How to Budget for Your Next Vacation
Travel is like food for the soul, but there is no denying that it can eat a huge chunk out of your savings if you aren’t careful. The good news is that planning a memorable vacation need not be as expensive as you anticipated.
Here is a helpful how-to guide on how to budget for your big trip, especially in terms of when to save and when to splurge.
The destination
Where you choose to go is of the utmost importance when it comes to saving money on your holiday. There are countless countries out there that promise an unforgettable experience on the cheap – you just need to know where to look and how to find those budget-friendly travel tours. According to those who travel regularly, some of the most affordable destinations for 2020 include:
- South Africa
- Indonesia
- India
- Colombia
- Mexico
- Bulgaria
- Cuba
The accommodation
This is where you need to be careful when it comes to being stingy with your cash. If you neglect to do your research, you could wind up in a filthy, unkempt inn in the middle of nowhere and far from any of the hot spots and sights that you so desperately wanted to explore.
The best way in which to find cheap accommodation in your destination of choice is to make use of hotel comparison websites or to book tour packages that come with accommodation included in the total price. If you’ll be booking your accommodation on your own, always be sure to look into testimonials written by previous guests to ensure that you are making a good choice.
There is no point in saving if you are uncomfortable for the duration of your getaway, after all.
The food
This is another aspect of a vacation that you need to be careful with. While it may seem tempting to save money by eating cheap street food the entire time you are away, the consequences may not be worth it. A better way to conserve your money is to find an accommodation option that allows for self-catering.
This way, you can purchase fresh local ingredients and make your own food – no need to break your budget by eating out at a different restaurant every evening.
The itinerary
If you have chosen an affordable destination, you should have plenty of remaining money to spend on the activities that you enjoy while you are there. The various activities included on your itinerary are going to be responsible for maximizing the vacation experience, so don’t hesitate to spend a little extra here and there.
A good rule of thumb is to book early, as this will often enable you to take advantage of early bird specials and discounts. You should also strive to keep an eye out for combo deals that could help you save. For instance, many service providers will be partnered with other service providers.
So, if you book to go on a safari game drive on your trip to South Africa, you may score yourself a free breakfast the following morning. Scope out as many deals as you can and watch as the savings sky-rocket the closer you get to the date of your departure flight.
