How to have a dream vacation on the cheap? The obvious answer is that you don’t! Sure there are those all inclusive deals you see advertise all the time but to go somewhere truly exotic, historical or cultured it is going to be expensive. So, do I find a cheaper location to go to? Perhaps, but there are ways to save that can help you still have that dream vacation that you have always wanted. Here are three tips to help you below.
Travel Off Season, on Your Dream Vacation!
This one seems obvious but you would be surprised how many people do not do it. However, that has a big cost and it could be the difference between having a dream vacation or not. For example, I went to Tuscany in November which is low season for Italy. The weather was cooler and there was a bit of rain. However, the savings was huge! The loft apartment my wife and I stayed was 50 Euros a night. In high season which is the summer months, the same place was 250 Euros a night. Just think of the savings! One week(seven nights) in Tuscany costed me 350 Euros as oppose to 1750 Euros in high season. And the place I stayed at was awesome as it was overlooking an olive grove in the Tuscan countryside. Travelling off season can save you a ton of money!
Cook Your Own Meals and Save!
I know a lot of people will say, “who wants to cook their meals while they are on their dream vacation?” I get that but to eat out everyday for every meal is really expensive! For example, if my wife and I ate out every meal for a week in Europe and tried to find cheap places to eat, we will still be paying upwards of 100 Euros a night at the very least. However, if our accommodation had a kitchenette or stove, and we cooked our own meals than we will be paying around 100 Euros a week. That’s a massive savings! Also, if you want go out for a romantic meal out, you can splurge on it and still come out ahead and you will have that special memory to boot. It’s a win, win!
Look for Free or Low Cost Activities
This seems impossible and at first look you are right because all the attractions at your dream location usually have costs. However, there are free or low costs options out there which can lower you expenses significantly. For example, when my wife and I were in London a while ago, we were pleasantly surprised to find out that all the major museums in London are for free! These were not second rate museums, but some of the best the world has to offer. It was an incredible experience and it was all free.
Avoid Tourists Traps
It is easier said than done but the reality is that any store, restaurant, business, or shop near an attraction is a tourist trap and you will pay a lot more then you should. So, you need to do some research and venture away from these locations and you will save yourself money. For example, when my wife and I were in London, we were looking to buy a cheap throw away phone for our trip. We were staying in a tourist area and the store that was selling phones were charging 40 pounds. I decided to do some research and found a store two miles away. The store had the same phone for five pounds! Avoiding the tourist traps as much as you can will be a big savings.
Conclusion, Your Dream Vacation is possible!
Yes your dream vacation is possible. With a little planning and finding a few alternatives here and there, you can do it! Yes, there are a few sacrifices you might have to make to get there, being going off season, cooking your own meals, looking for free or low cost options and avoiding tourist traps. But the benefits far out weigh the costs. So start planning that dream vacation and have memories that will last a life time. Save travels my friends!
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