7 Budget Friendly Travel Tips
Vacations can be very expensive especially if you don’t plan ahead. Here are a few travel tips that have helped save my family money on vacation.
- Prepare your own food. Time and time again when I have traveled with the kids we will order them each a meal at a restaurant only to have them eat a few bites and be done. Next, thing you know we just dropped $100 on meal that was barely touched. I do think it is important to try new foods on vacation, especially when you are in foreign countries, but I personally think it will save you a headache and money by grocery shopping while on vacation or before you leave. We’ve even had good luck placing a Target pickup order in another state so we could quickly stock our cabin for the weekend.
- Buy tickets in advance – Most of the time, places that you are traveling to will offer discount prices online versus paying on site. There are also different cities that offer a city pass that you can bundle tickets if you are planning on visiting multiple sites in a city. Make sure to also check with your hotel to see if they offer any deals on the attractions you would like to visit. I have stayed at hotels that offer free passes to attractions just for staying at their hotel.
- Research free attractions – There are many cities that offer free museums, roadside attractions, and many hiking trails for free. Pack a picnic lunch to make this day on the trip even more budget friendly. My family usually always makes a day in any city we visit to look at what nature activities the city has to offer. We have been to city parks that offer stunning mountain views. Some of the more popular attractions even offer free days or nights during the week days if your days are flexible. One of my favorite things to do is to find a fountain in the city I am visiting. A lot of cities have musical and colorful water fountains that put on free shows that are enjoyable and relaxing.
- Research seasons – If your dates are flexible, research when the cheaper times to visit the city. Make sure to look at weather patterns also so you don’t end up booking a cheap flight during peak hurricane season. Spring break is a very popular season for travel. If you can, book right after or before the spring break season occurs if you want to travel during this time of year. You will find it is cheaper and more pleasant because the area will not be as crowded.
- Research hotel location – If you want to save money, and still be within walking distance to the beach, try for a non-beach front hotel. I have stayed at hotels that are only a block or two away from the beach and saved hundreds on the stay. Sometimes, you can even still find a bay front hotel with a view that is walkable to the beach and saves you money. Just be careful you pay attention to the location on the map and check for walkability and not just the price. If you go too far away, it could cost you more if you are paying an Uber or spending extra gas money and time to get from one place to the next.
- Plan your itinerary and pack accordingly – Research what it is you want to do on the trip and how much each thing costs. That way you know what to plan for and how much you will spend when you get there. Include a budget of what you will allow yourself to spend each day and more importantly try to stick to that budget when on vacation. It is so easy to just add activities, souvenirs, and food purchases when you are not in your normal environment. If you must visit a popular attraction, try to wait to eat offsite if possible or at least eat breakfast before you go to save yourself one meal. The meals at tourist attractions tend to be much higher priced than finding a place to eat a few blocks away after you leave. Also, try to bring things that will help you when packing such as a poncho or sunscreen. Rain ponchos and sunscreen can be very expensive at theme parks! I have had to buy each while vacation!
- Pick a close location or plan a vacation centered around family and friends – Make a day trip in your own state. I guarantee you will find a range of activities that you didn’t even know existed in your own state. If you have family or friends that live in a different city or state, take a trip to visit them. More than likely, they will know some of the free spots or worthy spots to visit near them and will know ways to help you save money.
Remember this list is just suggestions. Keep in mind your budget and add a cushion to it so you don’t feel bad when you spend more! Enjoy your vacation and remember it is okay to splurge some!
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Vacation Tips – 7 Budget Friendly Travel Tips