5 Tips to save big on your vacation

Who wouldn’t prefer to spend less on their long-awaited vacation and spend more time on an idyllic beach trip or relaxing while doing absolutely nothing? With these simple and practical tips, you’ll discover how to save on vacation and be happy before you return to work.

1. Look for the best deals

As a rule, the most important expenses during the holidays are transportation and accommodation. If you want to know how to save on vacation, you should start from the moment of planning, monitoring flights to find the best offers. You can also search for the cheapest way to get to your destination, from blablacar to classic hitchhiking (no hassle and no risk). As for accommodation, continue reading the next paragraph.

2. Use exchange networks

There is no doubt that even the cheapest hostel is an expense. If the budget is limited, you can turn to exchange networks that work on the principle of “I in your house and you in mine, free of charge”. There are online themes that can help you save a lot of money on hosting. Couchsurfing, Travelers for Travelers, Mi casa tu casa, Itamos or Erasmoos are the most famous. Sites like Homelidays, Homeaway or Niumba serve to connect owners who want to exchange their homes for a certain period of time.

There is no escape. If you want to know how to save on vacation, you should give in to the charm of planning and calculate in advance how much you will spend on food, transportation, entertainment and cultural life. If you know before you go what you want to do and what you are going to spend to fulfill your desires, it will be easier to manage your days according to a realistic budget. Don’t forget to set aside extra cash for unexpected expenses like taxi emergencies, gifts and last-minute indulgences.

4. Repeat after me: The supermarket is my ally

There is no alternative. If you’re looking for ways to save on vacation, you should avoid eating out as much as possible, as it’s usually one of the most visible expenses. The best thing you can do is go to the supermarket and cook for yourself every day, like all the children in the neighborhood. You can start with a good breakfast and also buy sandwiches and fruit to take to the beach or during excursions. Once in a while you can treat yourself to the luxury of dining out. Buy plenty of water and other drinks as this is a typical stupid expense that will blow your budget, especially if you want to drink at night.

All museums have a free or discounted day. Every city has a cultural center with a free program. There are always some activities you can do without paying. The best thing is to go to the official tourist centers and find out all the things you can do for free during your stay. You’d be surprised how many things there are.