Americans are notorious for their underused vacation days. There’s much speculation for why this is, and obviously there’s a number of contributing factors. Expense is certainly one of them. If you have the vacation time and want to use it, but you’re worried about whether you can afford to travel, read on for some simple tips to help you overcome that particular hurdle.
- Step out of the Ordinary to Reap Better Prices
If at all possible, try to travel during off-peak times. This will cut costs considerably, allowing you to take advantage of lower rates. Another smart option is to select destinations during what is normally their off-season. If you aren’t willing to sacrifice the optimum travel dates, try moving your destination to a slightly less popular locale. You can pick a spot just a little off the beaten path, but still relatively close to a popular vacation spot, or if you’re more adventurous, you might try something completely different. In 6 of the World’s Cheapest Destinations To Travel To On a Budget, Huffington Post spotlighted destinations like Cambodia, Colombia and Prague. If you’re looking for spots closer to home, U.S. News & World Report has some fun but thrifty U.S. destination suggestions in Best Affordable Destinations in the USA.
- Prep and Budget Extensively
Start early and take the time to research and find the best possible prices for your trip for flights, rentals, accommodations, dining and more. Be sure to investigate what is included with the services you choose. For example, if you’re flying, make sure you know their luggage policy. Some airlines even charge for carry-on bags now. If you are staying in a hotel, find out what amenities are included and whether there are any “hidden” fees. Websites like Kayak, Travelocity, Priceline and Expedia are helpful starting points.
Once you’re there, unexpected expenses and unplanned spending during your vacation can easily bust your budget. Doing your homework, researching prices and expected expenses, and budgeting accordingly can help you avoid those potential pitfalls. Be sure to create realistic spending goals that you will be able to maintain. Budget Worksheets has a fairly extensive travel/vacation worksheet to help you identity and budget your vacation expenses beforehand and perform comparisons after your trip.
- Use Smart Tips for Family Traveling
If you are traveling in-country with your family, research driving rather than flying. With the lower gas prices, this option will very possibly save you money over purchasing multiple plane tickets and paying steep luggage fees.
You can also save some money by renting a condo or home for your trip instead of staying in a hotel. There are several online resources where you can find a great place for your family to vacation, such as airbnb.com, homeaway.com, interhomeusa.com and vacationrentals.com. If you’re unable to find a suitable or affordable rental in your selected vacation destination, explore a small independent hotel rather than a big chain.
- Use RewardsCredit Cards to Maximize your Cash Back, Points or Miles and Save Money
Smart credit card use can save you some money, get you some great vacation perks and help you earn points, miles or cash back. Travel rewards cards allow you to earn free or heavily discounted flights and hotel accommodations, earn cash back on gasoline and car rentals, reap savings on dining and entertainment and much more. In order to take full advantage of these savings and bonuses, you need a good card and hence good credit. If you’re looking for ways to obtain or rebuild credit, adding an authorized user to a credit card is a great method for accomplishing this.
- Be creative and adventurous.
- If you’re an industrious and adventurous soul, there are several novel ways to travel on the cheap.
- House sit or house swap – Check out opportunities on sites like comor homebase-hols.com. If you don’t have a house to swap, try offering your services as a house sitter on sites like mindmyhouse.com or housecarers.com.
- Volunteer – Doing volunteer work for overseas organizations is a worthy and fulfilling enterprise that allows you to contribute and learn more while living abroad.
- Work on a cruise ship or yacht – You may not have a lot of time for leisure, but it will give you the opportunity to travel.
- Create a group tour – Travelcompanies often offer steep discounts for groups, and some reward group leaders with free travel.
- Transport a vehicle – Many people will pay to have you drive their vehicle from one location to another.
- Apply for a travel scholarship – Several schools and organizations sponsor travel grants. For example, ACIS, Laura W. Bush Traveling Fellowship, Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
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