Tips for Traveling on a Budget
It’s vacation season – unless you can’t afford one. But are you sure you can’t? At Kelly Community, we understand that lavish vacations don’t fit into every budget. That doesn’t mean you can’t away at all. It just means you have to be more creative.
Here are some tips for traveling on a budget.
Plan Ahead or Shop Last Minute Deals
The earlier you plan your vacation, the easier it is to find great deals. However, lots of travel sites have last minute deals sections. If you’re flexible on when you can travel, you might find an amazing deal on a trip that’s usually out of your price range. Many rental car websites also have last minute deals.
Drive instead of fly
Choosing a destination within driving distance is the way to travel on a budget – especially if you can split the gas money with a few friends. We’re not suggesting you drive from Texas to a faraway spot like Boston, of course. Choose a destination that is far enough from home to feel like you’re actually on a vacation, but close enough that gas doesn’t break your budget.
Choose Affordable Lodging
Lodging is often the most expensive part of your trip – especially fancy hotels. If you can visit someplace where friends or family live, bunking with them could save you a lot of money. If that’s not an option, search for affordable vacation rentals, homestays and even room rentals. Traveling with a group or another family and splitting the cost of a rental home often makes for an affordable stay with luxury amenities.
Prepare Your Own Food
This is where that vacation rental comes in handy, but if you’re bound and determined to stay in a hotel, you still have options. Shop before you leave or visit a grocery store near where you are staying. Pick up non-perishable breakfast foods like cereal, bread, pastries, protein bars, etc. If you don’t have access to a refrigerator, bring a cooler with ice to preserve items such as milk and yogurt, meats and cheeses for lunch and meats you can grill in a park or outside your hotel.
Take Advantage of Free Activities
Be sure to Google “free things to do” and add the name of the city you’re visiting. You’ll most likely find free concerts, museums, spray grounds and more.
Traveling on a budget doesn’t have to be difficult or disappointing. With some creative planning, you can take an affordable trip that is both fun and memorable.
