Vacations can be the most relaxing and fun times of our lives, but planning them on a budget — and then trying to stick to that budget — can quickly turn any soothing get-away into a travel nightmare. So if you’re looking to book your summer vacation and want to avoid worrying about every penny along the way, here are some great ideas to keep you vacation time light, easy, fun, and ever so relaxing.
Start planning early
Whether you decide to go on a package holiday or to plan your own vacation, the earlier you begin your planning, the better chances you have of saving money. This is not only because flights and hotel rooms tend to be far cheaper in advance, but also because you can book things like train tickets, local transportation, and activities, all of which tend to become more expensive the later you wait to book.
Decide on your daily allowance
This might feel a little juvenile at times, but on a vacation it can be easy to allow yourself too many freedoms with money, as you’re supposed to be treating yourself along the way. Often this type of attitude will lead to frivolous spending that can easily be stopped by giving yourself a daily cash allowance.
Purchase package holidays
Package holidays are available for virtually all destinations and for every level of budget, and what makes them great is that they explicitly explain every cost that is covered in the package and what extra costs you might incur should you decide to do any activities that aren’t covered. Many people consider package holidays to fall under the all-inclusive umbrella, but there are different types of package vacations, some of which will include things like beverages and food and others, which won’t.
Exchange currency at an opportune time
Don’t leave exchanging your money to a foreign currency as a last minute detail you’ll take care of at the airport. Most airport foreign exchange booths and hotels will not give you a very beneficial rate. Be sure to keep an eye on the rates leading up to your vacation, and you’ll find that you can save a decent amount of money by picking the right time to exchange.
Forget buying gifts and souvenirs
Okay, maybe one or two gifts and souvenirs if you have to, but otherwise, your vacation will have plenty of special mementos in the form of wonderful memories and the many pictures you’ve taken, which are, by the way, free! After all does anyone really need another fridge magnet?
However and wherever you decide to travel on your next vacation, make smart decision to insure that upon return you’re already well on your way to saving for your next vacation!
If you have any tips on holiday budgeting, share them with us in the comments section below.
Photo Credits: Mario Mancuso (train); Tax Credits
Exchanging money should always be done by just withdrawing money locally from an atm using a debit card. That will give the best rate. Exchanging money stateside before a trip is hugely expensive!
I just avoid buying gifts or souvenirs to save money. I used to do this but all those stuffs I bought are just taking so much space at home and some had been thrown away.
The family must buy souvenirs, but I challenge them to make it something useful. A baseball cap or a t-shirt, or a ball-point pen or mug that they will really use. Yes, it’s a silly expenditure, but each person gets one souvenir!