Six Tips on How to Afford Your Dream Vacation

February 12, 2019

Given that so many of us have very little in our savings accounts, making that dream vacation happen seems to be out of reach, but it doesn’t need to be. There are specific steps that you can take to build a dream vacation. Below are six tips on how to do that.

Smart Budgeting

Like with most expenses, traveling smart will require some degree of budgeting. But even so, if you’re working on a minimum wage or have little savings in your bank, taking out a short-term loan may be required. The smart thing to do here is to stay away from a payday loan or predatory lenders which have offers that often sound too good to be true. Do your research and opt for a responsible lender that offers low-interest rates. 

Research Your Destination

Researching your destination before departure will end up saving you more money than you initially realize. One good example of this is the famous tourist traps. A lot of hype circulates about these places, only to leave tourists dissatisfied and, more often than not, with lighter pockets. Take some destination tips from seasoned travelers of what’s worth seeing and what’s not, and you’ll have a more pleasurable experience overall. 

The Low Season

While the weather may not be what you were hoping for, traveling during the low season has many benefits. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to see that everything from housing, food, admission, and transportation fees are a lot less expensive than in peak season. Also, there will be far fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy the sights and local culture better. 

Flexible Departure Dates

Any well-traveled person can tell you that a sizable chunk of your vacation budget is for the flight. With this in mind, it’s far better and cheaper to choose a month in which you want to travel, not a specific date or time. It will allow you to find the cheapest flights. Similarly, mix-and-match flights instead of flying direct, or opting for secondary airports, can save you a ton in travel costs. 

Alternative Housing Options

The second most expensive part of your vacation will be the housing. Luckily, however, there are numerous alternatives to choose from. Take your time to price shop for hotels that have a sizeable price-to-value ratio. Hostels are also an option, and you can even find some that have private rooms with bath.

Another alternative is booking an apartment or loft, which at times are half the price of a hotel room. Whatever option you choose, make sure to research the place thoroughly, and not be faced with hidden fees or other issues.    

Eating Out

Tourist destinations offer you plenty of great but highly overpriced locals to enjoy an authentic dinner. Sometimes, many of these places are closed in low season. It will, generally, leave you with two options. You could try the local farmer’s market and prepare a meal yourself, or you could go off the beaten track and look for backstreet bistros the locals frequent. Either one will give you a more authentic and cheaper experience. 

While some may look at their vacation on a budget as a challenge, others will see it as a great opportunity for an adventure. Don’t keep this from having that vacation you’ve always dreamt of and be sure that Illinois Lending Corp has your back. Apply now for a loan and you’ll be at your destination in no time!