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Traveling is an invaluable part of self-care. However, too many people ignore that need because they don’t have the means. At least, they think they don’t. If you want to take a weekend trip but think you can’t afford it, read on for seven tips to help you travel without breaking your budget.
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Find a Location New You
You don’t need to travel across the country for a quick weekend getaway. You can find uncharted territory within a couple of hours’ drive. Search around you for locations that offer things you’re interested in, such as spas, hiking, niche shops, and great food. If you prefer to fly, search for tickets without a destination in mind, and you’ll find cheap flights somewhere.
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Pack Efficiently and Lightly
Should you decide to fly, pack lightly. Typically, if you find a cheap flight, it doesn’t include the cost of a checked bag. If you have a layover, you risk arriving at your destination and finding your bag missing. For a weekend trip, you shouldn’t need much more than what you can fit in a carry-on. One option is to try rolling your clothes to get the most out of the space in your suitcase.
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Eat In When You Can
Eating out is a major expense on a trip. Try to limit yourself to eating out no more than one meal per day. Stay in a hotel that offers free breakfast, and take advantage of coupons near the front desk. Ask around for recommendations so you can make each meal special.
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Search for Deals Online
Never underestimate the power of Groupon. You can find amazing, all-inclusive weekend getaways for great discounts. When you’re looking for a play to stay in, check out skymedtravel.com for deals on accommodations. Contact your local SkyMed Rep for membership info or give SkyMed Travel a call at 800-568-8994.
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Use the Non-traditional Weekend
The most expensive travel days are Friday through Sunday. That’s when companies in the lodging industry increase their prices. Travel Saturday through Monday instead and the rates will be significantly lower. If you go during the off-season, you’ll save even more.
In fact, these days, it’s very easy to plan fun events to fit that schedule. For instance, if you want to attend a concert or grab a Dodgers game, you could easily do so on a Saturday, take a couple days afterwards for more relaxation and sightseeing, then head back to the grind on a Tuesday – providing you with a nice getaway while still saving you money in the long run.
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Travel With Companions
Invite your friends for more fun and a smaller bill. You and your friends can split big expenses, such as the hotel and transportation costs. Up to four people can stay in a single hotel room, leaving you with a fourth of the bill. The same is true for transportation. If you can split a rental car even two ways, you could reconsider flying after deciding to drive to your location.
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Plan Ahead for Your Absence
Business owners have to make special accommodations when leaving their businesses behind for a getaway. Start talking to your staff about what tasks you need them to do while you’re away and delegate your responsibilities to people that can take care of things at least 80% as well as you can. Try not to put it all on one person’s shoulders. It’s more efficient to have as many hands on deck as possible.
Preparation is key for a budget-friendly trip. You can still have spontaneous moments, but preparing for the big expenses is the best way to save money. With these tips, you should be ready to start planning—and heading out the door!
The best tip of all? Take along a SkyMed Membership! We have been serving the traveling public since 1989, specializing in 18 emergency travel services. we have organized air evacuations literally all over the world under almost every kind of circumstance. Call 800-475-9633.
Contributor Joyce Wilson is a retired teacher and enjoys sharing lesson plans, resources, and teaching tips on Teacher Spark. Her website is a compilation of practical resources that will inspire student engagement and instill a love for learning. By tapping into a student’s natural creativity and curiosity, Joyce believes that they can take their education to a new level. Thank you, Joyce!
