Spring has finally sprung! As the weather gets warmer, and the days get longer, many people are starting to think about summer travel plans. As you start the planning process, the cost is always a significant factor.
When you consider how much you want to spend and how you want to spend it, think about what’s important to you when you’re on vacation. Is it food? Where you stay? Your entertainment? How you travel, whether by car, charter bus, train or air? Sometimes you can cut corners in one area to be able to splurge on another.
With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you stay on budget for your next trip!
- Don’t eat three meals a day! Many hotels include breakfast with your room, so that’s one less meal you have to worry about paying for. If you’re on the go, it’s sometimes easier just to snack through lunchtime, saving your money for a nice dinner out at the end of your day.
- Buy snacks at a local grocery store. By stocking up on snacks to take with you throughout the day, you’ll curb your appetite and avoid the temptation to splurge on unnecessary, often over-priced temptations along your journey.
- Travel in the off-season. The dates you travel may be out of your control, but if you can pick and choose when you go on a trip, traveling in the off-season can provide great deals on hotels and flights.
- Travel with another friend or family member. Traveling with a group can offer you opportunities to get group rates and share costs.
- Travel to places where you know people. In addition to being able to visit your friends or family, which is always worth it, there are two other benefits: 1) you have direct access to local expertise on what to see and do and 2) you can eliminate the cost of hotels by staying with those friends or family.
- Shop judiciously. Think twice before you buy the local souvenirs. Will it just become junk once you return home or do you really want that item in the gift shop? Don’t be tempted to purchase items that you don’t need or really want once you get home.
- Look for roadside grills or other tasty food stands. Especially when you’re on the go, you often get better food at a cheaper price!
- Take a “bump” off an airline. Airlines frequently overbook their flights and offer free tickets for individuals who are willing to change their travel plans, particularly during busy travel months. If you’re in a position to accept one of these offers, take it! It’s free money!
- Ask locals for restaurant recommendations: The folks that live in a certain area are bound to know the best places to eat, and where the best deals are. You’re guaranteed to find great food at a great price.
Traveling should be fun and doesn’t have to break the bank. By taking advantage of easy opportunities to cut costs, you’ll be able to travel more with the money you save!
Annett Bus Lines provides charter bus needs in Florida as well as throughout the United States and Canada. If we can help you travel safely and comfortably to your summer vacation location, request a quote today.