NWA WorldVacations reveals their top budget travel tips to help you save money on your next vacation.
Written by NWA WorldVacations
When it comes to traveling on a budget, the most important rule to remember is:
Do your homework and plan ahead.
Savvy-travelers know that with a bit of forward planning, a little budget can go a long way.
Here are our top 10 tips to help you save some money on your next vacation:
1. Don’t wait for a deal to find you. Subscribe to ‘hot deals’ announcements and newsletters. Also, if you know the destination you want to visit, tell your travel agent and give them your budget range — when a deal comes along they will notify you and take care of the rest!
2. Travel in the middle of the week. There is less demand on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so airfares will be lower. Leisure destinations and resort areas will be cheaper during the week. However, hotels in major cities are cheaper on weekends when business travelers are gone.
3. Be a ‘Travel Opportunist.’ Select “My Dates Are Flexible,” and try searching several date ranges. Also, search for different places you haven’t been before or that are similar to the type of destination you are seeking.
4. Book a vacation package. When you book your flight, hotel and/or car together, instead of paying each rate separately, you will see one combined, low price. This allows the airlines, hotels and car rental companies to give you their lowest rates and move inventory, without diminishing your perception of the quality of their brand and products. Also, hotels frequently offer a 4th or 5th night free (this is prevalent in Hawaii and Mexico right now!)
5. Stay at an all-inclusive. Because you’re not whipping out your wallet for every beverage, snack or meal, it will reduce total in destination costs. Often times they have plenty of perks that add to the value of your stay. (e.g. Many all-inclusives offer use of water-sports equipment, free shuttle services etc.)
6. Buy Before. Buy convenience items — sunscreen, lotions, shampoo, etc. — before your trip. Toss some snacks into your bag to stave off expensive vending machine treats or airport food.
7. Pack smart. Make sure your bags adhere to the airline’s size and weight requirements, and know that if you check extra bags, you’ll probably have to pay for them.
8. Eat in your room! Go cheap for one meal a day, and it can really cut down costs. Stop by a convenience store and purchase items to make picnic lunches, then bring them along on your daily excursions. Make sure your room has a microwave and/or fridge so you can prepare your meals and treats. Even brewing coffee in your room can save you $5.
9. Watch out for extras at your hotel. Check on the costs of services when you arrive — like telephones, mini-bars, and fitness centers. Use cell phones or pay phones instead of your hotel phone.
10. Double-check your bills and receipts. Always read the room-service bill before tipping the delivery person (the tip may already be included) and your hotel bill at the end of your stay.
What are some of your best travel tips to try and save money?
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Solid pointers: but not sure that “all-inclusive” is really cheaper. In theory, perhaps, but eating local food, experiencing local entertainment, and staying at non-resort places is usually cheaper, not mention a very different experience…
Taylor Davidson´s last blog ..Do people value great photography?
Probably depends on where, when and why you travel, and whether you’re usually a splurger, a cheapskate, or somewhere in between.
Agree with Taylor.
The key is flexibility, which includes selecting your destination. Many people aren’t open to visiting different parts of the world or don’t consider changing their destination.
You can get low airfare and spend less by going to a place where your currency is very strong, for example.
Anil´s last blog ..The Sands Of Merzouga, Morocco
True. Not having a fixed destination in mind is preferable when it comes to traveling on a budget.
Great tips.
I also want to add that doing research before you go will help your budget as well. Looks for free events or local things to do. Also if you love to eat out once in a while, restaurant.com is a great way to eat on the road for cheap.
Amy @ The Q Family´s last blog ..Thailand in A Day at The Ancient City
Thanks for the suggestions, Amy. Well done research goes a long way.
Great advices. It really is essential to be aware of a lot of things to make the trips as cheap as possible. I guess that’s why some people don’t bother.
I’m glad that I added you to my link list with great travel blogs and will check in now and then from now on. (Though I’ll be away for summer vacation July and half of August!)
Thanks again for adding my link. I hope you’ll have a great summer vacation!
Also don’t forget to pack your charging cords. I’ve been caught out twice with a dead camera battery. Expensive to replace and heartbreaking to miss out on great pictures!
Good point!
Definitely agree with making your own tea and coffee in your room.
Cate´s last blog ..Jamaican Blue, serving good coffee in China; and saving my life
Yeah, that’s a good way to save money.
Just came across your site today – always love travel content! I like these tips except – I don’t drink so the all inclusive doesn’t really apply to me, and in my experience, I find those vacation deal packages are usually inflated and buying them separately has been less expensive… perhaps it’s different in Canada. I find that I have saved the most money on vacation by staying at short stay apartments as opposed to hotels.
Thanks for stopping by! I don’t think it’s different in Canada. When it comes to all inclusive packages, they’re probably more popular among families with small kids because they see it as the most convenient option. And I think apartment rentals are generally less pricey than hotels.
hey nice tips
ill keep those in mind on my next travel
MJ´s last blog ..Osaka Night Views
I’m glad you liked them. Have a great next trip – wherever you chose to travel!
Great tips! I’ll keep this in mind on my next travel. Another tip also is to research online for the places that you will plan to visit.