Planning a Budget-Friendly Vacation

When it’s deep winter in the northern US, it’s easy for your mind to wander to warmer locales. A vacation can revitalize you, expand your horizons, and help you get through the rest of winter (if you live somewhere that can get brutally cold, as I do). Even planning a vacation can be exciting and energizing. The less exciting part is paying for it all.

That said, a vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, there are tons of ways to create a budget-friendly option for you and your family. This doesn’t mean cutting corners or sacrificing your fun; what it does mean is engaging in a little mindful planning so you can simply enjoy yourself once you reach your destination. Here are five ideas for cutting expenses when planning a vacation.

Flexible Dates

If your travel dates are somewhat flexible, it is much easier to find great deals on airfare (typically one of the largest expenses of any trip). For example, if you can leave and return home on any day between Monday and Thursday, you’ll usually pay much less than you would if you departed or returned on a weekend.

It is also helpful to look for tickets as far in advance as possible and monitor the prices. Prices tend to fluctuate greatly, and it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the typical prices to and from your destination. Keep in mind, you can automate this tracking by setting an alert through Google Flights. Google also allows you to view a price grid of flights between two destinations, displaying the cheapest flights on a given day. Access this grid by searching for flights between your home airport and your destination on a specific date. Once you conduct this search, you can click on the price grid to view the least expensive flights.

Flexible Destinations

If you’re open to traveling to several destination (let’s say your criteria is “warm weather”), that opens the doors to even more flight deals. Use the Google Explore feature to explore flights in the US and across the world over the next six months. You can also sign up for flight deal email lists, such as Going, or use flight deal apps, such as Kayak or Hopper.

Strategically Book Your Hotel

There are many ways to save a little money on accommodations, whether you’re staying at a hotel or an AirBnB or VRBO. Generally, if you stay in one place for a longer stretch of time, you’ll receive a discount. Rather than bouncing around during your trip, consider anchoring yourself in one place and taking day trips from there. You can also save money on accommodations if you are a loyalty member of one of the major hotel chains. The points earned through staying at specific hotels can add up quickly, resulting in free stays or discounts.

Research Attractions in Advance

Some attractions might cost less if tickets are booked in advanced, some places have reduced rates if you arrive at a certain time or on a specific day of the week, and some places offer discounts for children or people with certain backgrounds (military, teachers, etc.). It’s a good idea to do a little research beforehand to take advantage of any available deals.

Additionally, try searching for free attractions in the area. You may be surprised by what pops up—walking tours, parks and beaches, historical landmarks (libraries, cathedrals, etc.) conservatories, and more.

Eat Where the Locals Do

If you want an authentic experience and want to save a little money, avoid touristy restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries (which tend to be overpriced) and opt to go where the locals are. Often, you’ll find the best food in the city, even if the atmosphere isn’t perfectly polished.

Consider Public Transit

In many places (especially if you’re traveling outside the US), public transit is cheap, fast, and easy. Whether you’re in London, Amsterdam, or Bangkok, public transit systems work pretty much the same way: You purchase a transit card, load it with money, and swipe it before stepping onto your train or bus. Public transit is often the norm abroad, so you can expect to see all types of people utilizing it—business people, families, the elderly, etc. This is also a great way to avoid driving in chaotic traffic with road signs that you’re not used to seeing.

When you’re beginning to plan your next vacation, consider trying out a few money-saving tips to cut down on expenses. If you engage in some intentional planning and reduce your costs, you can feel a little better about the occasional splurge. Happy planning!