Usually, when people see how I plan our travels, they make fun of me! Over-planner with multi-tab spreadsheets? Guilty! But, I’m also the kind of traveler who has learned that it can be better to toss the itinerary after arriving and simply go where the mood takes us. BUT, that doesn’t stop me from planning it all so I can decide to throw it out later. Haha.
How do you decide where to travel? And when you’ll go? If you feel limited by budget or time off from work, you’re not alone! The average weeklong vacation for a family of 4 costs more than $4,500. Sure, there are ways to save money, but if you’re restricted by work and school schedules, there are lots of savings hacks out of reach.
Be flexible in your destination. Does it have to be the beach? Is Disney your only option? Yes, you can usually find some deals and discounts, but if you are open to multiple destinations you may find you can save even more. Sometimes we start with what’s in driving distance and sometimes we search discount flights first to narrow down our
Adjust your day of the week if you can’t adjust your dates. Need to take advantage of Spring Break or summer vacation? Think about leaving on Friday afternoon or Sunday morning instead of the usual Saturday departure. Though it can be stressful in the week leading up to your vacation, we’ve found leaving Friday after work and school seems to extend the vacation feeling when you arrive back home on Friday and there are still two more days before we head into the next week.
Research alternate lodging options. Are you more comfortable at a Hilton, HomeAway rental or hostel? We find that sometimes hotels are cheaper but renting a home with a kitchen and bicycles saves us money on food and transportation. Other times, especially with international travel, hotels provide translators, recommendations, breakfast, and other concierge services you can’t get with a rental home. So, think through all the costs before deciding which is the better “deal.”
Limit your pre-travel purchases. If you already own tons of winter gear, try a different cold-weather destination. Then, you won’t have to buy all new clothes and shoes for your trip. Rather than splurge on a new weeklong wardrobe, purchase a signature travel item that will elevate your existing closet. A new scarf, hat, bikini, or sandals can bring life to your everyday outfit and after your return, you’ll remember your travels each time you wear the item.
Decide what will impact your mood the most. And then, spend your money there! If you can sleep anywhere but relish the idea of tasting all the local cuisine, look for budget lodging near five-star dining. If the idea of driving in a foreign country or wayfinding through the mountains makes your stomach turn, budget for mass transit and Uber rides that will ease your mind rather than saving money with a rental car. Sure, getting stuck on the side of the road during a snowstorm may sound like a movie plot, but you’ll need to determine if that movie is a romantic comedy or horror story.
What are some of your favorite travel planning tips?