Although vacations can be highly beneficial to both your physical health and psychological well-being, ambitious travel excursions can be prohibitively expensive. As such, when it comes time to take a vacation, many people have to choose between doing what’s best for their health and what’s best for their finances. While there’s no denying that any vacation is going to set you back a little, it’s entirely possible to have a fulfilling vacay without breaking the break. Budget-conscious travelers on the hunt for cost-effective vacation tips should consider the following pointers.
Select a Destination That Isn’t a Tourist Hotbed
Certain parts of the country are always awash with tourists. While many of these areas certainly have a lot to offer travelers, they tend to be very expensive – especially on the food and lodging front. Furthermore, if you’re not a fan of constantly contending with large crowds, such travel destinations are liable to cause you considerable frustration.
By selecting a vacation destination that isn’t perpetually teeming with tourists, you stand to save yourself a substantial amount of money – not to mention an enormous headache. Although they may lack the glitz and glamor of more popular destinations, small towns and other out-of-the-way areas can provide you with a deeply fulfilling travel experience. For instance, Long Island’s North Fork peninsula is a fantastic place to go for a peaceful, relaxing getaway – especially if you’re fond of gorgeous scenery, top-shelf wine and delicious seafood. Additionally, no matter what time of year you visit, you’re unlikely to find a shortage of events in North Fork Long Island.
Take Advantage of Vehicle Rental Discounts
Although renting a car is often regarded as a needless and pricey travel expense, doing so actually stands to save you quite a bit of money. For example, if the locale you’re visiting lacks fast and/or dependable public transport, having a rental car can prevent you from relying on taxis and rideshare services throughout the duration of your trip.
As an added bonus, you may be eligible to receive a variety of rental car discounts that you don’t even know about. Many credit card companies, for instance, provide card holders with convenient discounts at various rental car chains. Being a member of services like AAA or an employee of certain companies can also qualify you for discounts on your next vehicle rental. So, before proceeding to rent a car, take care to familiarize yourself with any and all discounts for which you may be eligible.
Don’t Eat All Your Meals at Restaurants
Dining at unique restaurants is an essential part of any vacation. Still, this doesn’t mean that every meal you eat throughout the course of your trip needs to come from a restaurant. Unsurprisingly, dining at restaurants thrice a day can leave an enormous hole in even the sturdiest travel budget, thus depleting funds that could have gone towards other parts of the trip. In fact, depending on the size of your travel party, a single restaurant visit may result in a bill of more than $100.
Limiting the number of restaurant meals you have per day stands to save you money while making the restaurant meals you do indulge in seem all the more special. Stocking up on snacks, packing your own lunches and staying at hotels that offer complimentary breakfast buffets can prove tremendously helpful in this endeavor.
Be Open to Off-Season Travel
Traveling during the off-season – i.e., the winter months – may not be as popular as vacationing during spring, summer or fall, but it’s often considerably more cost-effective. Since most people are less keen on traveling during the off-season, airfare, lodgings and travel packages are very easy to find at discounted rates throughout the wintertime. So, if you don’t mind doing things a little differently, off-season travel can prove highly beneficial to your finances.
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t stand to benefit from an amazing vacation. Regrettably, the financial constraints associated with travel often serve as a deterrent to people who are eager to embark on fulfilling vacays. Fortunately, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a first-rate vacation without completely breaking the bank – provided, of course, you equip yourself with the right tips. Anyone looking to save big on their next vacation should put the previously discussed tips to good use.
