Want to know how to budget and prepare for all those vacation expenses? These are the strategies and budget travel tips you should know prior to planning out your vacation expenses.
Planning for a vacation is fun but you want to be prepared as possible. You want to know the most common expenses associated with every travel adventure so you are not surprised or unprepared. As a fellow traveler, I am giving you the travel budget tips that every traveler should know.
You are going to learn about the most common vacation expenses and how to budget your money prior and during a vacation.
After learning about these tips you will feel prepared and ready for your next adventure!
This post is all about vacation expenses and travel budget tips that every traveler should know.
11 Smart Strategies On How To Plan For Vacation Expenses
1. Create a budget checklist
A checklist is vital when understanding your vacation expenses. You want to be as prepared as possible when it comes to vacation expenses and having no surprises. Below is a list of common vacation expenses:
- Accommodations
- Flight
- Gas/Tolls
- Parking
- Car rental
- Public Transit
- Food
- Excursions
- Souvenirs/Shopping
- Tipping
- Emergency funds
If you want to stay organized for your next trip and need the ultimate travel packing checklist, subscribe your email at the bottom for a FREE PDF travel packing checklist template. It is customizable to fit your travel needs and you could reuse it for every trip.
2. Accommodations
Accommodations typically cost the most when budgeting for travel expenses. Keep this in mind when creating your budget. Research all options outside of a resort or hotel (depending on your destination) such as Airbnb, hostels, and Vrbo. You could literally save hundreds (even thousands!) by booking something other than a hotel. In addition, you could get more for your money by booking these accommodations. A private pool, hot tub or larger space could be all yours.
An Airbnb could save you money when traveling with others because you could split the cost. You could book a house and split it with everyone rather than everyone having separate hotel rooms. In addition, many times you could book an Airbnb or Vrbo with a washer/dryer. How nice would it be to have that in case you want clean clothes to pack in your suitcase for the way home.
3. Travel Rewards
Next up is travel rewards. Join a travel rewards program or get a travel credit card. A travel credit card could get you free flights or get you a discount on your travel expenses. If you are planning for your family, a free flight for someone is huge! Look into the various options out there and join any free program out there. Many hotels offer rewards programs which could lead to that free upgrade or a couple free nights. If you are interested in a travel credit card, there are many options to suit every travelers needs. In addition, there are many without annual fees if you are a less frequent traveler.
4. Book early
The saying really is true in most cases, “The early bird catches the worm.” Many times the earlier you book everything when it comes to travel, the better. You have more options when you start your research early. If you have an area in mind you want to book the accommodation in and it is popular, you need to research early. Many times you could put a deposit down for accommodations or even pay later. This gives you time to save and budget your money accordingly. In addition, this will help with your budget understanding how much accommodations and/or flights are.
5. Cook/Eat like a local
If you plan on cooking or are traveling with family, make sure you book somewhere that has a kitchen and can cook some nights. This could save you a ton of money while looking at those vacation expenses. This tip is only for those that do not mind cooking or are traveling with a lot of people. Restaurant expenses add up if you are eating out at every meal. Also, you are in more control of what you are eating when you cook yourself. If you do not like or want to cook, you could always have breakfast where you are staying and have the rest of the meals out. Breakfast is a quick and easy meal to prepare. In fact, you could have some cereal or granola bars and call it a day. The quality time you get with people on vacation while cooking is priceless. Make a fun night of it and grab some good wine, put on a movie, and make your favorite meal. Cooking does not need to feel like a chore on vacation. In addition, you save!
If you hate cooking or do not want to cook on vacation, then eat like a local. What this means is avoid the tourist areas and find where the locals eat. An easy way to do this is find restaurants in small surrounding towns outside of the main popular city. You will save money and get a different travel experience. In addition, the locals restaurants will be the most authentic and have some of the best food.
6. Book off season
Next is booking off season. This can save you so much money in your vacation expenses/budget. There are huge savings when you look into off season travel. Depending on where you travel, typically off season is September-May. Keep in mind that any school breaks (spring break, holiday time) the prices will likely go up. In addition, places are less crowded during off peak season. You could walk around that new city or resort and wonder where all the crowds are. Who does not want a pool resort or city all to themselves 😉
7. Pack toiletries/clothes
Clothes and toiletries can add up if you buy them at the airport or your final destination. You want to ensure that you have everything with you and buy them online or at your local store. This will save you money since airports tend to skyrocket the price of items. Also, you might not be able to find your most loved/used items in your destination or the airport. Pack ahead of time so you could plan your expenses and know how much you are spending.
Save money by getting refillable toiletry containers. No need to hunt for the travel size option of your favorite shampoo with the containers. In addition, they come with labels to keep your organized.
Related posts on travel organization and essentials that will keep your organized: 7 Smart Strategies on how to pack toiletries for air travel
8. Budget for more
How many times have we all assumed we would spend a certain amount on vacation and went way over? Make sure you have some wiggle room in your budget. This will allow you to be at ease if you go a bit over in your food or transportation budget. You do not want to be stressed on vacation and you deserve to get that dress you have been eyeing and not feel guilty.
9. Beware of Tourist areas
Watch out for those touristy areas where prices tend to skyrocket. Do your shopping outside of these areas and avoid restaurants in the popular areas or by main attractions. Sometimes restaurants double their prices near those popular areas because most people will pay it if do not know. Be on the lookout and if you could wait to eat or shop until you are outside of the popular areas, you will save a lot.
10. Budget airlines
Budget airlines could save you a ton of money when it comes to travel. Beware that many budget airlines are the cheaper option for a reason when you do not add on the extras. For example, if you are checking several bags, need to choose seats, and like to be the first on the plane, this might not be the right option for you. Compare your options early by seeing if you could save with a budget airline. I have gotten flights for literally $75 round trip by booking a budget airline. Keep in mind I packed light and was ok with the middle seat option. We are all going to the same place, am I right? 😉
11. Flexibility
Last is be flexible! It is so important to understand that flexibility is needed when planning a vacation. This is not only applicable to travel but in life. If something does not go your way, there is always another way. Sometimes that other way is better than you imagined. Take a deep breathe and know that everything will work out. If you can change some dates around to find the cheapest airfare or accommodation option, do it. Book earlier or later in the day public transportation to save money. Keep in mind that during peak times of the day public transportation prices will increase. Be flexible with where you are staying. Sometimes the best places are right outside of the popular city. Remember, that local feel could be the best one. You will get to experience vacation feeling like you live there. Caution with this is that you will not want to leave! 😀 But then again who ever wants to go back home after an amazing vacation.
This post was all about tips for budgeting for vacation expenses.
Subscribe below and click that follow button on Pinterest for up to date travel guides, travel organization tips, travel budget tips, and more! Happy and safe travels! xx
Related posts: 13 Creative Ways To Save Money For Travel
Chasing Sunraiz is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program which is an affiliate advertising program that is designed to provide means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking directly to Amazon.com.