Cory Burnell on Traveling on a Budget

Whether you are looking to travel over the holiday season or looking to start planning your summer vacation early, now can be a pressing time on your bank account. With the holidays coming up, you’ve been saving for gifts, dinners, and holiday decorations. Now you and your family want to take a trip either to visit your relatives or to get away from the cold weather. Things may be tight and you want to know how to budget to make your trip more affordable.

Cut Back on Eating Out

Food can make a huge dent in your travel budget. If you aren’t prepared you may have to eat out three times a day. Pack meals you can eat in your room so you can skip eating out as much. Though it might be a little higher cost, find a hotel with a continental breakfast. You can have a big breakfast so you are fuller for a majority of the day and you’re less likely to need to eat lunch.

Cheaper Lodging

Cost of lodging could be what is stopping you and your family from traveling. But don’t let that deter you. You can find cheaper hotels or look for vacation homes. Short-term rental properties tend to be cheaper than hotel rooms and could be what your family is looking for. Having a property that has a kitchen can also save you money on eating. You can buy groceries and make your own meals at home instead of going out.

Location

If you are traveling during peak vacation times, don’t get sucked into tourist traps. Mix it up and go to an interesting place that people are less likely to travel during the peak season. Most people go to locations that are warm during the winter time. It might be your best chance to head north instead of south and discover new places. Avoiding the tourist traps will also save you on extra expenses such as raised hotel prices, tourist activities, and souvenirs.

Experiences

Go for the cheaper or free experiences that are offered. Tour the city yourself, or if there is a national park you can make a day out of exploring it with the family. See if your hotel offers any free or cheap events or if they offer any discounts for popular attractions. Making the most out of your trip with the experiences you have rather than the place you are staying can turn your vacation into one your family will never forget.