While still planning for the vacation and rounding things up on what to bring, make a list and buy the stuff you need to bring in advance (months in advance, if you can!). That means buying the things you need for your trip one at a time. Before you know it, you have completed your list and it doesn't hurt your savings that much since they weren't bought in bulk!
Before the fun
You can exhaust your options via the internet. Options for cheaper hotels, flights, dinners, etc. etc. If you have traveled before, you might want to check your miles as they can come very useful during the times you plan out your budget for the trip. Check out your hotel points and miles via online bonuses, special offers and credit card rewards.
Nowadays, there are also websites that can help make traveling a lot easier and cheaper so everyone can afford to do it. It's sometimes called "the sharing economy," which, by the name itself, means you share with other travelers. That cover accommodation to meals, to carpooling and even tours! In that sense, you save a ton of money plus you get off the tourist circle and further into the local scene, getting to socialize with the locals more. Airbnb, Vayable, BlaBlaCar, and EatWith are just a few of the sites you can check out for more info on the sharing economy.
During the fun
Getting flights with long layovers might be tiresome, but patience pays! How? Think of the time you can spend outside the airport, don't loom over the idea of having to stay inside the airport! You're forgetting the fact that with long layovers come longer time for you to be able to stay in that city! Not only would it save you money, it would also let you explore a city that's not even in your plan!
Hit two birds with one stone! Do public transports and get the overnight buses and trains. It would save you the expenses of checking in a local motel overnight and it's significantly cheaper!
Set your priorities! Memories are better than expensive food since, obviously, they would last longer. Create amazing experiences and resist the urge to try almost every local food there is. It's understandable you'd want a gastronomic experience, but remember you are traveling to create lasting memories and not just food-tasting.
Lastly, don't travel during peak seasons. Peak seasons spike up the prices for almost everything from hotel accommodations to foods to souvenirs. Off-peak seasons are way cheaper, however, some establishments or attractions might not be available. As they say, the experience is the best teacher and those are just some tips that might help you focus and stay on a budget during your trip. Enjoy your vacation!
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
