A holiday doesn't have to mean draining your savings.
How to plan a vacation on a budget
Get those fingers clicking and that brain thinking. Where will you be vacationing next?
It is time to plan your big getaway. With proper planning you can split the cost of your vacation in half before even setting foot into the airplane, checking into the hotel, or starting the engine for that road trip. You can save money instantly while planning your holiday. You can have the same luxury vacation as your friends but for far less. No, you are not a miser, a cheapskate or a scrooge or any of the other nicknames your friends reference. It is called being cost efficient because every dollar counts. Create a budget then slash and burn those high prices for your next vacation by following some quick money savings tips.
6 Instant Money Savings Tips When Planning Your Vacation
When planning your vacation following these quick tips will save you money instantly:
1. BOOK YOUR VACATION IN THE OFF SEASON
The peak season is in high demand and as such it is more expensive. Book your vacation in the off season to save big bucks. All the amenities and activities from the peak season are still available in the off season. The only difference is that the costs are heavily discounted because there are less people wanting to vacation during this period.
If you are a local from a tropical destination or someone who wants a discounted tropical vacation, this is your time to save big. Hotels, Tour Operators and Attractions usually reduce their prices significantly during this season. The off season is normally outside of the winter tourist season which is the coldest season of the year between autumn and spring. The peak season is from December to April in the Northern Hemisphere and from June to October in the Southern Hemisphere so book outside of these months depending on the location of your dream destination.
2. BUY YOUR AIRLINE TICKETS ON A SUNDAY
Historically, Tuesdays were the best days to book a flight. However, based on recent studies, Sunday is statistically the cheapest day of the week to buy your airline tickets. If you book flights on a Sunday, you will save up to 15% on the cost of your airfare compared to Friday which is the most expensive day of the week.
3. CHECK YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATIONS FOR PROMOTIONS
You know your favorite destinations so check them out for promotions and giveaways. These companies are always looking for ways to interact with their clients, both existing and potential. Get in on the action and shave some cash off your vacation costs by accepting some of these special offers.
4. FOLLOW YOUR TRAVEL AGENT’S WEBSITE FOR FLASH SALES
Frequently visit your travel agent’s website or social media pages for flash sales. Often your favorite hotels and travel destinations partner with your preferred travel agents or travel websites to bring you irresistible deals. These deals can reduce your overall costs right off the top. Get in on these sales when they become available. Typically, travel websites run these flash sales at dawn so keep an eye out for these savings after midnight.
5. CHOOSE A VACATION BUNDLE
When booking your vacation buy a bundle to benefit from a package discount. Book your flights, hotels, and car rentals at the same time. Also, book all inclusive destinations so you pay one flat fee and enjoy multiple amenities and activities. Pay one low price instead of incurring separate expenses for multiple activities such entertainment and dining.
6. USE YOUR TRAVEL CREDIT CARD REWARDS
On your routine shopping trips, you have been swiping those credit cards to accumulate travel points. Now is the time to redeem those rewards. Apply them to your next trip and minimize your vacation costs. You will be surprised at the impact this has on your overall travel costs. Periodically check your travel points and ensure that you are maximizing opportunities by using the travel credit card whenever possible.
Final Word
Never mind being called a skinflint by your friends because you can enjoy the same vacation as them for far less. Ensure you use the instant money savings tips and our tools (Currency Converter and World Time) when you are planning your next vacation. Remember in order to cash in on the discounts take these easy steps for saving towards a vacation, book your vacation in the off season, buy your airline tickets on a Sunday, check your favorite destinations for promotions, follow your travel agent’s website for flash sales, choose a vacation bundle and use your travel credit card rewards. Which instant money savings tip will you begin with when planning your big getaway?