Budget Travel Webpage

In today’s frail economy, people would rather save than travel. On the flip side, tour agencies and airlines seduce potential travellers with travel deals to keep the business going. So travellers who take advantage of such deals are able to enjoy fabulous vacations at a fraction of the cost. If you want to travel on the cheap but you’re concerned about financing a vacation, you can still make things happen with some careful planning. Simply get creative and find some great ways to save on your vacation costs!

Make a list of your prerequisites such as land or sea travel, domestic or international, sightseeing or outdoor adventure type of holiday. Once you’ve determined your travel preferences, you can start planning a great vacation on a budget. Finding travel deals might even be easier than you think. In fact, many hotels are discounting rooms way lower than ever before in hopes of luring in some would-be travelers.

Here are some tips to help you save:

1. Go on vacation during off-peak times. The best periods to avoid is the public holiday period as well as Christmas and school holiday season.

2. Use a credit card with air miles or hotel stay rewards. If you spend all year long earning air miles or hotel dollars, you can offset your vacation costs with the rewards you reap from your credit card.

3. Arrange your trip so you can make your own meals. If you stay in a service apartment, motel or even a tent with a fire ring, you can cook some of your own meals to offset the cost of your vacation.

4. Share expenses with a friend or group of friends. If you plan a road trip where you can carpool or all stay together in the same hotel room, you and your friends can split the costs in many ways.

5. Take a more rugged trip, like camping, backpacking, or even a road trip. Save money by staying at hostels, cheap motels, or even under the stars in a tent.

6. If you’re seeking a tropical vacation, consider a cruise or an all-inclusive deal. A cruise offers the opportunity to see several wonderful destinations on the same vacation - totally more savings for your money.

7. Look for free and cheap things to do in addition to your planned itinerary.  Check out for brochures or magazines on the local places you will be exploring. Look out for local events or activities such as flea markets, coffee festivals, fruit-picking and street festivals. It is fun to check out local curio shops, museums and galleries.  

8. Book your flight online. Eliminate the middle man, the tour agent. You can save a lot by booking your flight yourself by taking advantage of the great deals. (Refer to my article on ‘Online Travel Booking Tips’)

It’s a good time to travel now that airlines and hotels are lowering their rates to lure travellers. So, plan your trip well and consider your options. Go with like-minded budget travelling friends or family members and make the most the most of your holidays. Don’t let the recession deter you from making your travel plans.   

Tags: holiday deals, planning for the budget traveller