An affordable dream vacation isn’t all that far-fetched!… Let me explain:
If you’re anything like me, you probably have some sort of vacation you’ve always dreamed of… like hiking Machu Picchu, wine tasting in Italy, or exploring the ancient ruins of Greece.
But, like many people, money issues might have always stopped you from booking that vacation. So let me present you with a different idea: An affordable dream vacation!
And before you scoff at the idea of a “cheap trip,” you should know that budget-friendly travel doesn’t necessarily equal questionable motels or eating all your meals at fast-food spots.
The kind of tips I have in mind are all about hidden gems, avoiding costly tourist traps, and discovering the secrets of budget-friendly travel.
Even though we sometimes think luxury equals high prices, you can often get a more meaningful experience with inexpensive beach vacations, family vacations, and couples or solo trips focusing on quality and authenticity rather than bells and whistles.
So, let’s talk about 7 easy, practical tips to make your affordable dream vacation attainable AND affordable.
What EXACTLY is your dream?
Your first step in planning for your affordable dream vacation and budget-friendly travel is clearly defining what you want to get out of this experience. Determine the key factors that make it unique and specify the experiences you wish for the most.
Is it exploring historical sites, lounging by crystal clear waters, or engaging with a vibrant culture? Understanding your priorities will allow you to ration your budget accordingly and concentrate on what matters the most to you.
But don’t get me wrong. This isn’t about cutting corners.
It’s about being crystal clear on what means the most to you so you can spend your hard-earned money on the things that will improve your vacation rather than wasting money on forgettable things that don’t even really matter to you.
That being said, though, be sure to leave a little room for spontaneity, as well!
Set a budget
The secret to traveling on a budget is figuring out realistically how much cash you have to spend on your affordable dream vacation. But that number depends on the trip you’re planning and where you want to go.
An international vacation will generally cost more than traveling in the US due to airfare. And planning a family vacation will obviously be more expensive than a solo excursion.
I recommend splitting out the costs for transportation to and from the destination, plus food, lodging, and activities. This will help you understand where your dollars are going and identify places you can save.
Even a little rough draft can help you determine ways to save. With this approach, no destination is entirely out of reach. You can even find ways to plan affordable bucket-list trips!
Flexibility is key
Flexibility is vital to planning affordable dream vacations. Try to explore different dates and be open to modifying your itinerary based on the best opportunities and deals that might come up. Also, consider traveling during shoulder seasons.
That’s when prices are much lower than you would expect. Being flexible with where you go can also lead to major cost savings. Think about how you can stay true to the heart of your dream while staying on budget.
For example, if you want a rest-filled vacation on the beach Where you can just lounge around, you could book a resort in Jamaica rather than going to the Maldives.
Just try to keep an open mind and be willing to discover new places offering similar experiences at a much lower price.
Traveling during the off-season can also save you a lot of money on accommodations, airfare, and activities. And as an added bonus? You don’t have to fight all those crowds!
Plan ahead… as far as you can!
The best time for booking flights in the US is one and four months in advance. If your affordable dream vacation requires an international flight, your best bet is to start looking at least six months in advance.
With hotels, earlier is nearly always better because hotel prices usually get more expensive the closer you get to your vacation. And it makes sense if you think about it. As rooms fill up, demand for them increases.
You can use some travel apps to help track and compare different options for where to stay and how to get there.
I also recommend setting up fare alerts and price monitoring with Google Flights, for instance, to find the most reasonable flight rates. Websites and apps like Going, The Points Guy, and Dollar Flight Club can also alert you to some fantastic deals.
ALWAYS be on the hunt for deals
You should always take advantage of whatever promotions, deals, and discounts you can to make your affordable dream vacation as low-cost as possible. Sign up for a bunch of travel alerts and newsletters from hotels, airlines, and online travel agencies, too.
This way, you can stay up-to-date on any special offers available. And use travel apps and comparison websites, like Skyscanner or Going, to find the best prices on accommodations, flights, and activities.
Comparison shopping can also help you secure the most reasonable rates available. And don’t forget to look into what benefits you can get by using your credit cards.
Manu usually offers cash back on travel purchases, rewards points, or, at the very least, access to airport priority lounges.
The Points Guy is an amazing website that can help you find travel deals, and they have lists of the best credit cards for travelers. Just make sure you double-check any annual fees and ensure they’re worth it.
Here’s why cheap flights are your secret weapon
One major trick for how to travel frugally when picking a destination, is by Planning a trip backwards. Bear with me, it’s not as confusing as it sounds! The concept is all about the airfare deal determining where you go.
For instance, I once found a deal from Boston to Cairo, Egypt, for $591 roundtrip for travel in the fall season. So rather than saying, “I HAVE to go to Italy this summer,” let the deal guide your next affordable dream vacation.
This will open up your world to many travel opportunities you may not have ever thought about… All while saving money! And here’s another MAJOR bonus tip for you: All airlines in the US are now charging for checked bags.
So, if you become a pro at packing a carry-on, you’ll save up to $89 each way on those fees. One downside, though, is that more and more airlines are charging for carry-on bags now as well.
So be sure to check this before you book anything. Then factor in the fee to your airfare budget. Speaking of which, if you don’t have one already, here’s one of my favorite budget planners from Amazon: SOLIGT Premium Budget Tracker with Stickers
Embrace the local cuisine
Eating out for every meal while on your affordable dream vacation can add up fast.
So rather than visiting Yelp for the best-reviewed restaurants for each meal, embrace the local cuisine and save big money by exploring street food vendors, local markets, and inexpensive eateries.
In my experience, hole-in-the-wall type places can have some of the most mouthwatering, delicious food at inexpensive prices. Doing things this way will not only get you a taste of the authentic flavors of your vacation, but you’ll also save on dining.
You should also consider accommodations with kitchen facilities to organize some of your meals. This will allow you to experience local grocery shopping and reduce dining costs even more.
Again, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying some meals at a nice restaurant – especially if that’s important to you and something you’ve included in your budget. But these are just a couple of tips to make eating out a little more friendly on your wallet.
So what did you think about my ideas and tips about affordable dream vacations? Do YOU think it’s practical? Be sure to leave a comment and let me know!
And if you want more tips like these for budget-friendly travel, USA Wanderers has tons of other articles you’ll love. Here’s one of my favorites: 10 Things to Avoid During Your Hotel Stay
