vacation

How To Vacation on a Tight Budget

Photo by Artem Bali on Unsplash

The holidays are a money vacuum. Between gift shopping, shipping fees, and other spread-good-cheer expenses, you've busted your budget without spending a dime on yourself. (Okay, maybe there were a few things you purchased for yourself, because sales!). The bottom line is that you've been working around the clock the past year, paying your dues at your day job and making that side hustle happen on nights and weekends, only to see your hard-earned cash melt away by the time the holidays come along. All you want for Christmas is the promise of a real vacation. You need it. You deserve it. You can't possibly afford it. Or can you?

It is possible to get away on even the most meager budget. All it takes is a little research, some planning, and a dash of creativity. In fact, you might even save money with a little luck. Consider this post your holiday present from us: We're giving you the tools to plan the getaway you thought you couldn't afford, because it's been a hell of a year and you could really use a vacation.

Travel Rewards and Points

Wise Bread

You may already have a credit card that delivers airline miles or points towards travel. If you do, tally up how much you've got to play with and whether there are ways to double your points through purchasing from specific retailers or at specific times during the billing cycle.

If you don't have a travel rewards card, Nerdwallet has a handy breakdown of the best options this year. They also have some tips for choosing the right card for your budget and making the most of it depending on when you're looking to travel. For example, if you choose a card with a big sign-up bonus that promises mega-travel rewards points once you spend an initial amount of money in the first few months, you could be earning while you're purchasing holiday gifts. So consider signing up when you're shopping the most (aka right now).

You also should consider which type of card is right for you. "Travel credit cards fall into two basic categories: co-branded cards and general travel cards," according to Nerdwallet. "Co-branded cards carry the name of an airline or hotel chain, and the rewards you earn are redeemable only with that airline or hotel. If you regularly fly one airline or stay at one hotel chain, they can be a great choice. They also offer perks such as free checked bags or hotel upgrades. General travel cards offer more flexibility. Their rewards come as points that you can redeem for any travel expense, or even transfer to airline and hotel loyalty programs." Check out your options here and start racking up those miles.

Last Minute Deals

Tours & Hotels

So you've blocked out vacation time, but you're too broke to book travel. There are apps for that. At Fareness you can plug in your dates and current location, and retrieve a list of the cheapest flights to various destinations. If you're hankering for an ocean view, icruise offers a ton of last-minute deals on cruise-ships looking to fill up empty rooms at bargain rates. (Four nights on Carnival for $479? Pretty solid.) Expedia also has a killer last-minute travel section where you can find deals up to 70 percent off. If you want to save even more money, checkout iCarpool and take a roadtrip with a new friend.

Timing is everything

There are some rules of thumb when it comes to booking airfare—at 5am and on Sundays you're likely to find the cheapest rates, according to Skyscanner. But wait, the app Hopper does the work for you, monitoring flights to your destination and alerting you when the airfare is lowest.

Hotel Mega-Discounts

If your credit card offers a flexible points plan, you may be able to use those points on hotel rooms. Some cards also have deals with resort chains to provide discounts on booking or double the rewards when you book the room so you can put those points towards your flight. If your eyes are crossing, here's another option: check Groupon Getaways. The site offers package deals around the world for an average 50 to 70 percent off. Many of these deals include meals, tours, or other perks that will save you extra bucks.

Free Boarding

Maybe you're not in the position to look for a deal of any kind. Maybe you need a place to stay that's 100 percent free AND doesn't suck. We're here for you. Your first option is to consider a house swap. Sites like HomeExchange and GuestToGuest connect you with others both nationally and internationally looking to do home exchanges. If you want to avoid paying any signup fees, the DIY version is called social media. Post some pics of your pad and ask your community if anyone out of town is interested in a swap. You can also AirBnB your pad (depending on the laws in your state) and earn enough to put the money towards your vacation—and even save some bucks too. If loaning out your home isn't an option, there's still hope. Sites like Housesitter and apps like Couchsurfing offer members an array of getaways that cost you zilch. If you're a pet lover, you can also offer your services on Petsit or to your pals on social media. The holidays are an optimal time for this, with so many people leaving town. You might even find yourself on a sweet staycation in your hometown—far, far away from your roommates and your messy bedroom. You're welcome.

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Budget Travel Tips for Your Summer Adventures

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.

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Not Taking Vacation is Hurting Your Employer, Your Family, and You

One of the most beautiful phrases in the American labor lexicon is "paid time off." Or, one would think. But a number of reports are analyzing why Americans are just not leaving the office even when they have the right to. Why? When you can have a handful of days to get a massage in Bali, adventure through Rome, or pet some koalas in Australia, all while letting your bank account fill with your regular salary, why would you not take advantage? Instead, workers are coming in on sick days and leaving their vacation time in the dust. That means, they're basically paying their employers to be at work!

It seems counterintuitive, but our culture is one that fears missing out. American workers, especially those who can work remotely, are working all the time. Taking that time off means missing something, being unable to let go while on vacation, or having a huge workload to deal with before you leave and right when you get back. So many Americans say, "Why bother?"

Other workers have a different philosophy and think that their decision to take a vacation is a sign of laziness or weakness. But while you may think you're being heroic by forgoing your vacation, employers put that policy in place for a reason. It's to provide workers with time to deal with unexpected personal emergencies, sickness, and spending time with their families and friends without incurring debt. Paid time off is designed to give workers a well-deserved break. According to Colleen Kane of Fortune, "people won't take advantage of the policy unless the culture really supports it." Refusing this offer can have a variety of negative effects for both you, your company, and your family.

Burnout

We can only run so long before we need a break, a rest, and some nourishing food. We're human, after all. The same goes with work. We need sleep in order to feel fresh and motivated in the morning. In the same way, a vacation can act as a necessary bookend to a series of productive months. Having something to look forward to can sometimes be a distraction, but it can also be that piece of chocolate cake on the end of the stick, just what we need to make it through. Long bouts of work without a moment to breathe will leave us slow, tired, and more like robots.

Endangering Coworkers

No one should come in sick to work. Even when you have a simple cold, coming into the office could do more damage than good. First of all, you won't feel like yourself, so you won't be able to perform to your best ability. Being sick at work will also slow your recovery time, so instead of one day off and 4 other productive weekdays, you'll have 5 semi-productive weekdays. No one will be mad at you. In fact, they'll be glad that you took the courtesy to get better, and sacrifice yourself for the sake of the team.

The Cost on Businesses

Think you're the only one that isn't benefiting from using your paid time off? Think again. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, paid time off funds make up around 7% of total salary in the private industry. And according to The Wall Street Journal's coverage on a U.S. Travel Association study, unused vacation burdens businesses with $224 billion in liabilities. So, not using your vacation isn't just putting you at a disadvantage, but it's bad for the economy.

The Cost on Family

Your family is appreciative for all you do to keep bread and desserts on the table, and especially if you have kids, vacation time is a coveted time. Choosing to stay in the office means missing pivotal moments at home and time to make memories. It's important to be able to disconnect and spend time with those you love, because pretty soon the little ones will be off to college and will want nothing to do with you anymore. So appreciate your family, just like they appreciate you.

We work in an undoubtedly workaholic society, which has its benefits. Increased productivity is one imagined result, but unfortunately, humans are not designed to be working machines. That's why it's wise to take advantage of your paid time off and make the most of it. You deserve it.

To book your next vacation, click here!

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3 Low-Budget Vacation Ideas

Heading out on vacation is a luxury, and many people aren't able to fulfill their dreams of exotic getaways to faraway islands or explore the world by travelling internationally. While an expensive trip may not be in the cards, a low-budget vacation can be attainable for many seeking some well-deserved time off.

These low-budget vacation ideas can be just as exciting and memorable as something far fancier at a fraction of the cost. Plan wisely and you and your family may just be vacation bound sometime this year. Bon voyage!

1. All-Inclusive

An all-inclusive trip, most notably offered by resorts can be a great way to vacation at a reasonable cost. You pay one price and needn't worry about extra expenses while away. All-inclusive vacations generally package together meals, soft drinks, airfare, hotel stay, etc. for one fair price, no gimmicks. Some packages even factor in entertainment, alcohol, and even tips for staff. And some give a lower price for kids, making the bundled price even more enticing.

Check out All Inclusive Outletfor amazing deals to destinations such as Mexico, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and more. Opt for family-friendly, adults-only, and other options like spas, scuba, and more. They offer flexible payment plans to fit your budget. All-inclusive means you'll be sure to stay on budget without added fees and impulse purchases.

2. Cruises

Cruising is an enjoyable way to travel and see the open waters in many parts of the world for an economical price considering what you get for your dollar. Like the aforementioned all-inclusives, most cruises offer packages which cover most or all of your vacationing costs in one fair combined price.

Depending on the type of cruise, duration of travel, room size, and location, cruising can be relatively inexpensive while feeling fabulous. Consider these superb deals offered by CheapCruises.com. They partner with lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Disney Cruise Lines, and other major cruise lines, offering discounts and packages at all price points – even for the savviest traveler watching their wallet.

Plus, as per Nomadic Matt, "Cruise lines always offer incredible last-minute deals. No ship's captain wants to leave with half the cabins empty. If you wait until then, you can find some really amazing deals as cruise lines scramble to find passengers. Plus, cruise operators always throw in some on-board amenities, free upgrades, and cash vouchers to sweeten the deal. Conversely, if you book over a year in advance, cruise lines also offer amazing low fares for early birds."

Plan your travels economically as you explore the seas in a unique way. Go for something romantic, family-friendly, or something in between. Some people who cruise once vow to never vacation any other way thanks to the great prices and wonderful experiences.

3. Tour Locally

There's no need to travel far and wide to have a fulfilling vacation experience. Take a fresh look at your city or hometown and the surrounding areas. A car trip is not only a great bonding experience, but a low-cost way to explore a variety of attractions, restaurants, exhibits, parks, museums, and more that you may have been taking for granted due to their proximity.

Make it a day trip or find a place to stay for a night or two for the full vacation experience, even if it's a low-budget motel or a camping ground. Learn more about the history and new developments in your area and realize that even home can feel like a home away from home when treated as a special place to be.

Nomadic Matt suggests, "Be sure to go to your local tourism office and get a city tourism pass. These cards allow you to see a wide range of local attractions for free or reduced prices and can be your way to see your local sites on a budget."

No language barrier, no need to over pack, and no more excuses for not becoming a local expert! Are you ready to take that long-awaited budget-friendly vacation? Check out GTFO (Get the Flight Out). Their cheap airfare to various locations worldwide will make planning your travels a breeze. Peruse the site's easy-to-navigate user interface and see where the next flight will take you!

It's time to pack your bags and head out on a budget-friendly vacation! Lots of fun doesn't have to cost lots of money.

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