Hotels, meals out, activities, and tours can quickly add up and make vacations expensive. While you are likely to spend more than your typical budget, there are plenty of ways to reduce your vacation costs without sacrificing the experience. Here are a few easy ways to save money on vacation:
Travel on off-peak dates
Traveling during peak times certainly has its benefits and may be necessary for some circumstances, i.e., if you have children and need to travel during school holidays. However, going on vacation during less popular periods also has its advantages, and you should always consider traveling off-peak if you can. According to justapack.com, the main benefits of off-peak travel includes cheaper flights and accommodation, fewer tourists, more availability, and shorter lines at popular tourist attractions. If you are planning on traveling on off-peak dates, then be sure to check the weather beforehand. Ideally, you should try to travel during shoulder seasons when there are fewer tourists, but the weather is still good.
Book accommodation directly with the hotel
Many travelers are not aware that they can get significant savings on accommodation by booking directly with the hotel. This is because hotels typically pay hefty commission fees when their rooms are booked through third party sites such as Booking.com and Agoda. For that reason, the hotel may be willing to offer you a discount if you contact them directly to book a room. You may be able to negotiate lower room rates or free upgrades, especially if you are traveling during off-peak periods when there are empty rooms available.
Use cheap transport options
Transport is likely to take up a large portion of your travel budget. You should, therefore, consider your options carefully and try to choose the cheapest transport method available. For instance, driving your car and parking at the airport may be far cheaper and more convenient than paying for a taxi or arranging transfers, especially if you book your parking slot in advance on websites like Parkon.com. Make sure you research what transport options are available once you arrive at your vacation destination. Many popular destinations offer excellent public transport systems that are efficient and affordable. If you are residing in a remote location, then renting a car may be a cheaper option while you are on vacation.
Eat at local restaurants
Eating local food is a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture and experience exciting new dishes and flavors. What is more, local food is typically far cheaper than western-style restaurants that are designed to attract tourists. Choosing to eat at locally run food establishments is also an excellent way to support the local economy and interact with local people. For that reason, you should not be afraid to try street food and be adventurous with your meal choices. Look on travel websites like TripAdvisor for suggestions of quality places to eat in the area. You can ask your hotel or tour guides for advice on the best places to get affordable local food.
2018 ·