Relaxation should be the goal of your Vacation, but that doesn’t mean you should overspend. These tips and tricks will help you travel smarter and have the Vacation you deserve within your budget.
It’s finally time for you to take a much-needed vacation for some much-needed R&R after saving up and taking PTO. You don’t want to overspend while taking in the sights or going into debt while enjoying the sun. You can still have an Insta-worthy vacation while traveling on a budget if you worked hard to save for your Vacation and do not go over your budget when you get there.
Moreover, you’ll want to plan and look for ways to save when you get to your destination this summer. The following tips will help you stick to your budget for a relaxing vacation.
3+ Ways to go on Vacation on a Budget
Make A Budget Before You Book
Prior to booking your Vacation, set a budget. Flights and accommodations will probably be the most expensive parts. Taylor Harrell-Goodwin, CEO of Lively Co. travel agency, recommends traveling during the week (Monday through Friday). Hotels traveling to the U.S. during the week will have lower prices due to low occupancy, and if you book for more than two nights, you might get a better rate and food and beverage deals.
Carry A Prepaid Visa or A Debit Card
When you are on Vacation, use a debit card or prepaid Visa card to pay for expenses. By doing so, you’ll be able to see how much money you have available. You should carry a credit card with you in case of emergencies and a debit or prepaid card for everything else.
You can also withdraw cash with your debit card – Harrell-Goodwin recommends her clients set aside $200 for tips and small expenses. You might also get some discounts when you pay cash instead of with a credit card. Make sure you pay your service workers in cash so they won’t have to wait for their tips, advises Harrell-Goodwin.
Limit Your Spending Each Day
You can stay within your means if you set a daily limit along with an overall budget. Stacey Marmolejo, executive director of Florida Beach Break, recommends creating envelopes with each day of Vacation written on them. If you have any leftovers, add them to the envelope for the next day. Use only the cash or gift cards inside the envelope for that day. The less overwhelming it is to break up your vacation budget and to have a set amount you can spend per day, the easier it will be for you to stick to it.
When you’re planning for the Vacation of a lifetime, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the cost. Whether it’s a trip to Walt Disney World or a luxury vacation to the Caribbean, there are plenty of expenses to consider. But if you’re willing to plan and set a budget, you can still have fun without breaking the bank. Here are some ideas to help you plan a vacation within your means: Decide where you want to go. Research popular destinations and get pricing on flights and accommodations.
Prepare Some of Your Meals Yourself
If you’re on Vacation, it’s important to sample the local cuisine, but eating out a lot can quickly add up and take away from other activities. Erica James, a Nashville-based travel agent, recommends booking accommodations that have a kitchenette if you’re staying for a week or more so that you can prepare quick meals in your room. Take leftovers from a restaurant to your hotel room the next day, or see if the hotel offers complimentary breakfast. You can also avoid spending a fortune at the airport by packing a meal or snacks beforehand.
