Post-covid has caused a boom in vacations. Staying at home for so long has made individuals even more eager to get out and explore the world. 

Vacations should be a relaxing, unforgettable experience where you don’t have to think or worry too much about anything; you just need to be present. That being said, going on vacation has become quite expensive. Flights, hotels, dining out, activities, and excursions have all risen in price. Many individuals want to join in on the fun, but simply can’t afford to – or at least that’s what they think.

There are many ways you can vacation on a budget. All it takes is some planning and research! Below are some great ways you can vacation on a budget. 

Consider Airbnb Over Hotels

Depending on the area you stay, Airbnb tends to have lower costs than the majority of hotels. They have convenient locations, excellent amenities, and oftentimes more space than a traditional hotel room.

Convenient locations mean that you don’t have to spend an abundance of money toward transportation; you might just be able to travel by foot or bike. In addition, the amenities that airbnbs offer can be great to help you save money. Lots have washer and dryer options, which means that you could potentially get away with a carry-on for the plane ride as you could wash your clothes. You won’t need to pay the extra expense to check your luggage. As well, hotel rooms don’t have kitchens (unless you pay a hefty extra price), but airbnbs do. This means that you can purchase groceries and do a lot of cooking at home, which can save you a lot of money. 

Do Your Research Beforehand

If you want to vacation on a strict budget, it’s important to do your research beforehand. Which days have the cheapest flights? It’s important to have an idea of how much accommodation and transportation costs. Researching which restaurants you would like to eat at, and what activities you’d like to partake in helps you understand how much you will spend so that you can budget accordingly and realize what you can afford. 

Look Into All-Inclusive Resorts

If you stay at an all-inclusive resort, it means that your stay and flight, unlimited food and drinks, activities and entertainment, are all included within your booking price. There are no surprise costs which ensures that you won’t go over your budget. 

There are many low-budget all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. and the caribbean. Just make sure you read the reviews and ratings to ensure that you’re staying at a safe, reputable resort.

Budget Before You Go

Before you book your trip, decide what your budget is. How much are you willing to pay for each vacation expense, and in total? Know that your flight and accommodations will be your largest expense; flying during the week is cheaper than on the weekends. There are also many great vacation sites that share the best deals, such as Sunwing, Trivago, Redtag, and more. These will provide you with a price range of how much a vacation will cost, so that you can budget accordingly.

Have a Daily Limit Spend

Once on your vacation, it’s important to track your daily spending. You want to take steps to avoid added expenses and extra fees, which can add up quickly if you’re not cautious. 

Be aware of bank fees, and make sure that your bank isn’t going to charge you extra fees for using your card or withdrawing cash while abroad. Consider skipping souvenir shops as they tend to be overpriced and useless, often thrown out by those they’re gifted to, or stuffed in a box somewhere. 

Use Vacation Rewards Programs

There are various vacation rewards programs you might be able to utilize. If you’ve been using the same rewards provider for a while, it could be useful to review other options to ensure that you’re receiving the best deals and offers. There are an abundance of travel rewards programs that you can use to save money on vacation. These include Aeroplan, AIR MILES, American Express Rewards, BMO Rewards, SCENE+ Travel, and more.