6 Ways to Make Your Next Vacation Affordable

Traveling is notorious for being expensive, but that doesn’t have to keep you from going. By earning some extra money and being a little creative, your next vacation can be more affordable.

Follow the Strong Dollar

To get the most out of your money, find out where the dollar is strongest and consider traveling to those countries. You’ll be surprised how much your dollars can buy. For example, the dollar is currently strong in Mexico, and seems to be staying that way, so plan this year’s trip to Cancun. On the flip side, you want to stay away from countries where the dollar is weak, since you’ll spend more of your dollars on everything.

Be Flexible

There can be a lot of savings in last-minute deals. Flexibility is your biggest asset if you want to travel on a budget. Check out last-minute deals and plan your trip on the fly. You should also be flexible with your travel days. Going during the week can save you a lot of money on airfare. If your schedule allows it, try to fly between Tuesday and Thursday for the best savings.

Hotels sometimes charge less on week nights than on weekends. You will also be able to take advantage of restaurant deals during the week, instead of trying to get into a pricey restaurant on the weekend and paying full price.

Collect and Use Points

If you have a credit card, make sure you’re getting the most out of it. If your card doesn’t give you cash back or points, think about upgrading your credit card to one that has the best deals. If you live in an airline hub city, sign up for that airline’s credit card so that every purchase helps you get miles toward flights and perks from their partners.

If your travel plans typically involve driving, consider a hotel chain credit card. Many banks have travel partners, so you could sign up for one of their credit cards that offers travel benefits. Those points add up fast, and many times you get a big bonus just for being approved for the card.

Travel in the Off-Season

Although you probably don’t want to head to a beach when it’s cold, there are plenty of places you can visit in the off-season and still enjoy your trip. Head to Europe to check out the Christmas markets instead of going during the summer. Consider shoulder months for travel to unique destinations where the weather is still mild, but you won’t pay the high premiums of the summer. If you’re headed to a beach city, avoid spring and summer breaks.

Earn Extra Cash

There are plenty of ways you can make extra cash without cutting into your free time too dramatically. There are freelance opportunities if you have the skills. If you’re bilingual, you could supply translation services, or if you’re a writer, you might be able to pick up freelance projects. If you enjoying selling, you can make extra cash selling Amway products and save up for your next vacation.

Examine Accommodation Alternatives

Start with your friends and family. You can save a bundle on traveling by staying with people you know at your destination. Although a free place to stay is ideal, there are low-cost options as well.

Hostels can be quite inexpensive if you’re willing to sacrifice some comfort. Airbnb and Vacation Rental By Owner offer reasonable prices for comfortable private residences. These usually include kitchens, so you can save even more money by cooking instead of eating out every meal.

It’s possible to have your dream vacation without breaking the bank. You can make it affordable by earning some extra money and using a little creativity to find ways to save.