Vacations are great because they give us something fun to look forward to and offer an escape from the everyday.
With pandemic related travel restrictions coming to an end, maybe your wanderlust heart is longing to take you to bustling big cities like New York,
island life in the sunny Caribbean, or perhaps exploring museums and shops in Europe is more your style. Whatever your favorite vacation destination
might be, here are four planning tips to help you save by keeping the costs down before and during your holiday.
1. Look for vacation deals
Do your research. The cost of vacations can vary greatly, depending on your destination, the time of year, and how you book your tickets and accommodations.
Check online resources and services that list all airlines to help you find the best prices on flights. You’ll also be able to compare travel dates to check
if the flight becomes cheaper, if you leave a few days earlier or return a few days later.
Similarly, shop around for accommodations, don’t just rely on hotel websites. Sometimes if you contact a hotel or resort directly, they are able to
offer you even better prices. But remember - just because something looks like a good deal, doesn’t necessarily mean it is. Be sure to read a few
reviews before you book your accommodations.
You may be surprised to see how much you can save on things like tours and museums tickets when purchasing them online ahead of time. It’s always a
good idea to search online to see if there are any discounts available.
2. Consider alternative accommodations
In some cities the cost of a single hotel room for a few nights can end up being significantly more than the flight to get there. If you have your
heart set on visiting an expensive destination it might be worth considering alternative accommodation options. These can be more economical, especially
if you are travelling with a group of people.
3. Escape the tourist trap
The area surrounding most tourist attractions is generally more expensive than areas where the locals live and work. An easy way to save money over the course
of your vacation is to try and do most of your spending outside of the tourist areas.
4. Avoid currency conversion fees
Currency conversion fees can really add up. Whenever possible try and make your purchases in the local currency or use a credit card that has no
foreign transaction fees, as these usually offer the best currency rates. If you need cash, avoid using third-party ATMs as these will often charge
high fees. Instead, find an ATM that is part of your financial institution’s global partner network to save on additional fees.
At Saven Financial, we’re passionate about helping people save and achieve their financial goals.