Jet-Setting on a Budget: Top Tips for Saving on Your Next Vacation

Vacations are a wonderful way to relax, explore new places, and spend quality time with the people you love. However, given today's rising prices, the cost of a vacation can quickly add up, leaving you feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to save money on your next trip without sacrificing the quality of your experience. Here are some tips for vacation saving:

1. Plan ahead: There are a couple of reasons why planning early is a benefit. Firstly, it gives you more time to save or allows you to pay the total cost off over time. Secondly, it allows you to take advantage of "early booking" incentives that may shave a few hundred dollars off the price tag. Whether you're looking for a cruise, an all-inclusive or the best selection of accommodations for a good price, starting early will give you the edge you need to get the quality you're looking for at a price you can afford.

2. Cut costs: Look for little ways to save money while on vacation. You can pack light to avoid baggage fees (and make life easier while you travel), use public transportation (or walk, if possible) instead of renting a car, and find accommodations with breakfast included so you can enjoy a hearty breakfast to keep you going into the afternoon. Consider vacation rentals so you can buy groceries to cut back on restaurant spending.

3. Make the most of your destination: Look for free or low-cost activities to enjoy in most vacation spots. Visit local parks, beaches, and museums, and take advantage of discounts for students, seniors, or military personnel. Rick Steves has a wonderful (free!) audio tour resource for many sites in Europe that you can download and use in place of hiring a guide.

4. Make the most of loyalty programs: Whether you're collecting points through your credit card or a loyalty program, consider how to get the best "bang for your buck". For example, if the best exchange value for points is by cashing in for groceries, take advantage of that top value and put away the equivalent in cash for your vacation. You may be able to get $200 in groceries but only $150 towards a plane ticket so why not cash in for the groceries and put the $200 in the travel fund?

While this is not an exhaustive list, it's a great place to start and will get you that much closer to your next travel adventure!