With summer nearing the end and the colder months on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to start planning a fall or winter vacation. However, prices for vacations have never been higher due to a myriad of factors, which has caused many people to delay their travel plans. By learning how to properly budget for vacation, though, any family can get an exciting and affordable vacation on their calendar.
How Expensive is the Average Vacation?
For those who haven’t taken a vacation in some time, it may be hard to believe the fact that vacations have actually risen that much in price. However, the average cost for a vacation in the United States costs around $1,919 per person per week, with international trips getting close to $3,000 for the same period of time. There are a variety of reasons prices have risen so drastically in recent years, but there are a few expense categories that are primarily driving this change.
What Are the Biggest Expenses on a Trip?
Understanding why prices have risen so drastically starts with understanding the driving forces behind this change. In particular, the following categories are responsible for the majority of the rising prices on vacation:
- Travel costs related to transportation such as flights, trains, gas costs, and more
- Food-related expenses, whether that be eating out or cooking food
- Activity-related costs dependent upon an area
- Currency conversion fees for international travelers
- Accommodation costs amidst rising hotel prices
6 Key Budgeting Tips for a Vacation
Finding ways to save money while traveling can feel impossible, but there are a few crucial tips that can help anyone budget for their trip:
- Plan all activities well in advance
One of the easiest ways to budget for your vacation is to take the time to plan out activities in advance. Whether it is going on a boat tour, bungee jumping, or something as simple as thinking about where to book to eat, knowing what you will be doing on vacation will allow you to set aside enough money for that activity.
- Use credit card points for hotels or flights
A quick way to save some extra money on your trip is to use credit card points for your hotel and flight purchases. Those who have access to a rewards credit card likely have points built up which can be transferred to hotel or airline partners instead of using cash for the purchase.
- Travel to destinations outside of peak tourist season
Many locations around the world choose to upcharge on costs during tourist season as a result of the increased demand for services in the area. However, when there are fewer tourists around, those prices naturally come down a little bit. Choosing to travel to a destination outside of the peak travel season, such as a traditional summer destination in winter, can save a person hundreds of dollars.
- Pay in local currencies to avoid fees
For international travelers, consider paying in the local currency in order to avoid annoying fees that come from currency conversion costs. Convert your dollars to the local currency in advance so that you can hit the ground running in your destination.
- Set a maximum spend limit for your trip
All travel budgets should have a maximum spend limit set for the trip that, under all circumstances, is not exceeded. By having this maximum amount in place, a person can be certain of what they can afford before they ever leave their home, which will help them avoid spending too much while on the trip.
- Consider alternative accommodations
While staying in a five-star hotel may be a goal, the cost might be impossible. Be realistic when considering accommodations and consider more affordable options, like the Asheville Downtown Embassy Suites, which offers comfort and quality at a fraction of the price of luxury hotels or even hostels for those on a tighter budget.
It may also be worth using luggage storage services if you are staying in a place such as a hostel so that you can be sure your luggage is safe.
The Bottom Line
No family should be in the position where they are unable to go on a vacation simply because they can’t afford it due to factors outside of their control. While a family on a tight budget may not be able to do everything on their bucket list when traveling, utilizing the above budgeting tips can certainly get a family to their destination quickly. Get a vacation planned as soon as possible at an affordable price so that you can start your next adventure as soon as possible.