The pandemic is making many of us long to take a vacation as well as take a long, hard look at how we spend and save our money. Whether you’ve just started saving or you have a nice lump sum set aside for your next trip, it’s always a good idea to create a budget and make a plan. Here are a few things to consider before you travel that can help you make the most of your hard earned cash and vacation.
Fly during the week
Airfare is generally more expensive over the weekend. For instance, planning your trip from Wednesday to Wednesday could secure you a cheaper fare. Avoid holiday travel around Christmas, New Year’s Day and spring break. Additionally, you should avoid business travel days, such as Friday, Sunday night and Monday morning, as they are high traffic days and likely much more expensive.
Pack your own snacks for the road.
Airline food and gas station snacks can be expensive. Get into the habit of packing sandwiches and snacks. Bring along a water bottle and resist the urge to buy overpriced soda or drinks from the bar while at the airport.
Stop buying souvenirs
If you want to stop spending so much money when you travel, the easiest way is to simply stop buying things. Unfortunately, those cute trinkets and souvenirs from past vacations often end up collecting dust. So, stop buying t-shirts and shot glasses for everyone back home and take plenty of photos for memories of your vacation instead.
Find things to do for free
Before you travel, research free outings and tours to participate in. While you’re checking out fun activities, try to find public transit and other adventures within walking distance of your lodging to cut down on costs. There are likely plenty of attractions available for you and your friends or family at no cost to you.
Prepare for the unexpected
While your goal is to stick to your travel budget, you should always be prepared for the unexpected. Unexpected expenses are common when traveling, but you can get ahead by creating an emergency fund specifically for your trip. Try to set aside 30 percent of your total trip cost for emergencies and other potential, unexpected expenses.
While there are many exciting ways to spend your vacation money, remember to continue tracking your spending on a daily basis while keeping your budget goals in mind.