For many of us, going on vacation requires a lot of saving, budgeting, and smart financial planning. So when you finally get a chance to take a trip, you may find yourself holding onto every dollar for dear life. While there’s nothing wrong with being cost-conscious, vacations are supposed to be a chance to indulge and relax. Treat yourself by splurging on the following three vacation essentials.
Lodging
They say that home is where the heart is, but what about a home away from home? When you’re on vacation, you might be tempted to save money on lodging by staying at the most inexpensive motel you can find, but poor lodgings can spoil an entire trip. Spending a little extra on a good hotel can save you from sleepless nights, unclean environments, and paper-thin walls, among other things.
Even better, consider vacation rentals. These are homes and apartments that people actually live in then rent out or maintain specifically for rental use. Whereas even the nicest hotels will only offer some amenities, Vrbo unique rentals include all the comforts of home, plus a lot more space and privacy, all for a fraction of the price.
Meals
Another corner a lot of penny-pinching vacationers will try to cut is spending money on food. After all, it’s a lot cheaper to buy some basic grocery items at a local store and live on sandwiches than it is to eat out all the time. While subsisting entirely on restaurant food and room service is a good way to slash your travel budget to ribbons, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t indulge from time to time.
It might seem like a waste of money as, unlike souvenirs, once you eat a local meal, that’s it, it’s gone. But vacations are supposed to be about experiencing new things, and one of the best ways to fully appreciate the differences of a foreign culture, city, or country is to try its regional cuisine. The leftovers might only last the evening, but the memories will last a lifetime.
Transportation
When planning a vacation, the only choice you’ll make that’s equally important as where you go is how you’ll get there. Similarly important is how you’ll move around your destination once you arrive. Walking everywhere might seem like a good, money-saving option, but it can also leave you and your party feeling exhausted. At the same time, going for the cheapest public transportation options can result in confusion, discomfort, and lost time when you end up going in the wrong direction.
Taxis and Ubers are worth the cost if you don’t have your own vehicle with you, but a rental car with a good GPS system is even better. Speaking of having your own vehicle with you, driving to your vacation spot can make for a fun adventure, but it’s not always ideal for longer journeys. When traveling by airplane, paying extra for a non-stop flight is a good way to avoid wasting time or building stress.
