With the year everyone’s had in 2020, we could all do with a vacation. When borders reopen and flights resume in 2021, everyone will be looking to get away and enjoy that much-needed summer holiday. The chance to finally let down your hair, forget about your worries for a while, and wind down on the beach with a cocktail and a good book.
But holidays can be expensive, and this year has been a strain on many people’s finances. If you’re struggling to make ends meet, a summer vacation might not be on the cards next year. The costs of international flights, expensive hotel suites, insurance, and new travel accessories can be staggering. But fortunately, for those on a budget, there are several ways to go traveling on the cheap. By making smart decisions and planning ahead, you can save money on every single aspect of your trip, and enjoy your travels without having to count the pennies.
To get you started with your travel planning, here are a few tips for a cheaper holiday in 2021.
Book early
If you want a cheaper holiday next year, the best thing you could do is to book as early as possible. Most travel operators ramp up their prices at the last minute, so you could lose a lot of money by waiting. This goes for flight tickets, accommodation, and any activities you’re planning to do on holiday. A little foresight can stretch your finances a lot further.
Find the best deals
It’s well worth taking the time to do some extensive research when booking your vacation. Making reservations can be boring so it’s often tempting to book through the first website you find, but it’s a good idea to shop around and look at different providers to help you save money and find a cheaper holiday. Sites like Skyscanner are very good at finding the best deals on flights while booking accommodation directly through the website instead of booking sites is the best way to land the cheapest rate. Check the social media pages of hostels and activity providers, as they often release discount codes and bargains for their online followers. It’s also worth looking at sites like netvouchercodes.co.uk to find some excellent deals on holidays.
Travel out of season
Everyone wants to go traveling in the school holidays, which is why anyone who goes on vacation at this time will find themselves paying much higher rates. If you can change your travel plans and go out of season, you will most likely end up paying a lot less. For short breaks, travel midweek or book a flight that leaves late at night. For longer trips, consider going during the school term or colder times of year to benefit from more favorable prices.
Opt for simpler accommodation
If you are the kind of person who usually stays in upmarket hotels, your accommodation probably eats up a significant chunk of your budget. But it’s such an unnecessary expense. You go on holiday to see new places and have memorable experiences, not spend the whole time in your hotel room. All your memories and photos from your trip will be of the adventures you had and the sights you saw, not the hot tub in the hotel spa. By opting for cheaper accommodation, you will save yourself an enormous amount of money, without compromising the quality of your trip. Simply opting for a more basic two-star hotel instead of a four-star will make a big difference, but make sure you check the online reviews to ensure there are no hygiene or service issues.
Don’t think that a hotel is the only option for accommodation. You could stay in a hostel dorm room instead for a fraction of the price. Although you won’t have the same level of privacy, it will mean you spend less time indoors and more time making memories. Plus you’ll have the added bonus of meeting other like-minded travelers. Other options for budget accommodation include campsites, Airbnbs, or eco-resorts. And if you know anyone who lives in the area, send them an email and ask if you can stay with them for a few days.
Stay close
You don’t have to fly halfway around the world to enjoy a wonderful holiday. Planet Earth is a vast place, and there is so much to see right on your doorstep. You could make fantastic memories by driving a few hours to a national park and spending a week camping and hiking. You will save a tremendous sum of money and you’ll be benefiting the environment as well. Do some research online and find out some of the national landmarks and unique attractions within your country. Pack your bags, load up the car, and take the whole family on an adventurous road trip.
Prepare your own food
One of the biggest expenses of going on holiday is food. When you travel, you tend to eat in fancy restaurants and rarely worry about the price until you check your bank balance at the end of the holiday. But by preparing your own food, you can save your money for the things that matter. In-flight food can be very expensive and is rarely delicious. Why not prepare some sandwiches at home and bring them with you to keep your belly, and your wallet, full. Self-catering accommodation is also a good idea, as it means you can buy all your food cheaply in local supermarkets and cook it yourself.
Of course, there will be times during your holiday when you want to go out and experience the local cuisine. That’s fine, but try to avoid the most touristy restaurants as these will always be the most expensive. Find out where the locals eat, as these dining establishments will generally be a lot cheaper, and more authentic.
As long as you are careful, your next summer holiday will not have to break the bank. By following these tips and being smart about every aspect of your planning, you will enjoy a fantastic holiday without having to worry about overspending.
