With today’s difficult economy, many individuals and families have opted to skip a vacation in order to save money. However, when times are rough and money scarce, we crave escape even more. A vacation away from our routine is one of the best ways to renew our spirit and refresh our minds and bodies. We spoke with Award Winning Low Priced Concept Hotel https://www.yesshotel.no/ (based in Kristiansand, Norway) about some fantastic ways you can Vacation with a lower budget.
Here are five simple tips they shared with us that with some advanced planning, you can take that vacation and not break your budget.
Travel off-season
Tourist seasons vary by region and attraction, however if you can determine when travel traffic is the least, you can get some of the best deals for hotels and transportation. Generally, mid-June through mid-August is peak tourist season for most areas. Other busy travel seasons include the holiday time from the week before Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day as well as the Spring Break season from about mid-March through Easter. In Norway here is a great guide to when you can look at off season breaks.
Stay in Less Expensive Lodgings
Finding the cheapest places to travel isn’t as difficult as it seems. There are lots of hidden gems out there if you are willing to do some research, and it could end up saving you a huge amount of money. You should look for the best deals for Hotels that you can, Yes Hotel focuses on cleanliness and and great breakfast to start the day. Often you won’t want to have all the luxury items from more expensive hotels think about what you want and need. Of course all will have WiFi.
Reduce food costs
Food is another pricey component of a vacation. Reduce food costs by booking a hotel room that has a kitchenette or at least a microwave, refrigerator and coffeemaker. Buy groceries from a local store near your hotel, fix at least one or two meals in your room daily and save big money. A box of toaster pastries that could feed three young kids for one meal or snack is cheaper than one fast food breakfast sandwich. Cold cuts, cheese, bread, apples, yogurt and chips can be purchased for about 20 Euros. These items can be combined to make a great lunch.
To save even more money, choose a hotel that offers a free breakfast each morning. Eating breakfast at a fast food chain can cost a family of four about twenty-five dollars. That adds $175 for a seven-day trip. Hotels that offer breakfast usually have oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, cold cereals, milk, coffee, tea, juice, and sweet rolls or muffins. Several hotel chains even offer hot breakfast foods including waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage, and omelets.
Eat where the locals eat by asking the hotel staff for dining recommendations. Locals can recommend independently owned restaurants that serve generous and delicious meals that are significantly cheaper than a national chain restaurant.
When driving to destination, pack snacks
Snacks, sandwiches and drinks are expensive when purchased at gas stations and convenience stores. Pack a cooler with sandwiches and drinks as well as a crate or bag with easy to eat car snacks. Car snacks to avoid include anything too gooey or that leaves your fingers sticky and messy. Consider snacks like pretzels, vanilla wafers, string cheese and fruit like apples or bananas.
Tip 5: Use coupons, discounts and freebies
Coupons can be used for hotels, dining, entertainment, attractions, and transportation. Check out the Chamber of Commerce for your destination city for coupons and discounts from their business members. They often have two-for-one meals at local restaurants and even free passes into area attractions like miniature golf, go-cart parks and zoos. Take advantage of Free Days at museums and galleries as well as free concerts in the local park. Use Restaurant.com to find discounts for dining. A savvy shopper can use this site to purchase gift certificates for participating restaurants at a discounted price. For example, a twenty-five dollar gift certificate for a restaurant may sell for only ten dollars.
A vacation that won’t break your budget is possible with a little planning and thrifty know-how.
