Now that January is out of the way and it feels like we are coming to the end of the global pandemic it already feels like we can start to look forward to things once more, and that for you might be a holiday. You might be looking forward to the Summer months ahead and making those all-important plans to spend vacation time with loved ones and children. However, travel costs can really spiral out of control when you are not careful and keep an eye on it. With that in mind, here are some frugal tips to keep those holiday costs down. I hope they help you spend what you need this Summer.
Don’t stick with the mainstream holiday hotspots
We can all get a little wrapped up in glossy travel brochures or imagery online of some of the most talked about and popular holiday hotspots. But the world is a huge place, and there are plenty of other wonderful and picturesque locations to consider. Just because they may not be totally mainstream, it doesn’t mean you won’t have a fantastic time there with your family. A great tip is to work out your holiday priorities such as location, close to the water and things you want to do. Then check out some different vacation places that could fit your list perfectly for a fraction of the cost.
Book travel and accommodation separately
Sometimes the cost of a package deal booked through one agent is higher than if you took some time to book things separately and direct. Flights can often be cheaper when booked directly, and accommodation often doesn’t require a full payment until you arrive or a few weeks before you are due. This can bring the costs down immensely. Of course, it takes a little more time exploring all your options, but the money you save could be put towards your expenses when you get there.
Plan for post pandemic travel
It is important to understand that travel will look a lot different moving forward for the time being so it is important to factor in and budget for any additional costs there may be. This might be a cost for coronavirus test for travel or perhaps needing to quarantine when you return. Planning and preparing for post pandemic travel will help you to budget accordingly.
Plan your vacation, so you know what money is needed
Planning your trip can help you save a fair bit of money in the long run. If you know the places you want to visit, then you could obtain tickets and entry in advance for a smaller price than paying on the day. It may also be worth it to help you ascertain a cost for each day of your vacation. Enabling you to save in advance to ensure you get to do everything you want out of your trip.
Consider self-catering options
Finally, consider a self-catering option when it comes to your accommodation. This means that breakfast, lunch and some evening meals could all be done at a fraction of the price of eating out for every meal time.
Let’s hope this helps you keep your holiday costs down this year.
This is a collaborative post.