Here’s the thing: unfortunately we did not spend our day laying on the beach, soaking up the sun, drinking fruity drinks out of coconuts or pineapples, and we aren’t really okay with this. So we started planning our ideal vacation, and as it turns out, that’s expensive. We knew we couldn’t be the only ones ready to get outta town, but not wanting to spend a small fortune doing so, so here are a few of our best travel hacks to save you some cash!
Book a Cruise… Last Minute!
(image via: travel market report)
We just know some of you shuddered at the thought, but if you’re feeling lucky, book a cruise last minute and you’ll save some major bucks. If you’re on the fence about a cruise, think of it like this: you get food, entertainment, and lodging all in one. And cruises don’t have to mean pools, beaches, sand, and sun if that just isn’t your thing, you can look into Alaskan, European, Canadian, New England, wherever your wanderlust heart desires!
Take the Time to Weigh Out Lodging Options
We totally get that you may have a favorite hotel chain or a certain hotel that you’ve gone to for years, or maybe you’re a little on the bougie side and you like to stay somewhere that has certain amenities, but if you’re looking to save a few bucks, one of the easiest ways to do this is by researching lodging and choosing a more cost-efficient option.
Search for Free Walking and/or Self-Guided Tours
(image via: 417 magazine)
No matter where you are in the world, there is almost always a number of free walking and/or self-guided tours available; and don’t think for a second these tours are boring! Bakeries, historical homes, churches, woman-owned businesses, parks, gardens, and more, are all things you can see on a walking tour! Any kind of self-guided tour means ample time for picture taking and those random stops at little shops and businesses along the way.
Opt for a Big Lunch
Food can be another big expense while on vacation, but luckily most restaurants offer daily lunch specials and we highly recommend taking full advantage of them! Not only is it more bang for your buck, but eating one big meal a day while on vacation in the middle of the day is a great way to stay healthy and not eat a ton of junk while on vacation. (Though we fully support eating a small amount of junk!)