Courtesy: zack.spring@travelfit.info
Are you two ready to go on the adventure of your dreams? Sometimes our hearts are in it, but our wallets put on the breaks. However, with these budget-savvy tips, you can stay on top of your spending and plan the couple’s getaway of a lifetime!
Do Some Smart Shopping
The bulk of the fun of going on an adventure is in the doing, whether you’re heading on a safari, skydiving, or climbing mountains. The bulk of vacation spending is often soaked up in how we get to our destination, putting a roof overhead while there, and getting around to the activities we’re looking forward to doing.
Thankfully, there are ways to save on those means to an end. Bigger travel sites like Priceline allow you to shop around, and they often have package deals. It’s a terrific way to save on your flight, lodging, and even renting a vehicle for getting around. On top of all that, Upgraded Points notes you can sometimes earn double your rewards points when you use travel rewards cards and book with Priceline. There’s a win everywhere you look!
If you’re vacationing abroad, you can shop for a temporary phone plan so that your data and talk usages are covered just for that month. Look to providers like Verizon for different selections including prepaid international plans. This way, you’ll be able to get around using your GPS while cutting down on roaming fees, and you’ll leave room in your budget for other travel expenses.
Pack Light
Packing light saves you a couple of ways, especially if you can get all your belongings into a carry-on bag. The two of you are likely to pay $120 or more in baggage fees if you fly, so you nix that cost right off the bat. Not only does it mean you don’t pay any extra for your luggage, it’s a time- and energy-saver since there is less to lug around.
To make a carry-on a practical choice, REI suggests wearing all your bulky clothing on the plane and cutting clothing down on what you pack with some handwashing. Be sure to include a paracord that will act as a clothes line and some soap so you can wash and wear throughout the trip.
Cut Food Costs
Eating out and savoring local flavors can be a source of tremendous gratification when you travel, but it can also be a source of tremendous expense. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to cut the cost of your meals when you’re far from home. For instance, if you stay in a hotel that provides a meal, eat heartily, and then aim for a light meal out when you get hungry. Or if your accommodations provide a kitchen, plan to make a few meals of your own.
Another idea is to ask locals where the best inexpensive restaurants are, which often leads to fun cafés and diners off the beaten path. And many vacationers find it helpful to mix their meals with other entertainment to stretch their pennies. For instance, you can attend a luau that includes a delicious and generous buffet. It’s a great way to kill two birds with one stone, and make fun memories in the process of saving some cash!
Stay Under the Stars
Depending on how you’re defining your adventure, camping can be a terrific way to save money on your lodging. For those who have a driving tour in mind, it meshes nicely since there are plenty of free places you can camp scattered throughout the U.S.
Even if you’re flying into a destination, fear not: You can still book your low-cost flight and vehicle rental, pack light for the plane, and then rent your camping gear when you arrive at your destination. Between what you save on lodging and on baggage fees, you’ll likely cover the cost of your gear, and you can still enjoy those free campsites every night – not to mention cooking over a campfire, which is far less costly than eating in a restaurant.
If you two are ready for the adventure of a lifetime, don’t let money hold you back! Do some smart shopping, pack light, make the most out of your meals, and if it’s a good fit, contemplate staying under the stars. These budget-savvy strategies will ensure your trip is all you’re dreaming about!