airport counter of your preferred flight company to see if there are any cheaper options in person than buying online.

All-Inclusive

It can be tough trying to decide where you’d like to stay during a trip. There are so many things to consider regarding costs when making this decision. This could include the meals or even the activities you and your family or friends take part in. Try looking into the possibility of staying at an all-inclusive resort. These types of hotels provide everything as part of the total amount you pay for your room(s). If you’re planning to travel outside the U.S., this is a preferred option for many vacationers. In most cases, people don’t have to leave their hotel grounds because of the vast number of activities and amenities that the location provides for its guests.

Meals

For those who travel, many would say the price of food on vacation can be one of the most expensive parts of the trip. One tip to keep in mind is to plan meals for every day of your trip. If the place you plan to stay at has a kitchen, it may be beneficial to bring food to cook or buy groceries once you reach your destination instead of paying for overpriced meals at nearby restaurants or inside theme parks. This could save you hundreds of dollars, especially if you can split costs with friends or have a big family. If you don’t have access to a kitchen, try doing research on the local restaurants in the area you’ll be visiting and learn the prices of their food. Once you’ve gathered that information, give yourself a budget per day for what you can spend on food. Also, if it’s allowed, try bringing your own snacks for the family in a compact cooler for long days when you’ll be out and about.

Additional Tips

• Determine how much you can spend and how long you must save to know your realistic travel options.
• Weighing your luggage before you get to the airport can save you money on unexpected luggage costs.
• Do research about the area you’ll be visiting to find cheaper options for activities outside of your hotel.
• Plan an off-season trip to save money and take advantage of a greater availability of deals.
• Consider opening a holiday or vacation savings account early to save up over time for your next trip.

Sources:

https://www.chase.com/personal/banking/education/budgeting-saving/vacation-on-a-budget

https://www.budgettravel.com/article/25-things-every-budget-traveler-must-know_48848