What do personal loans, group tours, and light packing have in common? They’re all great ways to keep vacation expenses low. Consider using one or more of the following tactics to keep more cash in your pocket the next time you venture near or far.
Finance with a Personal Loan
Taking out a personal loan to cover all your trip expenses is a wise move for several reasons. First, you gain access to the funds and thus can take advantage of early bird airfares, tour rates, and lodging rates. Those who book a month or two ahead, particularly for international journeys, can save as much as 50%.
Another way to reduce your out of pocket costs is to use an online comparison tool when shopping for personal loans. These online resources make sense because they let you compare loan rates from many providers. They are powerful savings vehicles that let users leverage side-by-side data from a large partnership of loan providers.
Join a Group
For instant savings of as much as 60% over regular rates, join a group tour or church-sponsored excursion overseas or to a domestic destination. Many corporations offer summer group travel plans, and civic organizations regularly sponsor international journeys to Europe and Asia. Check local social clubs that offer major discounts on outings to Las Vegas and top theme parks.
Avoid Weekends & Holidays
Sometimes the oldest advice is the best. This is one of those times because avoiding weekend and holiday travel, as well as staying home during peak airfare seasons, is one of the quickest and most powerful ways to chop a sizeable chunk off total airfare and hotel bills. While it’s not always possible to live up to the aim, try to at least depart or arrive on a non-weekend day when flying.
Don’t forget that rental car rates follow the same pricing pattern as airline tickets; costs go up on high-traffic days and down during the weekdays. The off-peak concept also applies to tourist activities like visits to theme parks, group entertainment, national park entrance fees, and more. Plan far ahead and try to fly out to your destination between Tuesday and Thursday. Aim to return on those same days unless they fall on major holidays.
Learn Two Words for Packing: Light & Smart
Baggage fees at airports have gotten out of control. What used to be a nominal charge per piece has grown into a monstrous expense for those who bring along excess luggage. International tourists are routinely shocked when presented with add-on fees and charges for additional luggage items. By packing light, it’s possible to save a significant amount on a cross-country or overseas trip.
Packing smart is about bringing the things you’ll need but that most tend to forget. The top two items on that list are phone chargers and toiletries. The cost factor comes into play when travelers must purchase brand-new items just because they forget to bring them along. If you’re stuck in an airport during a long layover, and need to recharge a phone, purchasing a unit at the convenience kiosk is a pricey proposition. But there’s usually no other choice.
