How to Save Money on Vacation
Vacations are a great way to relax, have fun, and blow off steam after working hard on the daily grind, but they can also be very expensive. The cost of going on vacation, especially to a big city like San Diego, is a deterrent for many people, but it doesn’t have to be. With some planning, you can have an amazing trip without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for an affordable yet fun vacation.

Compare prices for different dates and times.
The costs of a hotel and airfare can differ drastically depending on when you decide to go. Traveling is always more expensive during the holiday season, as well as during big event periods like Comic-Con. Also keep in mind that flying anytime between Friday and Monday is going to be more expensive than flying during the week. Before booking a trip, sit down and look at a price calendar. This can help you spot dates that are within your budget. It doesn’t hurt to book far in advance either - this tends to be the time when things are cheapest.

Bring supplies with you.
Many people overspend on vacation because they buy things that they easily could have brought with them, like snacks, toiletries, medicine, and more. Create a big packing checklist before you head off on your trip. You’ll save so much money by bringing along things you already have instead of purchasing them in an airport or gift shop, where things tend to be more expensive. It also will help to try and avoid eating out for every meal. If you can’t pack snacks before you leave, try to stock up on some supplies from a local grocery store when you arrive, and eat out only for a few special meals.

Look for sales, coupons, and specials.
Keep your eye out for travel deals online. There are plenty of websites that track them, so keep a close watch on them if you are trying to plan a vacation. You can also sign up for email notifications from airlines you fly often, and set up reward point accounts as well to earn some free travel. You can also look on sites like Groupon to find great hidden travel deals.

Use public transportation.
You can literally save hundreds of dollars by forgoing a rental car and using public transport to get around. Often the fare for a bus or train will be just a few dollars for a whole day, and most big cities have fairly good systems that will get you where you need to go. It may take a little longer to get to your destination, but it will be worth it for the money you save. If you absolutely have to take a cab, try to use an app like Lyft or Uber, where prices are fairly inexpensive, and you may even get a free ride or two just for signing up.

Try to avoid shopping.
Many people get sucked into shopping on vacation because of the excitement of being somewhere new, only to come home and find themselves with tons of stuff they don’t really need. Although buying one t-shirt might not hurt you, a whole shopping spree definitely will. To avoid this, try to plan activities where you know you won’t have the opportunity to shop, or if you just can’t bear to miss it altogether, give yourself a budget and a time limit, and stick to them.

Have fun outdoors.
This is one of the biggest ways you can save money. There are so many outdoor activities that are free, like hiking or going to the beach, and they’ll give you a unique opportunity to enjoy the scenery around you. Even if you’re heading to an urban area, you can always enjoy a free walk around one of the neighborhoods you’re visiting!

Pin It on Pinterest