Inside: Ready for a road trip or a new adventure? Check out these easy tips to travel on a budget. Saving money doesn't mean sacrificing your vacations!
I love getting away on a vacation. It's so much fun to go somewhere with my family and take a break. However, it isn't cheap to take a vacation. A couple of days relaxing at the beach or going to Disney can really cost you.
If you are trying to watch your budget and still want some time away check out these tips to travel on a budget. Make the most of your money and your vacation.
Travel in The Off Season
One of the easiest ways to travel on a budget is to go in the offseason. Vacation destinations are packed full during summer and spring break so they don't usually offer many discounts. But if you wait until October-February you can usually find some crazy good deals.
When my kiddo was younger we loved going to Disney in the offseason. Not only is it way cheaper, but it is also less crowded. If you can travel in the offseason it will really help you make the most of your budget.
Rent A House
Renting a house is one of my favorite ways to travel on a budget. It seems like anymore the costs of hotels are so expensive. I have found that usually, I can rent a house for around the same price as a hotel. Plus, when you rent a house you get all the amenities that come with the home.
With most houses, you have access to laundry and a kitchen. You can save a lot of money by eating some of your meals at the house versus going out to eat. We usually eat breakfast and lunch at our house and then go out to eat for dinner.
Shop Online For Deals
I love finding good deals online to travel on a budget. If you buy or book anything online make sure you use Ebates to buy it. You can get money back from buying things online with Ebates. You can book hotels, airfare, rental cars, and even airport parking with Ebates. They have a whole travel section in Ebates. You can see how Ebates works here and get $10 for signing up. It’s an easy little online shopping hack.
You can also use Groupon to get some good deals on meals and activities. Just go to Groupon and do a search near where you are headed. I recommend starting to look for deals a month or two before you leave on vacation. It's an easy way to save on meals and activities.
Stay All Inclusive
Staying all-inclusive may not seem like a great way to save money, however, it is a good way to make sure you stay within your budget. The couple of times that we have used all-inclusive we bring an extra $50 or so in spending money and that is it. I do recommend reading all of the fine print. Make sure there are no extra charges that can be added to your bill. Also, you will want to check if tipping is included. If you are wanting to travel out of the country but really want to stick to a budget staying all-inclusive may be the way to go.
Plan Ahead
The cost of things like sunblock, bathing suits, and beach gear can be two to three times the normal cost when you get to a beach destination. Plan your vacation and make a list for everything you will need. Buying things like sunblock ahead of time and packing them will save you a lot of money. It's also nice to have a small emergency bag with things you might need like Tylenol, Neosporin, and band-aids.
With these easy tips, you can have a fun and exciting vacation and keep it within budget too. Want some other money saving tips? Check out how to have a fun staycation without breaking the bank.
