How to Plan the Best Budget-Friendly Weekend Getaway
When you’re feeling some wanderlust but your funds are tight, a little creativity can go a long way toward stretching your travel budget. Think outside the box so you can have fun and make the most of every dollar. These ideas can help you enjoy a great getaway without going broke.
Start by Staying Safe
You probably have heard it said that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. When it comes to the world of travel, there are many scam artists out there. Medicare warns that seniors should be especially wary about travel fraud and learn about potential red flags. Ensure you stick with established companies when planning your getaway, and check their reviews and references. When in doubt, see what the Better Business Bureau says about a company before buying tickets or booking any of your lodging, transportation or other arrangements. Also, be alert to travel scams at your destination, particularly if you are heading abroad. Don’t let anyone touch you, offer you “free” items, or throw things at you, and try to negotiate prices for things like cab or shuttle services before you board a vehicle.
Participate in Sharing
One of the benefits of our current travel culture is the sharing economy. You can exchange lodging, transportation, and other aspects of your vacation with people in similar circumstances. You can also stay in the home of a local person letting out a room for the weekend to earn extra income, and it’s a chance to glean insights into the best deals on entertainment and eateries.
Choose Budget-Friendly Destinations
When it comes to selecting an especially affordable destination, Forbes notes several options which might surprise you, such as Paris, Fiji, and Panama. Other interesting selections that give plenty of bang for your buck include New Zealand, Namibia, Morocco, and Zanzibar. Another idea is to do some exploring close to home. Look into regional attractions and plan an adventure based on proximity. By finding somewhere within driving distance, you can save time at the airport, as well as the expense of car rentals and airfare.
Shop for Activities
When it comes to selecting entertainment and activities, be open-minded. Do some research into what is available where you’re going, and find out which options are free or cheap. By being relaxed about what goes on your itinerary, you can take advantage of the best deals. As far as your meals, consider getting a room with access to a refrigerator and microwave. You can bring some food along or take advantage of to-go bags. Along those same lines, tote drinks and snacks with you while you’re out and about. Convenience stores, restaurants and tourist attractions often charge top dollar for things you can pick up at a discount grocery for much less.
Be Careful About Flights
Booking flights can often be a big drain on your travel budget. When researching airfare, click your computer into “incognito” mode so websites don’t raise the price while you’re shopping around. If you need connecting flights, you can often save by booking them yourself or through a consultant. However, if your getaway is strictly for the weekend, travelers are often better off with direct flights. A nonstop flight is easier on you, and some experts note you may or may not save money with taking a connecting flight.
Ensure you get the most out of every dollar during your trip. Avoid red flags and shop around for the best deals. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great getaway!
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This blog post was written by Henry Moore. Henry believes travel can change you, and good health preserves you. He combines both in his work on FitWellTraveler. We are always open to featuring guest content on our website so please contact us if you have content you want to share with our audience.
