5 Easy Steps to Plan Your Vacation

Vacations can help you de-stress from your hectic life and also help you regain your focus back on your responsibilities. However, an expensive holiday can add more stress than relieve. If you plan a vacation sufficiently in advance, you can manage it on a tight budget as well. Such vacations also tend to be more memorable and provide an enriching experience. Not to mention, with cheaper flight tickets and low-cost hotels to stay in, they go very easy on our pockets as well.

It is relatively easy to make a few minor changes and plan ahead so that the cost of the vacation is limited and kept well under control. Let’s take a look at what you can do to plan a cheap and low cost, fun filled vacation.

Travel Cost

The biggest expense that you incur in a vacation is the travel cost, especially for international travel. Low-cost airfares will bring down the price of your vacation drastically. Explore various travel websites and shop smartly for cheaper airfares.

Most websites offer features that allow you to compare fares and also give you a detailed day wise break up. If you are flexible with the dates then you can probably save a few thousand rupees easily. Discounted airfares might be available on weekdays than weekends. If you are traveling without kids then it makes sense to catch the red-eye flights. They are often priced cheaper than day flights.

There are several reasons to plan a vacation a few months in advance. This is when you are most likely to find the cheapest air tickets. Here are some tips on how you can save more and avail cheap air tickets.

Hotel Cost  

The second on the list of expenses is your stay. It goes without saying that most resorts and spas are expensive. If this is your idea of a vacation then look for deals and set email alerts in case there is a price drop. Time your vacation to go during off peak season to avail better discounts.

It is worth looking at a site that allows you to rent an apartment than a room. This is the best option in case you are traveling with your family. If you are traveling alone, look for budget stays or hostels as they are substantially cheaper. Again, booking in advance ensures you have a good deal as well as in prime locations.

However, if you are late in booking the hotels in prime locations then do not fret! There are other plenty of options available. You can rent apartments in the outskirts of the city. This is essentially the best option in case you are travelling with your family. In case it’s a solo vacation then you can look for budget stays or hostels, as they are substantially cheaper. Both these options have an advantage, which is, that you get to experience the city like a true local. Again, booking in advance ensures you have a better and cheaper option available in prime locations.

Planned Itinerary

Plan your itinerary well so that you are not wasting time and money traveling back and forth between places. Read up on local festivals so that you can see them or avoid them if you are not interested in them.

Food Choices

Try to find cheap local food joints. Often, these are good cultural experiences and the food served in such places would be more authentic. If you are staying in a place with a kitchen attached you can also cook a few meals. Take advantage of the local produce and immerse yourself in local cuisine. This brings down your meal expenses considerably.

Shop Smart

Be smart about your shopping. Buy what is made locally and this way you keep the expenses low and also bring home something unique. Check out the street kiosks and local flea markets for one of a kind artifacts and clothes.

Avoid malls, they are similar stores in most places and are also considerably expensive.

In conclusion, plan in advance and take care of the most expensive part of your vacation first. This means that your first priority should be to find the cheapest air tickets to the destination of your choice. Visit multiple websites and play around with dates till you find the cheapest flight ticket for your vacation travel. If vacation financing is a concern, consider availing a line of credit by MoneyTap ’s travel loan.

Read more on how to plan the perfect vacation and other financial topics at MoneyTap – Your Personal Line of Credit.