A vacation means different things to many people, whether a road trip to the coast, a week's holiday in Hawaii, or even a flight across the Atlantic to experience a new culture in Europe or Asia. Whatever your ideal vacation may be, we have the financial planning tips to help you map out your next trip while saving money doing it!

A Destination Within Your Budget

The first step, and one that might be obvious, can sometimes be a struggle to strategize financially, is location. It may sound like a given to choose a place within your budget and move on to the next step. However, it is only sometimes so straightforward. For many, it may be hard to compromise a dream destination in favor of a more affordable one. But it’s important to consider your financial situation before determining where and how to go. Perhaps you’re looking for a new and unique vacation spot but need help figuring out where to start—our advice: let your budget stay at the forefront of your mind while choosing a destination. 

Another thing to remember when deciding on a location is what kind of traveler you are. What are you looking to achieve from your vacation? Do you seek a little R&R or a chance to find adventure? Are you the type that likes to spend your time relaxing in spas, trying restaurants, and laying out in the sun? Or are you the type that likes to explore new places? Do you like being active when you travel? Try hiking new trails, ziplining, or exploring a cave system. This could help you decide the type of environment you want to vacation in and narrow down your list of places that cater to your needs and live within your budget simultaneously!

Who is Going, and What Should We Do?

Another thing you should consider that will help you narrow your search and map out your budget is your fellow travelers. Traveling with a friend who shares accommodation costs can help with your budget. Taking the time to consider their interests may help you decide the best destination for everyone! This can also help you better understand what activities you want to do (or not) during your time away and find the best and most affordable choices. 

For instance, most national parks in the U.S. do not charge an admissions fee and, therefore, would be a completely affordable addition to any adventurer’s itinerary. And for our more extravagant travelers who still want to save some extra cash, most national parks in Australia, including Booderee on the NSW South Coast, are free to visitors and kept for motor vehicle passes. Therefore, hiking through the outback is an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that won't break the bank! 

Often the costliest item in a vacation budget can be accommodations. Finding the right places to stay is key when planning an enjoyable vacation within your budget. You want to find the best deals without staying in a dump! But how do you do that? While finding hotel deals is usually the first thing people think of when reserving an affordable place to stay, other, cheaper alternatives can offer the same, if not better, accommodations and pricing.

For instance, a hostel might be the perfect option if you're a younger traveler. If you are unfamiliar with it, a hostel is a type of shared accommodation that promotes new social experiences cheaply. This entails living in shared lodgings with other short-term residents. These are ideal for solo and young travelers, mainly due to their tendency to introduce fellow travelers and their inexpensive nature. There are even youth hostels specifically designed to cater to younger travelers worldwide. Great deals can be found on sites like Hostels or booking.com.

For those looking for more private accommodations yet are still open to alternatives, Airbnb is becoming the norm for travelers of all ages, demographics, and group sizes. Airbnbs are typically extremely reliable for their cleanliness as well as budget-friendly prices. However, we recommend going for the options with many reviews and hosts that allow you to talk to and grow comfortable with them before agreeing to a stay. Similar to Airbnb is Sonder, which can be apartments or hotel rooms fully outfitted for longer-term stays.

However, if you are determined to stay in a hotel, many websites are designed to help you find the best deals! Sites like Kayak, Expedia, booking.com, and hotels.com are all designed to help travelers like you.

Either way, one tip to remember, regardless of where you stay, is if you are traveling during peak season for that destination, remember to try to book a place to stay as early as possible to avoid the inevitable price increase as the season draws nearer!

How To Get There

Lastly, now that you've planned your trip, booked your stay, and scheduled your activities, the only thing left to do is figure out how to get there! For those planning a road-trip adventure, you are probably okay with stopping reading here. But for those looking to fly, here are a few final tips to take with you. 

Depending on the destination, flights can be one of the most expensive factors in your budget. Search engines like Google Flights are easy and accessible to everyone looking to find deals, and it's completely free! Other options include sites such as Kayak, Expedia, Priceline, and NextVacay.com. 

A Times Article by Rachel E. Greenspan Lays out the guide to what the founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights and experienced international traveler Scott Keyes determines are the best deals on flights to various global destinations. According to Keyes: “Flights to Africa: $700 or below, Asia: $550 or below, Australia: $700 or below, The Caribbean: $300 or below, Central America: $300 or below, Europe: $500 or below, Hawaii: $400 or below, South America: $550 or below.”