Planning a Vacation? Here Are Some Tips for Staying On-Budget
In much of the United States, winter weather has everyone thinking about a vacation. You want to go somewhere warm and fun. Anything to get out of the cold grey existence that is winter. However, vacations can be expensive. Travel, hotel, food, tickets to things, etc. can add up really quick especially if you have kids. So, how can you plan an awesome vacation without destroying your finances for the next year
Think about what you want
Do you want this vacation to be relaxing, exciting, educational, or foster personal growth? Having a purpose can keep you focused and help avoid expensive extra’s. Sometimes you can even find deals when you bundle related activities such as multiple related amusement parks or ski slopes. Keep it focused.
Now, set a budget
After you know what you want out of your vacation, set a budget. Unless a city has a one-of-a-kind attraction, keep your options open and look for deals. If you and your family know you want to focus on water parks, search online for “water park ticket bundles” and choose a city that way.
Also, creating a budget will tell you when you can take the vacation. It may even dictate what kind of vacation you can take if you are considering a trip in the near future.
Use timing to your advantage
There are some amazing advantages to booking a trip way in advance or at the last minute. A great example of a website that serves last-minute vacation planners is www.lastminutetravel.com. This website gets you great rates at hotels that are looking to fill their empty rooms.
Airlines sometimes have last-minute deals available as they have to fill empty seats. If you keep your options open as far as location is concerned, you can score some unbelievably cheap airfare.
Travel in a group
If you are interested in an adult vacation, set it up with your friends. Most things cheaper when the cost is divided amongst a group. While you cannot do this with airfare, you can do this with hotel rooms, rental cars, beach equipment rentals, etc. Tons of companies offer group discounts for things like ziplining, deep-sea fishing, or any other of a million things.
Talk to your credit card company
Most credit card companies can offer deals on vacation activities. They can help you get theater tickets, hotel deals, tickets to sporting events, etc. If you have a credit card that offers cashback, miles, or points, save them up so you can use them toward vacation expenses. After all, that is why you got that card in the first place!
Vacations do not have to break the bank. The trips serve an important purpose in our lives, and everyone deserves it. Do yourself a favor and plan ahead for your next vacation. You will enjoy it much more if it doesn’t hurt your wallet!
