BUDGET-FRIENDLY VACATION: A NOT-SO-IMPOSSIBLE FEAT FOR YOU AND I.

BUDGET-FRIENDLY VACATION: A NOT-SO-IMPOSSIBLE FEAT FOR YOU AND I.

Though vacationing at the end of the year may sound like a pipe dream that’s so far from our reality check, it could be a wonderful opportunity to destress and unwind. What if there was a chance you could do that on a budget and at the same time have all the fun? A breath of fresh air, right?

Your vacation doesn’t have to be any less fun because you are “on a budget”. There are lots of ways to save money when you’re vacationing, from planning your travel budget carefully before you leave, considering the choices you make (e.g. food) when you are on your trip, to all the other tips we’ve gathered right here just for you.

Here are a few tips to help ease the burden of your vacation plans! 

✅ CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION CAREFULLY:

Some places are naturally more expensive or cheaper than where you call home. A great way to vacation on a budget is to research places that are good enough for that budget of yours. Maybe it’s somewhere that’s cheap and easy to get to, somewhere where the currency gets you good value because of the exchange rate, or somewhere that has a lower cost of living than home but is still fun!

✅ BOOK IN ADVANCE:

It’s advisable to always book in advance as it is often cheaper. And less stressful to book transport, accommodation and activities well ahead of time.

✅ BE PREPARED TO SHARE:

You’ll save a lot of money on accommodation when travelling if you’re going with friends and/or are willing to share a dorm room. You could share a group ticket to a show or pay for a table at a concert. These little adjustments go a long way in cutting costs. As opposed to you paying per head for everything on your vacation.

✅ SEARCH FOR FREE THINGS TO DO IN YOUR CHOSEN DESTINATION:

Always look for free things to do wherever you’re heading. Could there be some free concerts on certain days at your destination?  Are there local events which would be fun to watch? Find out.

✅ DON’T EAT OUT ALL THE TIME: 

We know this almost sounds far-fetched but hey, is it really? A great trip to run your vacation smoothly on that budget is to shop at the supermarket and cook for yourself. You may try some local delicacies into your budget (if you can), but beyond that, prepare your own food. Arrange your lunch if you plan on going on a picnic with friends during that vacation. You could also factor in a B.Y.O.E. (Bring Your Own Everything) with your friends.

✅ AVOID UBERS:

Walking is the cheapest form of transport and by far the best way to discover a new area. If you have to take public transport, buses are typically the cheapest. Avoid taxis and Ubers like the plague if you are travelling on a budget; they are by far the most expensive form of transport. With a bit of planning, there’s almost always a much cheaper bus or an alternative laying around.

✅ A LITTLE WORK, A LITTLE UNWINDING:

An obvious way to save money while you’re travelling is to earn money doing it. If you have side remote jobs that you earn from on normal days. Do not put them on total pause because of your vacation. Prevent yourself from going broke while having all that fun.

✅ DECIDE ON YOUR BUDGET, AND STICK TO IT:

There are only a very few places that can’t be travelled on a low budget so your plan’s possible with at least some of the places you have in mind. Once you’ve planned your budget, try not to overspend; it’ll only cause you more stress later on your trip and when you get home.

Summarily, YPFG thinks it is important to check that you take everything you need, not forgetting anything! If you forget something, it could cost a lot of money to buy that essential missing item when you’re away from home. Remember it is important to stick to your budget-friendly vacation.

Also, it’s okay to review those plans over and over again to be sure the plans you have for your vacation are well aligned with the price you’re able to comfortably pay. 

Here’s to having a budget-friendly, fun-filled vacation! 🥂