3 Ways To Plan a Vacation on a Middle-Class Budget
It can be challenging to plan an affordable vacation these days, but with a little bit of creativity, it’s possible to enjoy a great vacation without breaking the bank.
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The top four vacation expenses include transportation, accommodation, food and activities. Here are three clever ways to reduce your costs in these categories so you can have your dream vacation on a middle-class budget.
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1. Stay Closer to Home
Transportation expenses can be enormous compared to the rest of your travel budget. Keep these costs down by finding somewhere within driving distance to save on the price of plane tickets. This is especially effective if you have a large family, since the cost of gas for one car is likely much lower than several plane tickets.
Instead of heading to the beach in the Caribbean, why not visit the coast of Florida? You could have a longer — just as relaxing — beach vacation for less money or a longer period of time (maybe both!). Most states are home to national parks, which are affordable destinations that offer plenty of free or low-cost activities as well.
2. Travel During Off-Peak Times
Traveling during off-peak seasons can save you a lot of money. Not only are flights and accommodations cheaper, but attractions and activities are less crowded, allowing you to enjoy your vacation without the hassle of long lines and crowds.
If the off-season doesn’t work for your schedule, consider traveling during the shoulder season. This is the time between peak and off-peak seasons, when prices are lower, but the weather is still favorable. For example, if you’re planning a beach vacation, traveling in the spring or fall will mean the crowds have thinned out and accommodations will be more affordable while the weather is still perfect for sunbathing or swimming.
If you must travel during peak season, you can still save money on airfare and accommodations by traveling during the middle of the week instead of on weekends.
3. Choose Cost-Effective Destinations
It may seem hard to save money on food, even during the off-season. However, there are some destinations where all costs will be reduced due to a favorable currency exchange rate. Right now the US dollar is strong compared to Mexico, Hungary, Japan, and Vietnam’s respective currencies.
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Also, consider traveling to countries where the cost of living is lower, such as Southeast Asia, South America, or Eastern Europe. You can still enjoy an incredible beach vacation, visit the jungle, or experience amazing art and culture in these places at a much lower price tag than some of the more popular (and expensive) vacation destinations.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Ways To Plan a Vacation on a Middle-Class Budget