How To Save Money While Planning Your Summer Trip

It’s the time of the year we’ve all been waiting for: summer’s on its way and with it the holidays and good times. But, it is also the moment we all dread as we have to plan, research and ultimately get stressed out. Worry no more, I’m here to give you my tips on how to plan the perfect summer trip while saving money! Let’s go!

Save it for later!

1. Research the best destination

Whether you already have an idea in mind or not, the sooner you choose your destination, the better. Everyone is different and while for some summer rhymes with cocktails on the beach, sunbathing and lounging around the pool, others are looking for an action-packed getaway with thrilling and exciting activities.

And if you’re looking to save money, its best to turn to underrated or overlooked destinations where you’ll have the chance to avoid the summer crowds. Think Croatia, Slovenia, Costa Rica or Sumatra!

Remember to also check out the countries monsoon’s season, I’m thinking in particular of Asian countries unless you don’t mind the rain.

So, make a list of your preferences of, what you want your vacation to be: relaxing, adventurous or a bit of the both and decide months in advance to get the best deals.

2. Plan as early as possible

Even if you think it’s too early, it’s actually NOT. So, give yourself some time and start planning now and when I say now, I mean at least 3 months in advance. Also, if you want to save a few bucks, I urge you to start thinking about all aspects of your trip in the spring as you’ll still have plenty of choice when it comes to accommodations, flights and other activities!

So, don’t wait any longer, grab your notebook, a cup of your favorite beverage and make your to-do list before it’s too late!

3. Book your flights

Book your flights ASAP! I know what you’re thinking: “If I wait a little longer, I’m sure I’ll be able to save a bit more money”. Believe me, and I speak from experience, last-minute deals do exist but it’s risky to bet on them. So, do yourself a favor and book that flight now (~3 months before your holiday), it’s probably already at a good price and chances are you won’t get a better deal!

A few tips to help you get the cheapest plane tickets: use a VPN to mask your real location (actually works), use different search engines, choose a low-cost airline, don’t always fly direct and be flexible (both on your dates and your destination).

4. Check visa costs

Never forget to check whether the country you wish to visit requires a visa. If so, don’t forget to apply early as processing times may vary depending on where you live or the season you apply. And you wouldn’t want everything to be in order except the visa that allows you to enter the country!

Remember to also include visa fees in your budget!

5. Travel light

Do you want to avoid extra costs as much as possible? Then, prioritize traveling only with a carry-on, especially if you’re only going for a few weeks as you won’t have to pay for extra luggage (often not included if you choose a low-cost airline).

What’s more, you won’t have to worry about losing your luggage at the airport and it’s easier to travel with just one backpack or suitcase. And bear in mind that you can buy all the essentials directly on the spot, so there’s no need to pack too much.

And if you need help figuring out what you absolutely must pack in your carry-on, here are my top 10 items!

6. Research the public transportation system of the country

It’s really important to know more about the public transport system, in particular if you’re on a budget and need to save money because, let’s be honest, once you’re in a country, the biggest costs are related to food and transports.

But if the public network is well served, you won’t need to rent a car or book a tour and it will be very easy to get around too, saving you a lot of money and allowing you to spend your budget on other things.

7. Look for free activities

While writing a rough draft of the things you really want to see or do, you should also look for free activities in the area you’re planning to visit this summer. These could be hikes, free walking tours, visits to museums that have no entrance fee, or simply spending the day on a pristine beach and enjoying the turquoise waters.

In any case, remember that it’s easy to find free activities wherever you go, and you don’t have to break the bank to have fun!

8. Take out travel insurance

Probably one of the worst things than can happen on holidays is to fall ill or get injured. To avoid finding yourself in a tricky situation and having to pay a fortune in medical expenses, it’s best to take out travel insurance.

Better safe than sorry, right?

9. Draw up a budget and keep track of your spending

Whether you’re traveling alone or with friends/family, the best way to avoid splurging too much and overextending your savings is to set a realistic budget. I usually set a specific amount for daily expenses (food, accommodation and transport) and stick to it. You can cut costs by having dinner to the night market, cooking for yourself, and walking instead of taking public transport, for example.

Whichever way you choose to save money, always keep track of your spending!

To better prepare yourself, I also recommend checking the cost of living in the destination you’ll be visiting, as well as its culture, to avoid any mishaps.

And this goes without saying but I always keep an emergency fund on top of my travel budget, just in case something unexpected happens.

10. Leave room for the unexpected and enjoy your summer trip

Often, the best memories you’ll have while traveling come from unexpected situations (mind you, I’m not talking about the bad unexpected but the good), whether it’s getting lost and stumbling across a beautiful, unspoiled beach in Indonesia, getting stuck in the rain and meeting the friendliest locals in Vietnam….

Don’t forget that you don’t need to plan your trip down to the last detail. Just wander around the place you’re visiting, find hidden gems and, above all, enjoy your holidays!

I hope this article helps you plan your summer trip stress-free. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments!

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