In our culture of work a lot, then work some more,â it can be nearly impossible to find some time off. But taking a break, even just for a weekend, can be critical to our mental and physical health, not to mention our day-to-day productivity. Time off allows us to relax, recharge, and come back to our regular commitments with a fresh perspective.
Even if we’re determined to take that break, though, feeling like we can afford to is another matter. The costs of going away for just a weekend can add up pretty quickly, and financial stress can undo all the benefit your vacation might give you. So how do you make it all work?
1. Pick your location that’s easy to get to
The cost of flights, or even train tickets, can really drive up the price of a vacation. If you want to get away from cities, pick somewhere you can drive on a single tank of gas. If you’d rather head downtown, consider leaving your car behind. Try a discount bus line, like MegaBus or Bolt Bus, and get friendly with the public transportation once you arrive. If you’re going to fly, book your flights in advance to get a lower price and use sites like Expedia or Kayak to compare airfare.
2. Use the internet to get a deal.
Discount sites like LivingSocial, Groupon, or Travel Zoo offer inexpensive travel packages that can give you over 50% off at pricey hotel and b&bs. These will often have a certain number of meals or admission to local activities included in the cost, which makes them even more affordable.
3. Ask for a discount.
If it’s getting close to the date of your vacation, try calling local hotels and asking for a discount on room rates. Often they’d rather book a room at a lower price than not make any money from it at all.
4. Stay with family or friends.
If you’ll only be there for one or two nights, ask people you know if you can stay with them. You might even get a great local guide into the bargain.
5. Try camping.
Ditch the cost of hotels by camping. Most national parks have free campgrounds; commercial venues will usually run under $20 a night. If you have kids, setting up and exploring a campsite will keep them busy for hours, and many campgrounds have additional features like swimming pools or mini-golf for just a few dollars extra.
6. Use cash instead of credit.
It’s easy to lose track of how much you’re spending when it’s just being charged. To keep track of what you’re spending on gas, meals out, and entertainment, have a set amount of cash with you and set a limit for what can be spent each day.
7. Eat out less.
If you’re going to be in the car, fill a cooler with sandwich fixings and bottled drinks. Buy breakfast foods and keep them in your hotel. Not every meal has to happen at a restaurant, even on vacation.
8. Look for entertainment off the beaten path.
Museums, art galleries, national parks, historical sites, and beaches all provide low-to-no cost entertainment. Ask at your hotel for ideas on places most tourists don’t go. Take the family bowling or to play tennis; sporty activities last a long time and get everyone involved, but usually don’t cost very much.
9. Build in some time to relax.
Trying to fill every minute of a vacation is not only expensive, it can defeat the purpose of taking the vacation in the first place! Instead, set aside time to relax with a good book, go for a walk around town, or take a nap in the afternoon. It won’t cost anything, and the downtime will leave you feeling refreshed, even when it’s time to pack up and go home.
Traveling can be pricey, but if you plan carefully and, you can have a great trip that’s still easy on your bank account.
What’s your best tip for traveling on a budget?
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