Taking a vacation usually means that your wallet will be taking a hit. This time around, we propose that things can turn out much differently with the right strategies. Read on to learn how to apply six critical hacks to afford your next vacation.
- Utilize Hotel Alternatives
When we think about hotel alternatives, we’re talking about hidden gems within your financial reach. Look for house-sitting options that allow you to stay at a person’s home in exchange for keeping an eye on things. This way, you’ll give your time rather than your money to afford living arrangements. You can also search online to find people looking to fill their rental properties.
- Find Group Travel Options
You can plan your vacation by organizing an entirely free vacation while gaining the opportunity to meet fellow travelers through a volunteer program. Many organizations provide free accommodations in exchange for volunteer service.
You won’t work the entire time, so on the days you have available, you can explore! You’ll gain travel experience, volunteer experience, and most importantly, a completely free vacation. What’s not to like?
- Time Your Flights
Just like with timing Instagram posts, there are ideal times to book flights for the best outcomes. Instead of gaining likes, you’ll save extra money by booking while prices are low.
On average, flights are typically cheaper on Tuesday afternoons, so try to book accordingly! You can also book during travel off-seasons to save money.
If you can find options that require a layover, secure a lounge to stay occupied while you wait. You can find cheap flights from Las Vegas that land at less expensive airports as a result of these layovers. Inquire about flight costs and the airports local to your destination in order to find the most affordable option for your flight.
- Stay in Neighboring Areas
Sometimes, it is cheaper to stay on the outskirts to turn your expensive travel destination into an affordable travel destination. This way, if you plan to enjoy what a major city has to offer, you can take a short drive over and save money on hotels, food, and other essentials.
Neighboring areas are likely to be more affordable given that they are not directly in the city center. You might even enjoy the break from the bustling city when it’s time to get some sleep after a long day of going out and exploring.
- Skip Souvenir Shopping
For some, souvenir shopping is an essential part of a vacation. Although it’s thrilling to bring home memorabilia, it is also expensive. Don’t waste your money on trinkets—instead, shop where prices are low and value is high.
You can find artisan markets in major cities worldwide that sell handmade goods for far less than at home. Take advantage of these markets and make shopping an adventure.
- Use Public Transportation
The prices for car rentals and taxis add up quickly. Instead, go with public transportation and learn your way around the area. You’ll feel well-traveled and will have a much easier time getting from place to place, without spending so much to travel. You might be able to acquire a voucher for unlimited transportation. London and New York both offer this kind of travel pass.
Final Thoughts
Making a vacation affordable is about finding strategic ways to make your money work for you. In the real world, it’s not always possible to save endless amounts of money to go on your dream vacation. Rather than wait for something unlikely to arrive, make your vacation plans work for you by choosing frugal options that keep things affordable without taking away from your fun.
