holiday

Summer is here. Long days, warm weather, and relaxing vacations. The summer months bring an increased demand for travel, but you don't have to pay through the nose to have a great holiday. Here's a few tips to plan your next getaway on a budget.

1. Avoid the beach.

The beach is a great location, but it's a popular destination. Everyone and their mother will be headed to the shores. This will likely drive travel prices way up. Don't even think about your hotel or even renting a place to relax near the waves. If you're really dedicated, you can find a lesser known beach. But if you really want to save money, it's probably better to choose a less popular destination.

2. Don't worry about a rental car.

If you're headed to a big city, consider all your transportation options before booking an expensive rental car. Many cities have affordable public transportation options. Maybe you can save money by finding a hotel within walking distance of places you'd like to visit. You can supplement anything with Uber or Lyft. There's no need to drive on your vacation. Save money and leave the car in the park.

3. Minimize your restaurant eating.

There's no need to eat out for every meal on your trip. Yes, there will definitely be restaurants you'll want to experience. But you can cut back on your spending with a light grocery run when you arrive. Try to find a hotel that offers complimentary breakfast. You can easily make a sandwich in your hotel room. And then dinner can be your once-in-a-lifetime experience. Limiting your restaurant meals to one a day during your trip can cut more expenses than you think.

4. Find affordable, less popular attractions.

Everyone wants to go up the Empire State Building. That's what makes the tickets so pricey. There will definitely be expensive attractions that you can't miss, but not all of them have to break the bank. Look for cheap or even free places to visit. Public parks and museums are a couple examples. The best part about these places is that you can make your own adventure. Explore lesser known attractions to make a unique trip while saving money.

5. Plan a staycation.

If you can't afford to leave your city, don't wallow at home. Chances are there is plenty you haven't seen in your hometown. Do some research. Find the hole in the wall places you haven't been to yet. There's probably some kind of small restaurant, used book store, or even a vintage arcade to visit. You'll never know if you never look.

No vacation has to cost a fortune. If you just take the time to examine your options and budget accordingly, you can have a great trip for much less. While you might want to spend a lot on an amazing destination, getting back home without too much credit card debt will be a much better reward.

PayPath
Follow Us on
Getty Images

So, I'm new to the "living on my own" game and let me tell you — it's been a pretty big struggle. I really never understood how much the little things cost until I moved out a couple years ago. That being said, I will take free things whenever I can get them.

Maybe you're already established and comfortable in your life — good for you! However, it's still useful to ask for things that you would otherwise have to buy for Christmas. Hey — I didn't want to be an adult either, but that's just the way things are.

Whether you're a young adult or a fully fledged old person, here are five major categories of presents you should definitely include on your wish list.

1. Kitchen supplies

Giphy

Not only are quality pots and pans super expensive, but the little things count too — cutlery, appliances and tools all add up. Putting big items like a food processor or a slow cooker on your wish list takes the hassle and anxiety out of buying one for yourself.

Not to mention, kitchen supplies will last you pretty long — unlike that bottle of brandy you and your cousins killed in one night.

2. Music or movie and TV subscriptions

Giphy

Music, movies and television are all consumed by subscription nowadays — I couldn't live without my Spotify, Netflix and HBO GO. Asking for a year's — or a couple years' if it's cheap — subscription to an online streaming service will save you a ton of money.

Let's face it — we can't keep mooching off of our family's accounts or creating new identities for free trials. So ask for a Netflix subscription instead of expensive headphones you can get super cheap knockoffs of.

3. Warm clothing

Giphy

Yet another unexpected expense in adult living — warm coats are expensive but absolutely needed for the northeast weather. Asking for a nice wool pea coat or a faux fur lined trencoat will ensure that you'll be toasty warm for years to come.

Heck, why not even socks? Being the butt of so many Christmas jokes, it's time that warm, fuzzy socks made its comeback. Both your feet and your bank account will thank you.

4. Gym Membership

Giphy

Ah yes, time for the dreaded New Year's resolution — instead of wasting your own money on a gym membership you'll only use two weeks into the year, why not ask for one instead? This way, maybe you'll even feel guilty for not going and continue your doomed resolution.

Memberships are also usually on sale this time of the year — praying on the weak, no doubt. But who knows? Maybe you'll actually stick it out this year.

5. Money towards an investment

Giphy

Do you have student loans creeping up behind you? Need to pay the rent to your swanky Brooklyn apartment soon? Why not ask for straight-up money for Christmas? Yes, it seems like a pretty shallow thing to do, but the holidays are for giving!

For my birthday, I asked my parents to pay that month's rent so I would be worry-free and spent my money on other things I had been putting off. It's not the most heartfelt present, but to me, paying off someone's debt is pretty huge.

Of course, this list is definitely for families that are well-off or at least lower middle class. If your family and friends can't afford these things, don't be distraught if they buy you a cheap present or none at all. It's important to keep in mind that the season is about coming together — while gifts are just an add-on.