Everyone needs a break now and then. The sooner you plan your vacation, the more likely you will have a great experience.
You’ll have the time to save enough money to give yourself the trip you deserve. Planning and budgeting is essential to having a stress-free and affordable holiday.
Savings Tips
Set a Budget
Setting a budget is the most important step. Determine how much money you’ll ideally need. As well as how much money you can comfortably save in the allotted time before the trip.
Ensure that your budget includes expenses before you arrive at the destination, like airfare, ground transportation, and accommodation expenses.
Then budget for your expenses, such as shopping, food, and entertainment, once you arrive. Check this blog post out for a few ideas on saving towards your goal quickly.
Deals and Discounts
Using deals and discounts can be a great way to fund luxury vacations at more affordable prices.
You can also use this method to pick your destination based on what’s within your budget. Try and find discount codes for your next holiday by TUI.
So, do a little digging for deals before booking your vacation. All-inclusive packages can often be more affordable in the long run, depending on what’s included.
You can find flight, accommodation, and activities deals on various websites.
Low Cost Accommodation
Luxury hotels are amazing to stay in; they’re beautiful, and everything is handled for you. But, they usually cost an arm, a leg – and sometimes a kidney!
You can save money by booking something much cheaper. Consider alternatives like couchsurfing, self-catering accommodation, and Airbnb.
Hostels are also a good choice, they typically have single and family rooms that are still quite affordable.
Fly Smart
Flights can account for most of your holiday budget, depending on where you’re flying and how many planes you need to catch.
Do a little more digging and use price comparison sites to get the best deals and prices on flights.
Also, do your best to avoid any extra in-flight costs. This means ensuring your luggage falls within the free amount allowed, whether for carry-on, checked, or a combination of both.
Avoid paying exorbitant fees for business class (and even premium economy, at times).
Don’t pick your preferred seat if you have to pay a fee. Here are a few more tips on getting the best flight prices.
Consider alternate methods of transportation, if possible. Taking a train or a bus can come out cheaper than booking a flight.
You should also consider driving where you can. With one of these transport modes, you can also make the journey part of the vacation.
The More the Cheaper
Consider going on vacation with a few friends or family members to cut costs. You can find great group deals and discounts for accommodation and activities.
If you can’t find group deals, you’ll still have some people you can split expenses with. Pick people you’ll enjoy spending a few days away with.
Shorter Vacations
If you’re looking at holiday packages, avoid the ones for longer than a week. The longer your holiday is, the more you’ll have to pay. Going somewhere for a few days rather than seven will be more affordable.
Fun for Free
Research the area you’re visiting and the surroundings before you book anything. Try and find free or affordable things you can do and consider planning your trips around those events.
Taking advantage of free events can help you cut down on how much you’re planning to spend on entertainment.
Flexibility
Being flexible with your dates can help you score cheap, last-minute deals to your dream vacation.
Especially if you’re open to traveling during the off-season, when prices will likely be more reasonable.
Being flexible, in general, when planning a holiday is a must. Working within budget requires creativity and flexibility to get the best results.
The best flights might have long layovers, late at night, or early in the morning. What’s in your price range might be somewhere closer to home.
Final Thoughts
The key to having a great vacation is doing a lot of work before you can have fun. Dedicate some time to research, deal hunting, planning, and budgeting.
Also, ensure that you book well in advance for everything. Flights, accommodation, and any events that you want to see.
_______
This story is brought to you in partnership with TUI.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- World Nomads for travel insurance.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
- Rail Europe for train passes.
