The cost of travel, activities, food and lodging can add up quickly, making vacations pricey and almost unattainable for people longing for a break. Day trips are great, but sometimes you just want to get away for a few days to reboot. Tallying up hotel and plane costs can make you believe your vacay dream is out of reach. Here are three ways that you can vacation on a budget.
Transportation
How you chose to get to your destination can make up the bulk of your vacation expenses. Choosing to travel by plane, train, boat, or car will yield different prices that are based upon how far you’re traveling and how much advance planning you can do.
Opting to spend your vacation on a cruise ship will give you the biggest bang for your buck as your reservation includes lodging, food, and entertainment. The only true additional cost is your transportation to the port that the cruise ship is docked at.
If you’re not planning to travel a great distance, then driving may be the most economical option. Road trips are also a great way to take in the local scenery as you travel to your destination. Before you hit the road, make sure you prep your car for travel. This will ensure that you reach your destination safely without running into any unexpected expenses along the way.
Plan your trip in advance and you can purchase tickets at a cheaper rate than if you waited closer to the departure date to buy, or use smart searching to find the best airfare deals. Regardless of the method of travel you choose, planning ahead is always a great way to save money.
Tickets
If your destination requires tickets to enter, such as amusement parks or museums, there are plenty of resources to help you get the best deal. The first stop you should make is your destination’s website to check for promotions.
Some venues offer a discounted rate for those who join their membership club, which can save you money even if you only use the membership once. Disney Land offers a variety of discounts to make their experience more affordable. Many places offer military and senior discounts, so take advantage of them if you qualify
Lodging
Next to transportation, lodging can be one of your biggest expenses while on vacation. Just as with plane tickets, the earlier that you reserve your room, the better. However, you can sometimes find impressive deals on lodging if you’re able to purchase a canceled reservation. Weekday stays tend to be cheaper than weekends, and package deals sometimes offer transportation, lodging and tickets all rolled up in one reasonable price.
The rules of budgeting for your next vacation are to plan in advance and take advantage of the many discounts that are just waiting to be redeemed. All the businesses involved in the vacation industry want you to take that vacation. With a little planning and initiative, you can have a relaxing getaway that doesn’t break the bank.
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