Anyone who thinks that traveling on a budget means a family road trip with nights spent in a string of dingy motel rooms should think again. These days, budget travel is all the rage. Travel on the cheap is not a penance but it is an invitation to creativity. Inexpensive travel is easier than you think, and probably more fun too. Who doesn’t like the idea of being able to take a fabulous vacation without creating a mound of new debt? That is exactly what budget travel is all about. After all, where you go and how much money you spend is not nearly as important as having a memorable travel experience with the people you love.
When you want to travel on a budget, consider going to a destination out of season. In some cases, this may mean dealing with some inclement weather; however, this doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. Maybe you will trade gray skies for blue when you are indulging in some budget travel, but you’ll also enjoy the destination of your choice without crowds. Think of going places where you would typically expect to spend a lot of time in line. You’ll be able to enter such places with virtually no wait time at all. Of course, traveling out of season should be exercised with just a bit of caution. If your chosen destination is subject to monsoons at some point in the year, it may still be best to wait until clear skies are expected.
If you want to go somewhere, and budget travel is important, think about going where you’ve already got friends or family. This is a great opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, and they just might invite you to stay a few nights with them, or to at least share a meal or two. Either way, it’s a great opportunity to relive some cherished memories, and create some new ones too. If that sounds like too much togetherness for you, then try to choose accommodations that won’t break the bank.
- Look for a hotel that offers a package deal, like a full breakfast with each night of your stay.
- Find hotels that offer lots of free services, like free WiFi and free parking, to save a few bucks.
- Shop around: lots of hotels probably have rooms available; you don’t have to settle on the first one you find.
- Stay in the same hotel for more than one night. Sometimes a hotel will offer a stay two nights, get one night free deal.
- Book a room that has a full kitchen and prepare some of your own meals instead of eating them in restaurants. You’ll be shocked at how much you save.
Once you’ve booked a hotel and you’ve checked in, there are still further ways to save.
- Do not order room service. The food tends to be a little expensive and the gratuities are mandatory.
- Avoid using the hotel phone, which may involve a fee even for local calls.
- Leave the honor bar closed. These expensive items can be obtained much more cheaply at a convenience store.
It’s easy to get deals on hotels and other vacation components when you know what to be on the lookout for. Budget travel really means getting the most value for your dollar. Doing things like traveling out of season and booking an inexpensive hotel room is just the beginning of a great vacation.