The good news is that you don’t have to have a ton of money in order to take a vacation. However, that does mean that you have to think very carefully about how you spend each and every dollar if you want to make the most of your time away from home.
It’s easy to spend way more than you planned for when you’re on vacation, but it’s equally as easy to save gobs of money. That is, as long as you hop in the car, get on the bus, or board that plane prepared.
Here are just a few easy ways you can save big on your next vacation without compromising your experience.
Look for Vacation Packages
Bundling can make things more affordable. It’s why so many travel websites allow you to bundle your plane tickets with rental cars and hotels!
However, you can bundle a lot more than your plane tickets if you want to save money. Many popular vacation destinations offer vacation packages of their own that will help you save.
For example, vacation packages in Williamsburg, VA can include lodging, tickets to area events, tickets to museums, and more. By purchasing them as a bundle, you can save more money than if you bought each one separately.
Make History and Education the Focus
There are a lot of great things you can do while you’re on vacation. In many cases, trips away from home include concerts, shows, and theme parks. There’s no doubt you’ll have fun if you make these things the focus of your trip, but you’re also likely to spend a lot of money.
Instead, make history and education the focus of your trip. Museums are wonderful places to visit when you’re on vacation. You can learn about local history, and they are especially great for children. The best part is, they cost a lot less than other attractions. Some are even free!
Don’t think museums have to be stuffy either. Many areas offer tours of historical landmarks, interactive museums, and outdoor walking tours that are affordable and fun.
Spend Less on Food
Creating a budget and sticking to it is important when it comes to traveling. One area where people spend more money than they would like is food.
If you’re looking for ways to save money on vacation, one of the best ways to do it is to learn how to eat on a budget. Ways to do that include:
- Taking advantage of free breakfast
- Making sandwiches in your hotel room for dinner
- Dining at fancy restaurants for lunch, when menu items are cheaper
- Avoiding restaurants that are marketed to tourists and eating locally instead
- Stocking your room with snacks from the grocery store to avoid the vending machine
Pack Light, but Know Exactly What to Pack
Packing light can be a lot more convenient, but it turns out it can save you a lot of money too. For example, if you’re traveling by plane, most seats allow you to bring one bag on board for free. Checked bags cost extra. By getting everything in your carry-on, you can avoid that baggage fee.
Knowing what to pack is just as important as packing light. For example, don’t say you’ll get your toiletries when you arrive. You’ll end up spending precious time shopping for deodorant instead of enjoying your vacation. Not to mention, they are likely to be more expensive at your destination. Pack these items instead.
Choose How You’re Going to Get Around Wisely
There are a lot of US cities that are great for travelers without cars, and there are even more places in Europe where a car isn’t necessary. However, there are plenty of places where a car does seem necessary, and your own vehicle is always convenient.
You can save a lot of money by choosing how you get around at your destination carefully. A car may be convenient, but that doesn’t mean you need to rent one. It doesn’t mean you have to pay a lot to hail a cab or get an Uber either! Most cities have some form of affordable public transportation, while others are pedestrian-friendly. You can also consider renting a bicycle!
Going on vacation shouldn’t mean you have to drain your bank account to have a lot of fun. There are plenty of ways to save, and all that money can really add up. With these tips, you’ll save as much as possible so you can start planning your next vacation sooner rather than later!