Going on vacation is expensive, but when you factor in the costs of toiletries, baggage fees and whatever else fees the airline can throw at you, you will blow through your budget quickly. Briefly, in the UK, airlines even contemplated charging for using their toilets. Pretty crazy, huh?
Next time you want to relax and not have to worry about overspending, here are a few tips to make your travels fit your budget.
Bring Your Own Food To The Airport!
You’ll want to eat before boarding your plane, but airport buffet prices are sky high. Prep your own sandwiches and snacks to take with you. Check your airline’s rules and regulations as some do allow certain foodstuffs. Liquids, unfortunately, aren’t allowed, but you can take an empty water bottle to fill up later.
Remain Flexible With The Dates
Traveling with children is the hardest, unless they’re in pre-school. The problem lies in the fact that most families plan their travel dates around the same time when school’s out. This means increasing airline costs for the time being. However, if your child is homeschooled or has a flexible schedule, choose a date for your travels when not everyone is also traveling. Summer vacation, for example, is notoriously expensive. If your schedules aren’t too flexible, why not travel at a later time and think of it as a summer vacation? October in the Canary Islands is still a wonderful getaway!
Book In Advance
When you have a travel date in mind, book weeks or months in advance. This allows you to get the best prices for the season as airlines tend to increase rates closer to your desired travel date.
Choose Accommodations Wisely
It may seem like a good way to cut costs, but never choose accommodations that are far from the city, public transport or amenities. Doing so will mean spending more money traveling from point A to point B. For a holiday closer to home take a look at these St Andrews hotel ideas.
Prep Your Own Meals
Of course, do try the local cuisine, but don’t eat out every day. Spending money on fancy cafe and restaurant foods can eat away at your budget. Instead, prepare your own meals and plan to have a nice picnic at a local park or the beach. Some accommodations even have barbecue privileges, so it is definitely worth keeping this in mind.
Don’t Sign Up For Guided Tours
Though guided tours are often advertised as the best way to enjoy your travels, they also carry an exorbitant price tag. Cut costs by taking your own tour via public bus transportation. You can explore the city in depth and go off the beaten path to find hidden gems.
Think Of Free Activities
The reason that so many vacations end up breaking the bank has to do with admission costs, ticket prices, and recreational shows. Why not think of things you can do for free? Take a walk in a stunning park, explore the sandy beaches or take a hike on a nature trail. Spending money isn’t the only way to enjoy a locality.
Keep An Eye Out For Deals
If you have your sights set on a certain local attraction, wait to find a coupon or deal voucher that can help you save money. Most hotel lobbies stock leaflets and travel magazines filled with coupons, deals, and discounts you can tap into. Waiting for a better deal means saving that much more money during your vacation. Even before you book your flight, check for deals on travel, transportation, flights, and whatever else you may need.
Go For 2 For 1 Booze
Cocktails are a cornerstone of every successful vacation, but why spend more money than necessary? There are many places to get 2 for 1 cocktails and discounts ranging from the local bar to higher end restaurants that you can check out.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
