Life can be a bit stressful at times, which is why you need to take a break every now and then. One of the best ways to unwind and forget all your worries is to take a vacation somewhere away from your usual haunts. Aside from giving you an escape, going on a vacation also allows you to experience new things.
Of course, traveling isn’t free. Even if your dream destination is a local spot, you still have to spend some money for things such as your fare, accommodations, and food. You also need to think about expenses such as entry fees to attractions like museums or amusement parks; if you’re the type to buy souvenirs, then you also have to account for this in your budget.
So now the question is: how do you make your dream vacation a reality? Here are some tips so you can go on a holiday without burning through your wallet:
Start Saving ASAP
What's Inside
Once you’ve decided that you’re going to travel somewhere, you need to start saving as soon as possible. This is especially important if the destination is somewhere farther and entails additional costs like applying for a visa.
Having a budget will definitely make things easier for you, because you can clearly see where you can make adjustments and reallocate for your vacation. You can also set up a “tip jar” where you can put loose change. The savings you make here can go to one part of your vacation fund, such as for pasalubong shopping.
Consider a Small Loan
Sometimes, no matter how careful you plan, your budget will fall just a tiny bit short. If this is the case, online loans will definitely be helpful. What’s great is that online loans have a much simpler and faster application process, so you can get the proceeds ASAP. This is great for times when you need to make an immediate travel-related purchase, such as a limited-time promo for flights or hotel bookings.
The most important thing about getting online loans for travel purposes is that you should allocate them for a specific purpose. This way, you can easily keep track of the money and set your budget straight.
Research Your Destination
Before you make any final travel plans, make sure to research your destination first. Take note of every detail, such as:
Transportation costs, including all your transportation needs (e.g., car rental, airport transfers)
Accommodation costs
Food costs and options
Attraction expenses, like entrance fees and taxes
You should also take note of the travel time, especially between your accommodation and your desired activities, because this will affect your transportation budget. If you want, you can also do the reverse and look for a destination that’s within your projected savings.
Check If Your Credit Card Has Usable Points
If you have a credit card, check if you can make use of your accumulated points for your vacation expenses. For example, you may be able to claim air miles for flight discounts or even an entire ticket. Your card may also have partnerships with hotels, which can help you save on your bookings. Of course, don’t make careless purchases just to earn points and get the rewards!
In the event that your credit card doesn’t have any travel-related perks, it may be better to check if you can use it abroad. Then, reallocate your cash budget to pay the bill later on.
Prioritize Your Expenses
There are many things you’ll have to spend on when you travel and unless you have an unlimited budget, you definitely can’t splurge on them all. Thus, you need to figure out which ones are your priorities. Do you want a comfortable hotel stay? Are you a foodie who wants the best dining experiences?
Once you’ve figured out what you want, you can make adjustments to your travel budget. You may even end up saving so much more, which you can use for incidentals or for saving up for your future travels.
Get Cheap Flights
One of the most expensive parts of your travel budget is transportation, particularly if you’re going to foreign destinations. Fortunately, there are plenty of flight ticket sales that happen each year; make sure to take note of the schedules so you can make a purchase on time.
If you have a preferred airline, make sure to download their app if they have one and then activate the alerts so you get notified whenever they have a sale. If time isn’t a big issue, try booking red-eye flights because these are often cheaper. You can also make use of websites that compare ticket prices so you can find cheaper tickets. As a bonus, these kinds of websites can also help you find discounted hotel rooms, tours, and attractions.
It may take a while, but you can definitely save up and budget your way to reach your travel goals. Be patient and follow these tips to make your dream vacation come true.
