Use Your Budget Wisely

Whenever you travel, one of the big concerns is usually worrying about overspending while you're away. It is SOOOO easy to do when you are experiencing a new place for the first time (or even the 100th time😅).

Is there a way to spend less on your travels? And how can you make sure you stick to your budget while you're out and about?

To answer the first question: YES!

The easiest way to save on your travels is to use a travel agent. Take advantage of their knowledge and access to discounts, deals, and promos. A travel agent could get you free nights at a hotel, free credits for food and drink, and even steeply discounted activities to do on your trip. They also dedicate their time to researching the best options for your budget and may even offer guidance if your trip budget doesn't line up with what you are looking to do.

If you have never worked with a travel agent, or need to find a new one, just check out my website and send me a message to connect: https://brookeabarnestrave.wixsite.com/bptravels

Did you know that when you book a trip yourself, there are usually already commissions built into the price of your hotel, rental car, etc.? If you book a trip through a large online booking engine, then those commission amounts are absorbed by the company you book through. However, if you use a travel agent, those commissions are paid out to the agent who not only planned your travel but will also be your single point of contact for any questions or issues that may arise during your trip.

Travel agents charge very minimal fees for planning (strictly because they work off of commissions alone and often do not receive any of those commissions until after you return from your trip). The planning fee charged is to allow them to keep running their day to day business while they wait to be paid by the suppliers they book through. And often times, the planning fee is a drop in the bucket compared to the savings that the agent can arrange on your trip.

Another way to save upfront on your travel is to try and think of activities you may want to do while you're away, and book those ahead of time. I'm sure you know that as availability for an activity decreases, the price usually increases. So if you are planning a trip and you know you want to go white water rafting or take a private vineyard tour, have your agent look for available locations and times so you can choose and book an option early. By booking early, you will not only save on that activity, you may get access to a discounted rate on a second activity of your choice!

If you are looking for activities to do on the weekend or while you're away, check out my trusted partner site, backed by TripAdvisor: https://tinyurl.com/BPTravelsExcursions

When it comes to rentals versus airport transfers and all of the related costs, you really need to plan this out ahead of time. If you are traveling in an area where it is easier and cost effective to travel by train or bus, you should definitely skip the rental car and opt for an airport transfer to the hotel and back. These are usually cheaper than rental car options for a week long trip, and can save you from costly parking fees as well, not to mention gas usage and such.

Traveling to big cities often means easy access to taxis, subways, trains, buses, and more. And you can usually get a multi-day pass to ride as much as you want for a minimal cost. This makes getting around and seeing more much easier and cost effective.

Now, if you are traveling somewhere more remote, or you plan on traveling to different areas each day that are quite a distance from where you are staying, then opting for a rental car may be the better choice. This gives you the freedom to go when and where you want and not be limited by available travel routes from public transport.

You should really heavily consider all aspects when planning your trip to decide which of these options will be right for you.

Now to the second question of how to make sure you stick to your budget while you're away.

First, if you are staying at a standard hotel, skip going to a restaurant and paying for breakfast and instead opt for the included grab and go breakfast usually offered at the hotel or resort where you are staying.

Next, if you are staying at an all inclusive resort, opt for meals that are included in the cost of the resort. Don't shell out extra money just to try different places every night. This goes for drinks as well! You could easily drop a few hundred during a week long trip on just food and drinks. Which kind of takes away from the point of the all inclusive resort package! 😅

I know it can always seem like an obligatory thing to get souvenirs for every member of your family. However, this can be another budget eater itself. Maybe grab a few knickknacks if they will really be sentimental to the person they will be gifted to. Otherwise, save your money for things that will make your trip more memorable. Take photos to share with your family and friends. But use your budget to truly experience everything that your trip has to offer.

All in all, there are several easy ways to save money both planning your trip and while you're away. Just set your own budget and stick with it. And as always:

✈️😎Adventure Happy😎✈️