With summer just around the corner, many folks are already gearing up for their annual getaways. Others, meanwhile, may not have anything planned, as they didn’t think they could afford a vacation this year. It’s time to think again. Travel is possible on almost any budget. Creating a budget requires foresight and a bit of discipline. This article will talk about how you can create your own travel budget to satisfy your travel bug.
Research Early
Narrow down the list of possible destinations to four or five. Go online to research travel costs, like accommodations, airfare (if necessary), and area restaurants, as well as any can’t-miss activities. Then choose whichever destination seems like the best value for the time spent there. This will help you create an overall budget with which to work. The website budgetyourtrip.com
is an excellent resource to use as an outline for your budget. The site provides pricing on a number of global destinations, making it easier for travelers to choose the right spot for their individual needs.
Don’t Forget Secondary Expenses
Some destinations require additional travel costs upon arrival. Rental cars, gasoline, bus or rail fare, or subway passes all should be considered as secondary expenses. Be sure to build these into your budget from the beginning, so you aren’t left short-handed.
Be Flexible About Accommodations
Hotels often represent the greatest vacation expense. For people on a strict budget, this is problematic but also easy to get around, depending on the destination. European hostels, for example, are no longer populated solely with backpacking teenagers, and are a clean and affordable choice. Another tip is to look for accommodations with a small fridge or kitchenette, to save on dining costs.
Create A Budget Spreadsheet
This can be as simple as a double-sided list, with income on one side and monthly expenses on the other. If your income is flexible enough to add a little something extra each month, then add a new category called “Travel Savings” and put the bonus income there. Otherwise, find an expense that can be easily trimmed by a few dollars, and put the surplus in the travel column.
Track Spending
Take notes on every travel expense that’s incurred on the trip, to get a sense of where the money is going. This will help to shape the budget for your next vacation, as it will give you a good outlook on your spending habits.