For every traveler a "dream" vacation has a different definition. For some, a thrill-packed theme park beckons their call, while others seek the solitude of a private white-sand beach. No matter what images come to mind when you imagine a "dream" vacation, price always factors into how a trip transpires. In this article, we'll look at some tried-and-true trips for creating your dream vacation and keeping the cost reasonable in the end.
The age-old phrase "you get what you pay for" does most definitely ring true, but there are ways to experience a great vacation without having to drain your account. After many years of travelling, I have taken note of ways to cut costs while maximizing the vacation experience. Here's to hoping these inspire you!
Use a travel agent to help you understand a specific destination and cheaper times of the year to visit that destination. For most destinations there are certain times of the year, usually referred to as "shoulder season", that come with cheaper lodging rates. In general, the highest lodging rates are found around the major holidays and on weekends, so if you have the ability to travel during the week during a slower time of the year, you'll find yourself saving as much as 30-50% on lodging.
Fly Economy and minimize luggage. While most people are aware that flying Economy is cheaper than flying Business or First Class, many people don't give much thought to the amount of luggage they take along. In today's airline market, almost all airlines charge a fee for luggage, both carry-on and checked bags. If you are traveling with your family, consider consolidating luggage and pack everyone's luggage together rather than in separate suitcases. Keeping in mind that most lodging, including hotels, have access to guest laundry, you can take fewer items and do laundry on your trip. (A travel packet of Tide laundry detergent cost FAR less than an additional piece of luggage!)
Enroll in Rewards Programs. If you find yourself flying repeatedly or staying in hotels regularly, then it's wise to enroll in the company's free rewards programs. These programs lead to nice discounts plus free flights and free night's stay. Loyalty definitely has its rewards. If you are a credit card user, it can also be beneficial to have a travel rewards credit card but be sure to check the terms and conditions for a particular card before signing up.
Create a priority list for your trip. As you plan your trip budget and how best to allocate it, make a priority list first. Begin with thinking about what experience you'd like to have for the trip. For example, if you're wanting to experience Disney World with your teenagers and plan to spend every second of the day that you can in the park, choosing to spend less on lodging would be logical given that you don't plan to spend much time there. On the other hand, if you're wanting a quiet beach vacation with lots of privacy and time to recharge, then carefully selecting your lodging will be a priority. You'll likely want to invest a good portion of your budget into lodging since you want to spend more time there. The same concept can apply to meals. You can save significantly by choosing to prepare meals for yourself rather than dining out. But for some folks, dining out is a highlight of traveling, so allocating more of the budget for that experience is important and looking to save in other areas can allow for it. Prioritizing your budget will allow you to recognize what's most important for you and what areas you can minimize costs.
Balance activities that cost money with activities that don't. This rule can be very beneficial if you're traveling with children or teens. In almost every destination you can find amazing activities that won't cost a dime. Think state parks, public rivers and beaches, lunch picnics in scenic places, hiking, biking, public children's playgrounds, etc. These activities can be incredible experiences. They are proof that you don't have to spend an excessive amount of money to have an amazing trip!
Set a budget and don't give into instant gratification. Set your budget before you trip and stick to it. Resolve not to give in to instant gratification spending that you didn't plan for. Set aside a specific amount of money as your "spending money" for the trip and stick to it. Spend wisely. This area can be another perk using a travel agent. A genuine travel agent can help you plan your itinerary in such a way that you know exactly how much money you'll be spending on the trip, including spending money. This will help you prepare for the trip financially as well as be prepared during the trip for how much frivolous money you'll spend, taking the stress out of the entire process.
Creating amazing vacations with a knack for making wise budget choices has been something I've worked on for years, honing my craft. You can create your "dream" vacation as well and be happy with amount of money you're investing in the experience. Again, I highly suggest connecting with a travel agent who specializes in the destination you're wanting to visit. They can provide invaluable information that will set you up to experience the trip of a lifetime and save money along the way while doing it!
Happy travels!
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