You’ve worked hard all year, and now that students are back in school, now is the time beat the crowds and take a long holiday weekend. Traveling can be expensive, but here are five tips to enjoy a vacationing on a budget.
1. Get a package deal
Pairing your flight, accommodations, and rental car all in one can help you obtain fares and rates not available to the public. Not flying to your destination? Many attractions such as theme parks offer ticket and hotel packages with discounted prices.
2. Sign up for newsletters
Know that you will be in Boston for a long weekend? Traveling to Chicago later this fall? Signing up for newsletters from the museums and attractions you are interested is a great way to find the best coupons, right in your inbox.
3. Pick the right time to fly
You already know that weekend travel comes with expensive fares but did you know that Monday and Friday fares also carry these added costs? Instead, try to book your flights mid-day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays which are the slowest fly times and therefore offer the lowest fares.
4. Find accommodations with a kitchen
Eating out every night while on vacation can add hundreds of dollars to travel costs, even if you choose inexpensive eateries. Avoid inflated restaurant prices by purchasing groceries from a local market and cooking a hearty meal in your hotel room.
5. Don’t over pack
Even though you want to be prepared while on vacation, stuffing your suitcase before a flight may do more harm than good. Many airlines charge hefty fees for luggage heavier than 50 pounds and even more for multiple suitcases. Many hotels offer laundry services, so stick to the necessities and try not to pack your entire closet.
As you can see, traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to stay within driving distance or miss out on fun attractions. Knowing when to fly, how to pack, and where to find discounts are just a few of the ways that you can have fun while saving money. Whether you are traveling overseas or only a few miles away, these simple tips can help keep your vacation arrangements within your budget.