What's your idea of a perfect vacation? Adventure trip with friends or a relaxing, fun family vacation? While luxury can be undefined with the extensive facilities and comforts we crave, especially during time off from our daily schedule, a preferred budget trip is a challenge to accept. To a surprise, it is not as easy as pie. If there's a blueprint somewhere that suggests proven ways of guaranteeing a budget trip, we all need at least 10 copies (just to be safe).
However, as they say, 'Nothing is impossible', and a perfect budget vacation with family can be more than just a desire. Research, time investment, planning, and execution are a few little things that can help you set and meet your desired vacation expense goals to some extent. But the real question is, how do you do that?
We are here for that. Understanding the fundamentals of budget planning during vacation, here are some suggestions that might be effective for a pocket-friendly and fun-filled break.
When You Travel Matters!
Planning a vacation during the low tourist season is a prevalent and important thing to remember. But how do you decide which month is right for you?
Let's say you are planning a summer vacation in Houston, somewhere between May and June. Now, this is the off-travel season because it gets extremely hot and humid. But is it favourable? You might get a cheap flight or hotel, but being hurricane season, it is quite risky, especially when traveling with family.
The right month matters if you are traveling during the off-season. Check the weather forecast, compare the flight fares, and decide your ideal travel time. Some cities like New York experience a rush throughout the year. Here, you can go for weekdays, skip festive time, and take school break months to avoid extra fares.
Where You Travel Also Matters!
Before planning your trip, decide where you want to go. Some places are expensive no matter when you visit; however, smart planning can help reduce the travel cost. Maui is one place where you cannot expect cheap travel. It can be under your budget only if you plan it according to the city expenses. Similarly, cities like Seattle and New York also rank as the most expensive cities for travelers.
With a set budget, it is better to go with cheaper and more affordable destinations. San Antonio, Portland, and Pittsburgh are some of the affordable cities in the US for a fun and budget-friendly break. Make your list of chosen destinations, compare the estimated budget required there, and finally, decide on the best place that suits you.
How You Travel Is A Big Question!
You have the city, you have the month- now it's time to cut on transport. Public transport is always the best option for traveling intercity or interstate. For instance, it needs to be well researched if you have to book a flight and save on your expenses.
The best way to manage a budget with air travel is to book a low-cost airline, an economy class ticket, and preferably on a weekday. Simplifying it- First, compare the airline fares offered on different booking portals. Second, compare the fares for other days, probably Tuesday or Wednesday, with the cheapest price. Third, book a flight for off-peak hours, early morning or late night, to get the lowest price for the day. Connecting flights are typically cheaper than direct flights. However, ensure you understand the layover times, potential delays, and other factors. Also, look for baggage allowances, food, seats, and other facilities you need during your flight to avoid any added fares. Hidden costs can be a major issue because once the flights are booked, you are left with no option other than paying.
Where You Stay Decides The Expense
If you think of a private pool, a room with a jacuzzi and bathrobes can come under a budget; it's time to hold on to the vacation plan for a little more savings. Don't keep higher expectations when it comes to staying under budget. Every city has budget accommodation options like hotels and BnBs where one can experience a comfortable and quality stay, too, without breaking the bank. While the season plays an important role in depicting the fare of your stay, it is important to book it early to avoid a last-minute price hike. You can also look for rentals with a kitchen, saving you the meal cost. You can also book a standard room (cheaper) and later request the hotel for an upgrade (a better experience without spending much). Well, this depends on the availability and your luck.
What You Do Is Equally Important.
Activities, shopping, dining, and everything else add to the cost of the vacation budget, and this is completely unpredictable. Being on vacation means enjoying to the fullest, and cutting back on things may be hard. So, what is the easiest way to travel on a budget and enjoy it to the fullest? You can start by looking for free things to do, for example, strolling around Times Square in New York City, taking selfies from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, exploring the beaches in Miami, and so much more. When you are done with your 'free things to do in the city', move to cheap things to do, which can be shopping from local markets or eating local food. The remaining budget can be used for things you were dying to do. Remember, travel may be budgeted, but each city is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Embrace every moment and explore to the fullest!
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