How to Vacation for Less – Tips for Traveling on a Budget

Do you need a vacation but worry that the cost of getting away might break the bank? Fear not, as we’re about to share a few travel industry tips to help you vacation for less.

Whether you’re looking for a cheap family escape or an affordable road trip away with your friends, following these thrifty travel strategies can help stretch your travel dollar further than you can imagine.

Priority One – Be Sure to Set a Budget

The most common mistake people make when planning a vacation is not budgeting how much you plan to spend.

No matter how big or small your budget is, knowing how much your vacation costs prevents you from overspending and provides peace of mind that you’re getting great value from your trip away.

To do this, make a detailed list of all the potential costs to gain a better understanding of how much money you’ll need.

Plan Ahead for Greater Savings

Once you’ve identified all the areas where you’ll need to spend money, start looking for cost-effective ways to minimize these expenses. For example, avoid traveling at peak travel times and, if possible, on the weekend, as this is an ideal way to reduce your biggest vacation outlays.

Also, try to book your flights as early as possible, not only will this mean all the essentials are paid for, but there will also be great discounts to be had. This works because factors such as flights and car hire prices tend to spike nearer your travel dates, and it’s best to maximize their early deals and discounts.

Avoid Tourist Hotspots

Another fantastic cost-effective tip for traveling on a budget is to head off to less touristy destinations.

Popular holiday destinations, such as Miami Beach, Aspen, and New York City, are not only super expensive to visit, but they can also feel overcrowded. Instead, explore America’s secret escapes and quieter destinations like these family spring break suggestions for a more enjoyable vacation.

Additionally, consider alternative trip destination ideas, such as swapping the congested coastal beaches for these idyllic lakeside beach escapes.

Explore Cheaper Transportation Methods

Similarly, another budget vacation strategy to consider is using cheaper modes of transport. After all, spending your travel dollars doing things while you’re away is far better than spending a fortune on the travel expenses getting there.

Rather than flying, consider traveling by train or bus, or if there’s a group of you, make a road trip out of the experience. Just like airlines do, you can check for travel offers on Amtrak and Greyhound, which can include veterans and group booking discounts.

Not only can these more economical travel methods drastically reduce your costs, but they’re also a superb way to see the country and make for a richer experience on the journey to and from your end destination.

Take Advantage of Free and Low-Cost Activities

No doubt, when you’re on vacation, you’ll want to explore and organize fun activities to make the most of your time away from home. Here, a terrific way to add value to your vacation is to hunt out free and low-cost attractions, such as exploring the local beaches and public parks or visiting museums and art galleries.

Local festivals are also a cost-effective way to keep yourselves entertained while traveling on a budget vacation. These often can include free music concerts, games, and incredible food and wine tastings.

Furthermore, if there are local hiking trails or natural botanical gardens, these outdoor activities are brilliant spots to take the best vacation photos from.

Budget-friendly Accommodation

The purpose of any vacation is to escape the daily routine and recharge the batteries, and nothing quite does this than ensuring you all get a good night’s sleep every night.

Our final tip for maximizing your travel dollars is to look out for accommodation deals and offers. Often, using hotel reward points can mean you can make huge savings during your time away. Additionally, off-peak travel can lead to substantial savings compared to traveling at other times of the year.

With nearly 4,000 hotels worldwide, let Best Western® Hotels & Resorts maximize your enjoyment of your low-cost getaway. With many of our hotels offering free breakfasts, huge off-peak savings, rewards points, and discounts, we’re here to ensure you get the best value out of any vacation you take.