Now that we are traveling full-time we have to think differently about how we travel. We used to spend a lot of money on vacations because we only had a couple of weeks a year and we felt like we couldn’t leave much to chance. Now we think about travel differently since we are more flexible and we have been able to save money in many ways. Many of the things we learned are transferable to short vacations.
1. Flexible Dates
We used to travel from a Saturday to a Saturday because that was a clean week off. Many times you can benefit from significant discounts if you can shift your travel dates one or two days. Being prepared to travel on a Tuesday or come home on a Thursday can save money on airfare and accommodations.
If your dates are flexible you can often find online travel deals. One time we found a hotel deal on Travelzoo for $0.25 a night plus tax in Saint Croix. The hotel was clean, comfortable, and steps from the beach. Have a little faith and you can have amazing experiences that won’t break the budget.
Another way to save money and avoid crowds is to take tours or see sights during the week. Museums and other tourist attractions often have discount days or specials on days that are not as crowded. One thing to check is for closures before you go. Many museums or attractions are closed one day a week in many countries.
2. Facebook Groups
We use Facebook Groups to find tips about the places we go to. There is a Facebook Group for just about anywhere and anything you might be interested in. These groups are full of people who have valuable information.
When we went to San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua we joined an ex-pat Facebook group. Through this group, we found accommodations, car rentals, tips for beaches, suggestions for restaurants, and activities. There is no reason to reinvent the wheel. Find tips and tricks from people who have already been where you are going.
3. Finding Deals Once You Arrive
Facebook groups are great, but not everyone has Facebook. Once you get to a place, putting boots on the ground and talking to locals will help you find the best tours and the best deals. Booking things in advance or online does not give you any leverage or flexibility. Most businesses are willing to negotiate or offer deals if you show up and ask in person. It never hurts to ask.
4. Explore on Your Own
There are times when having a guide or going on a tour is helpful, but it is not always necessary. Exploring a city on a tour bus is not half as fun as exploring it by walking or taking the local bus. Before you fill your days with tours, do some research and learn about the best sights to see and how to get there on your own.
5. Restaurants and Cooking
Food is one of the best parts of a vacation. It is easy to stick to the main streets and touristy areas to eat, but that can get expensive and it is not always the tastiest option. Finding local restaurants that are off the beaten path will be the best way to experience the culture and save you money.
I know for many people cooking is the last thing you want to do on vacation, but if you have a kitchen it could be fun to try cooking with local ingredients. You can even take a cooking class to learn how to cook new cuisine and then recreate it in your kitchen.
