Saving Money on Vacations
Vacations can be a lot of fun, but they also tend to cost a lot of money. Unlike being at home, you need to pay for rooms, food, transportation, and even activities. As such, saving money on a trip can be tough business. Here are some tips to get you through your vacation without breaking the bank.
Getting to Your Destination
Getting to your destination can be one of the most expensive parts of any vacation, especially if you are flying. However, there are many ways you can save money on flying if you look around. The biggest trick to saving money on flights is to shop around the various deal sites. Look at both the cost of the flight by itself, and then bundle it with your hotel cost, and see which is cheaper. Sometimes you can get a discount by bundling, and sometimes you can’t. Either way, it never hurts to try.
Also, if you have time on your side, you may consider alternatives to flying, such as driving or taking a train. These can be more cost effective options, and allow you to make the travel to your destination as part of the vacation.
Saving Money Abroad
Once you arrive in your destination, your costs really rise. Eating three meals a day out can be expensive, as well as buying souvenirs and paying for activities. You may not think about saving money once you arrive, but you should.
First, look for local places to eat, not just eating at the hotel. Local places typically charge less than worldwide chains, and they usually have better food as well. When paying at these places, try to pay in cash or the local currency. If you use your credit card, you could be subject to additional fees and charges that can drive up a small bill.
When looking for souvenirs, make sure that you haggle and negotiate on price. Unlike in the United States, many other countries actually expect you to haggle. Check with your local customs, but in many places this holds true, and it can help you with saving money on all the memories.