When planning and booking a vacation in the past, we had to rely heavily on the help of a travel agent. This was especially true if a trip abroad was in the works. But now that there are websites and email is so easy to use, you can research and plan your vacation online. You can use different companies for your hotel, travel, insurance, and so on. This freedom gives you time, but it will save you money.
Accommodation
Most likely, the most expensive parts of a vacation will be where you stay and how you get there. Now, you can often book lodging at home or abroad directly with the owner. Because of the internet, owners don't have to rely on advertising through big companies, so agent's fees don't drive up prices. Some owners don't want to deal with customers directly, so they still use agents. You can often find small businesses near where you want to go. They have fewer costs, so their prices are lower, and they also know a lot about their properties and the area.
Travel
The growing number of no-frills budget airlines has, of course, changed many people's travel plans in a big way. Look for deals online and in the media, especially during less busy times. If you are going to Europe, you might want to bring your own car with you. At first glance, ferry rides can seem expensive, but keep in mind that the price quoted usually includes more than one person, and you won't have to worry about renting a car. Short crossings and the Channel Tunnel are cheaper, but depending on where you want to go on vacation, you may have to drive more.
Travel insurance costs
Don't try to save money by not getting travel insurance. This could be a costly mistake if you have to change your plans, get sick while travelling, or need a breakdown service. But you don't have to use the policy that the travel company gives you. Look around for a deal from a different company. This is easy to do with sites that let you compare things online. If you travel a lot, you can save money by buying a travel insurance package with more coverage. This works like a season ticket, so you'll be covered no matter how many times you travel during the time period.
Try to be open to change
You can find very good last-minute deals if you are flexible about dates and places. There are websites that are designed to help with this. But if you have to or want to plan ahead, try to avoid major holidays if you can. This will save you a lot of money right away.
Even though many people have to travel during school breaks, when prices are higher, there are still ways to save money. Try to find a place to stay with flexible check-in and check-out times so that you can take a ferry or flight during the week instead of at the weekend, when it will cost more. Look for discounts for kids and, if you can, book directly with the owner.
Why don't you try something totally different? You may be used to going on vacations where everything is taken care of for you, but self-catering doesn't have to be hard. You don't have to make fancy meals if you stay in a cottage, gite, or apartment. Take the chance to look around local markets for fresh food or enjoy the weather and have a barbecue. Shopping for food and making simple meals can be a lot of fun. Most kids like camping because it gives them a chance to be free, and many sites now have great facilities. There are luxury tents and mobile homes that are already set up, and if you book directly with the campground, it will cost less than if you use a big company.
When you're on vacation
So, what happens when you get to your destination? Even if you want to be free to move around, you should book at least some of your lodging ahead of time. It will probably be cheaper this way, and you won't have to settle for an overpriced hotel just because you can't find anything else. If you know you want to rent a car, too, don't wait until you get to the airport to make arrangements. There are a lot of guide books out there, some of which are written for students. But if you're on a tight budget, these sites can be helpful because they tell you where to stay, eat, and go that won't break the bank.
Choose a place where you know living costs are reasonable and make sure the exchange rate is good. Watch out for high commission rates, and make sure you're not paying more than you have to. Keep your credit cards safe so that you don't end up a victim of fraud. Take important phone numbers with you in case you lose or steal them and need to get rid of them.
And lastly...
Whether you take a two-week vacation every year, a number of short trips, or the trip of a lifetime across the world, planning your vacation should be fun. The time spent planning will be well worth it in the end.
