How to Spend Less and Enjoy More On Holiday
I love traveling and feel that it is undoubtedly one of the most fulfilling ways to relax and unwind as distance and difference are the secret tonic to creativity. Exploring new places, meeting new people and learning about different cultures help us to refresh our minds from our daily routines. Home is still the same when we get back from a good holiday, but something in our mind has changed, and that changes everything. As much as traveling is fun, it can also be an expensive affair. Whether it is the air tickets or pricey hotels, traveling abroad is always a challenge if you have a budget restriction.
However, there are some simple tips that you can follow to save money while planning a vacation so here is your guide on how to spend less and enjoy a pocket friendly vacation abroad -
1. Start a Travel Fund
Unless you have a lot of extra moolah in your bank account, it's time to create a travel fund. The easiest way to do so is to set a recurring deposit where a certain amount gets deducted from your savings account and is stored for your holiday.
2. Buy insurance
Why is insurance important, you ask? I've heard horror stories of people reaching their holiday destination while the airline has lost all their luggage. Then there is one where someone I knew had just gotten to day two of their big fat Euro trip, where the bag containing all their cash, passport and valuables disappeared at a cafe in Barcelona so they had to go to the Indian embassy and return back to India on day 3 of the vacation. Unfortunately we can't predict life and a smooth journey can take a dismal and unexpected twist anytime. No matter what we say or think, we never know what is waiting at the end of the tunnel. Such situations have made me realize the importance of buying a term insurance plan to curtail the impact of unexpected twists. After researching the same, I realized that we can now thankfully get a term plan online and it is affordable and time saving.
3. Choose an off beat destination
The more popular a destination, the more commercialized it will be. Going to underrated and under-traveled destinations can help you save money on accommodations and activities and avoid the crowds associated with top tourist spots.
4. Make off-season your best friend
Traveling off season is one of the simplest moves that will lower the cost of your international trip. Every location has a peak season when flight, hotel and other costs are hiked up immensely.
5. Try a Vacation Rental
Instead of choosing the standard path of a hotel, options like airbnb, couch surfing and hostels can help you save a lot of money. We often spend most of our days outdoors while traveling, so it only makes sense to spend more on your stay if you will be spending a lot of time in the hotel premises.
Another bonus of a vacation rental is that you can buy fresh produce and cook your own meals, saving up on restaurant meal costs too.
6. Stay in a Central Location
Transportation can add up quickly, so make sure you stay in a central location from all the places you wish to visit. Ideally, somewhere you can walk everywhere would work best.
7. Look for Free Walking Tours
If you wish to know more about the history, culture or other trivia about the place you're visiting, instead of booking tours and guides, try to look up for free tours online. Many cities around the world offer free guided tours which offer a comprehensive experience free of cost.
So these were my tips for you to save money while enjoying your holiday! Hope you find them helpful.
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About Aegon Life:
Aegon Life Insurance Company Limited launched its pan-India operations in July 2008 with a vision to be the most recommended new age life insurance Company. Aegon is one of the world’s leading financial services organizations (providing life insurance, pension plans, and asset management) and Bennett, Coleman & Company (India’s leading media conglomerate) have come together to launch Aegon Life Insurance. This joint venture adopts a local approach with the power of global expertise to facilitate a direct to customer approach, leveraging digital platforms to bring transparent solutions to customers and to prioritize their needs.