When you’re planning a vacation, there are a ton of things you have to consider in advance. The most important aspect, however, is the budget. It takes a lot to save up for a vacation, whether you’re going for a longer stay or a short few days. Once you’re there, overspending becomes easy. And before you even realize it, you’ll have blown through your budget before your vacation ends.

While a vacation is about letting loose and having fun, you want to ensure you don’t burn through your wallet. Doing so can put a serious damper on your vacation, and in extreme cases, you may even have to cut your trip short. If you’re looking for ways/tips to save up while you’re on vacation but pulling a blank, keep reading below. We’ve listed the best ways to control your spending habits without ever sacrificing the fun.

Don’t head to the expensive districts 

When you’re on vacation, you’ll be tempted to head to the posh districts whenever you need to shop. Sure, these districts have all the high-end brands, but these brands can cost you heavily. Moreover, most of the brands in high-end districts are ones you can find back home, making shopping from them pointless. Instead of heading to these expensive districts, focus your shopping on items you won’t find back home and can take back as souvenirs.

Most commonly, these districts have some incredible artisan products reflecting local history and culture. These are some iconic pieces that will make excellent memorabilia and gifts without ever costing too much. If you’re heading to Pigeon Forge for your summer vacations, there are numerous shopping locations you can explore. So, don’t forget to enjoy the Pigeon Forge shopping experience to benefit from super affordable options. You’ll find some incredibly durable, unique pieces at amazing prices, making shopping stress free.

Use a different bank account

One of the biggest reasons travelers end up overspending is because they stick to the same bank account they use at home. Even if you’ve set aside a budget, it can be hard to keep track if you’re using the same account with all your money. This way, it can be challenging to calculate how much you’ve spent and how much you have left. Moreover, it can also give you the illusion that you have much more money left than you do.

Instead, switching the money reserved for your vacation to a separate bank account is better. This way, keeping track of your spending can be much easier. It can also keep you from extending past your limit and using your regular savings as you won’t have access to that money. You can even use a separate bank account like a piggy bank when planning your vacation to keep the money safe.

Cook more, eat out less

If you’re heading out for a handful of days, heading to a new restaurant each day may not hamper your travel fund. However, if you’re traveling longer than 3-4 days, this strategy can cost you heavily. Eating out is an integral part of travel, but in most cases, it costs way more than we anticipate. Apart from the cost of the food itself, you’ll be paying taxes, tips, and any add-ons such as drinks or desserts. And all of this can add up to a hefty bill.

Instead of squandering all your savings on food, consider getting some basic groceries and cooking yourself. Meal prep can help you have healthy, nutritious meals on the go without having to stop to eat. If you feel like cooking is too much of a hassle, you can also go for street food occasionally. Street food allows you to interact with the local culture and experience flavors you won’t find in any fancy restaurant. Moreover, it’s also much easier on the pocket and can let you have a delicious, filling meal on the go.

Skip the hotels

If you’re traveling to a new location/region for the first time, staying in a hotel may seem like the only option available. However, a privately-owned property can be a much better option to help you save money. Hotels often come with a host of additional charges, ranging from tax to food, laundry, and more. Depending on the location and the chain you choose to stay with, you can expect a huge chunk of money to go on living expenses alone.

However, private properties such as Airbnb can help you find excellent residences at a fraction of the cost. You can find Airbnbs at several locations near the areas you want to visit, and most come equipped with all the best amenities. As a tourist, you probably won’t spend much time at home, so a smaller room can help you save money and spend it on better things.

Travel during off-season 

Traveling during the off-season is one of the most effective ways to save money as you travel. Most of us plan our vacations during the summer break or around Christmas or New Year’s holidays. However, this period is peak season, and your vacation can cost you double the amount it would have during the off-season.

Depending on which location you’re planning on going to, it’s best to check off-season timings beforehand and plan your trip accordingly. During the off-season, you can find amazing discounts on food, residence, shopping, and travel, which can cut your travel costs by half. Additionally, you can experience less crowding during off-peak travel, which can help you enjoy yourself much more without being overwhelmed by crowds of tourists. Moreover, if you’re traveling while you’re at the location, flying on off-days such as Mondays and Tuesdays can also help you find cheaper flights.

Conclusion 

Managing your budget while you travel can be incredibly stressful, but if you follow these tips, you can ensure you never overextend yourself. These tips won’t just help you stay within your budget – they can also help you save money. These savings can go towards helping you have a much more fulfilling vacation, where you spend on events and activities and make your trip unforgettable.