Melo Villareal
How to travel and avoid spending a lot of money
Preparation is the key to enjoying your vacation time. When you are beginning to think it is time to take a vacation, it’s time to get organized. When you are vacationing on a budget, it is easy to get stressed out quickly about finances. The earlier you begin to plan and pay for things, the better off you will be when it is time to leave. Research locations, when to travel and utilize bundles to help stretch your budget out and do most of what you want to do.
But just because you start paying in advance and planning out doesn’t’ mean you should spend more money. During the research phase, you should be budgeting and planning where you can get the most bang for your buck. Here are a few ways that we look to when planning vacations.
Book All Inclusive
Many people overlook the all-inclusive deals because the resorts seem more expensive. This is correct! They are more expensive upfront, but the money you will save during your trip more than makes up the difference. When you book an all-inclusive trip, especially when you are taking a beach vacation with your kids, you are spending a set amount of money on the whole trip. Your meals, which can add up quickly, are all covered. Do kids want a snack at the pool? Don’t worry; it’s covered too. If you are worried about the quality of the food, think again. Many all-inclusive resorts feature world-class dining that will impress even the most refined palate. And these resorts are amazing. There are tons of activities both for kids and adults that are already included in the price. You won’t even have to leave your resort!
Set a Budget
If you don’t go the all-inclusive route, make sure you set a daily budget as extras can add up on a trip. There are some cool apps like Trail Wallet, that will help you plan and stick to your daily budget. With this app, you can set your goal and even set the alarm if you are approaching your daily limit. It is easy to get carried away when you are on your trip, and tools like this will help you stay focused. If you begin planning your trip early, you can start squirreling away an extra fund. This will help you if you want to splurge one day since the money is already there. That way you can celebrate guilt-free.
Off-Season
Look to travel in the off-peak season as a way to stretch your budget. If you are trying to go on vacation on Spring Break when every other family in the country is trying to go, you should expect to pay a premium for the hotel, food and especially airfare. If you are flexible with your travel dates, you can take advantage of steep discounts for your trip. If you don’t have a problem flying, many flights are very low if you pick a layover or slightly longer route to get to your final destination. If this isn’t an option for you, you can look into vacations in more unique places. There is plenty of things to do driving distance from your home. Take some time and explore your state or neighboring states. Road trips can be a fun way to make lasting memories (good or bad) with your family.
Know your Limitations
If you are concerned about if you can afford to do some of the extra things, then the answer is probably no. If you don’t think you have the self-control on vacation to stick within your budget, then an all-inclusive vacation is the answer to your prayers. There is nothing worse than the feeling of guilt when you have overspent and know that you are going to pay for it shortly. That’s a fast way to kill your vacation vibe. Set a limit and stick to it. You can even separate your daily vacation budget into envelopes so you know what you can spend and when it’s gone, it’s gone. This will force you to budget better.
Vacations are necessary as a way for you to relax and rejuvenate yourself and your family. But it can get costly, especially if you are traveling with children. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to take a fun vacation. Pick a destination in your budget, and see how many activities and fun things you can fill your trip.
Searching for the best hotels and affordable flights? Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Want more updates about new travel tips? Please follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, and Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
