The average cost of a summer vacation varies based on many factors. For example, a person must take into account how they will get to the destination and where they will stay. According to SpendMeNot.com, the average cost of a domestic one-week vacation is $1,573 per person. A family of four will spend over $6,000 for one week.
This remains out of reach for many families today, as the cost of living continues to increase. How can a person budget for a vacation and still have a great time? The following tips become of great help in achieving this goal.
Consider Shorter Trips
By taking a shorter trip, a family will find they can still visit the desired destination. They save money on accommodations and meals by only staying a few days rather than an entire week. This doesn’t mean they have to miss out on those things they want to do when vacationing. They just need to want to spend less time at each place they want to see on the trip.
For instance, rather than setting aside four hours to visit a particular museum, they may set aside three hours. Over the course of the trip, they find they can still see their can’t-miss attractions and won’t feel as if they missed out on anything. This is one of the easiest ways to save money when budgeting for a vacation.
Pay in Advance
People enjoy their vacation more when they know it is already paid for. They can take the trip without worrying about high credit card bills waiting at home or a depleted savings account. While some expenses can’t be prepaid, such as many meals, the more a person can pay for before they leave for the trip, the more they will enjoy the experience. They won’t spend every minute counting their money to see how much they can afford.
One way to budget for a trip is to invest in traveler’s checks or only carry one credit card. This helps to keep spending at a minimum. A person can’t spend money if they don’t have it with them. Taking only one card ensures they don’t go overboard, as well.
Conduct Research
One way to save on a vacation is to plan one at the last minute. Take advantage of places that aren’t fully booked and offer discounts to bring more people in. If this isn’t possible, research different travel and accommodation options. A person can save significant amounts of money by comparing different providers.
Discount codes serve as another way to save money on a vacation, or a person might find they get cash back if they book their travel using a credit card. The options are endless when it comes to saving money on a vacation, so a person should learn about all available ways to travel and where to stay.
However, always read the fine print when booking, as a person might find there are hidden fees that lead to the vacation costing more than they expected.
A person doesn’t need to break the bank to go on vacation. There are many ways to budget for a vacation and still have a great time. It’s all a matter of knowing how to find the best deals on vacations. For example, traveling mid-week costs less than traveling on the weekends. With some tweaks to their travel itinerary, every individual should be able to have the vacation they dream of at an affordable price.