You are now ready to go on your vacation off to somewhere. But something’s bothering you—your travel budget. You’re starting to feel you are financially constrained even at the start. Do you think your budget is enough for the whole stay? Worrying too much about it can put you on a down low and ruin your opportunity to relax.
Wouldn’t you want to travel without the stress of a tight budget? Strategically manage your money without the needy feel of constraining yourself financially. Read on if you want some tips on managing travel expenses and budget wisely.
It all starts with your air fare. It’s best to plan ahead and visit online discount sites to haggle discounted, better deals. Although some of these sites charge you with more or less a $5-service fee, they can give you a great deal by combining flight segments from various airlines. We actually have a recently published article about the best time (and cheapest) to fly. Do check that out!
The words connecting flight might sound horrible to you, but it’s good for your pocket. Booking a ticket with a connecting flight can save you a lot of money compared to a one-way ticket. Better yet, book roundtrip tickets for much more cheap prices.
Always remember to pack light. You don’t need to bring your whole closet in your baggage. Bring only the necessary things with you like meds, extra shoes, some pairs of clothing, and the like. Avoid bringing too much since airports charge extra for excess baggage.
When it comes to your food expenses, it’s also best to plan your meals ahead. Do some research on some of the good eats nearby the place you’re settling in. Not only is it less of a hassle for you, but it’s also good for your tummy as you won’t have to spend considerable time deciding on where to dine.
Besides, planning for food costs will help you control your spending on food. You can cook something on your own as well. It can be quite an enjoyable activity as the cookware is new and you get to explore the local markets while picking out ingredients. Another tip: refrain from having breakfast at hotels since they are costly. You can buy take out breads at some cafes a night before.
Transportation costs more or less 30% of your travel budget. Car rentals can be another way to save money on your trip. If you’re only with a small group, as much as possible rent a small car as a way to save disbursements on gas mileage. Some car rentals even offer coupons for discounts; you just need to search the internet for it.
Generally, tourists prefer taking welcome taxis since it’s the easiest and laziest means to get from destination X to Y. Consider taking bus rides and subways for cheap transportation. You might even enjoy observing the town’s scenes and views. If the transportation is going to be time-consuming, it’s better to ride the buses and trains. Moreover, consider traveling at night to save money on accommodation.
In addition, keep an eye on the currency. Exchange rates sometimes rise and fall, so it’s better to take that into consideration when you travel. Search the internet for money changers which offer great deals on your currency.
Your accommodation is the most important thing on your list. Most commonly, hotels are the main go-to place for staying in while on vacation. If your company requires you to book two hotel rooms, consider the two-bedroom suites hotels offer. You will end up paying less with just as much privacy as a single-bedroom can provide you.
If you are prolonging your vacation stay for more than 2 days, ponder on taking a vacation home instead. Hotels generally cost you more than vacation homes. Not only is your stay going to be cheaper, but vacation homes have complete house amenities (i.e., kitchens) which most hotels cannot offer.
Lastly, your vacation cannot be concluded without shopping for items and collectibles. Many airports have duty free shops (untaxed shopping) that you can take advantage of. Also, some souvenir shops can be located around the vicinity of the local town.
Your vacation will sure be one for the books and one to keep your books secured. Enjoy your vacation!
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