Money is one of the biggest concerns for travelers. Sometimes you might feel like getting on a vacation is leisure that you cannot afford.
But still, it is something that most people seek. Especially to people who are bombarded with tasks and just want to relax. Going on a vacation is one way to destress from work. But for some, it becomes another stress due to mismanagement of the budget.
So to make your dream vacation fun and fulfilling without blowing your budget, follow these easy-peasy tips!
Things To Do Before Your Vacation
Take Full Advantage of Sales/Promo
There are times when airlines or travel agencies offer sales promo on airfare. Keep yourself updated on them. They sometimes offer discounts and promo at an unexpected time.
Try getting some of their newsletters. They provide airfare promos through newsletters. Once subscribed or signed-up on them, you’ll start receiving emails.
Be alert and take your chance. They offer limited seats, especially on sale airfares. So always ready your budget.
Consider the Types of Accommodation
When booking your accommodation, take in mind that some hotels have hidden charges. That is why you need to consider the type of your accommodation.
Also, find accommodations that are near your go-to destination. That way, you don’t have to pay too much for transportation.
Nowadays, most accommodations have their websites. Visit and communicate with them online. Ask them about the price, facilities, and discounts that they offer.
You may also want to consider an Airbnb, where you can cook your food. Cooking your food is another good thing to save money than eating in restaurants.
Fees on accommodation will also lessen if there are some travelers you can split with your payments.
Before booking your accommodation, ask them about the total cost ahead. This way, you will have enough time to budget your money.
Create a Budget Plan
For any type of vacation, you should prepare a budget plan. You set the maximum amount that you can spend. Then, determine your destination.
After determining your destination, it is essential to know the fees in the place. It’s because it is a lot more expensive than those in small towns. Also, consider the transportation fee or your car rental fees.
If you are considering multiple destinations, know how much you will be spending. In case you’re planning to travel to another country, you need to see whether they require a visa or not. You should know what the other requirements necessary are.
Consider asking your bank or credit card institution if there are foreign transaction fees that you need to pay.
Create Your Vacation Savings
You create a timeline in saving a budget for your travel. For instance, you wish to reach your budget goal in a year. Within that time frame, you also consider setting monthly savings to achieve your targeted budget. This way, it will help you make it more achievable.
You may want to open dedicated savings account solely for your travel goals. It is to help you avoid using up the money.
Another thing to do, once you set up a budget plan, you should have a calendar to keep track of your savings.
Determine the Currency Exchange Fees
To let you stay on your budget during your vacation, make sure you know the currency exchange. Always consider paying in cash to keep you in your budget range.
If you need to exchange currency, find the ones that offer the best exchange rate. As much as possible, avoid getting your money exchanged at the airport. The airport is one of the worst places to get your money exchanged.
However, if you will do transactions on a local hotel and local banks, be wary of your surroundings. Consider your safety first. Often, the easiest and cheapest way to get your cash is through your ATM.
WHILE YOU ARE ON VACATION
Cook Your Food If Possible
If you are staying at an Airbnb or hostel, you can cook your food. It might be a disadvantage for those who want to try local cuisines. But still, it is the best way to save during your vacation.
You can try to get healthy takeouts than eat in restaurants where you can spend more for other expenses like tipping fees.
Walk or Take Public Transportation Rather than Taxis
If your destination is near your accommodation, you can go to your destination on foot. Just wear comfortable shoes and clothes if you are planning to walk to most of your destinations.
If the transport you get is unavailable, you can ride on public vehicles like buses or trains. It is cheaper and more cost-effective compared to taking taxis.
Join with Other Travellers
If you are a solo or duo traveler, you can join with other travelers. You get to hang out and have the best experiences with them. Aside from that, it is also one of the best ways to save money on your vacation.
If you plan to go to a destination where a tour guide is necessary, you can split the fees with other travelers.
But there are times that you face money problems. In such a case, you can seek financial help like in the local Chinatown money lender. Lending companies like them helps a lot, especially for travelers.
Some of them offer foreigner loan Singapore to aid travelers with a short budget due to emergencies. So don’t get too worried about it. There are many solutions and options you can make to have a successful travel experience.
Two Vacation Costs that You May Want to Avoid
Some travelers get surprised when paying their final bills due to hidden and add-up charges. But if you know a little more about these costs, you can avoid these four vacation costs.
Boarding Flights
If you are looking for an airline, try to get your browser into ‘incognito.’ It will prevent airlines from tracking your search history.
Some airlines will track your search history and know when you are looking to fly. They will increase the price of your flight on that particular day. You can also try to use different computers when you search for airlines.
Another thing to keep your eye on is the weight of your baggage. Some airlines have their restrictions, so be aware of those to avoid problems on your trip.
Car Rentals
If you plan to rent a car on your vacation, call your agent and ask them about the insurance. Some car rentals would urge you to buy their insurance.
Determine if your car insurance covers rentals not to have to pay extra payments that you already have.
Another thing you need to consider is the driver. Some rentals will put another charge fee to another driver. So make sure that you stick to only one driver to save money.
Planning your next vacation is the best way to get you the enjoyment you need while you stick to your budget. It is always better to consider these things to feel refreshed when you get back to reality after your vacation.
Put in mind that with proper budgeting, your vacation will be a source of relief from all your stresses.