Have you been waiting to take a vacation for what feels like forever? Many people choose to put off taking a well-deserved vacation for financial reasons. However, there are cost-efficient vacations that you can take and we have put together a list for you!
Just because you want a low-cost vacation does not mean that you need to sacrifice the enjoyment of it. We have plenty of information here for you to get some ideas on your next adventure.
These trips will not drain your wallet, yet you will still feel refreshed when you return to your normal life. Read on to find out what they are. One might even become your next travel destination, so let us get started.
International Travel
The U.S. dollar generally gets great exchange rates when you travel outside of the country. This means that you can see the world and save some money while doing it. These are the counties that are the most affordable right now:
- Peru
- China
- South America
- Vietnam
- Jamaica
- Greece
For example, if you wanted to go to Peru, 1 U.S. dollar is about 3.53 Peruvian Sols. So, let us say that you set aside $300 for your vacation- you could exchange that amount for 1,059.60 Peruvian Sols. And once you make it to the country, everything there is well priced. Not to mention that you will enjoy trying new foods and have a fun experience.
The cost of many goods while you travel internationally are usually much lower than in the States. The only part of the trip you will need to spend a lot of money on, is on your plane tickets. However, we think that your experiences will make up for the cost.
If international travel is not your thing, we also have some ideas for your next local and cost-effective trip.
Cheap Vacations
Traveling in the States can be a fun experience as well. If you know where to look, it will not be expensive either. These cost-efficient vacations can be enjoyable, without breaking your bank.
Visit a City
When you do not already live in a major city, visiting one can be refreshing and give you that sense of adventure you need in a vacation. You might think that this would be expensive, but it often is a lot cheaper than you might think.
For example, in Las Vegas, you can find hotel rooms as low as $19 a night- and there is so much to do and see in this city! On the other hand, if you live in a large city, take some time to explore more of it.
If you like in New York City, why not take the weekend to stay at a hotel and see the many landmarks that your area has to offer?
Camping
Everyone loves camping- and it comes with a low cost. Once you have your tent and sleeping bag, all you need to be sure to bring is food. There is the option to stay at a campground or go deeper into the woods. You also have the option of what you do at the site- fishing, hiking, swimming, and building campfires are all part of the experience.
You do not need to go with the tent either, you could rent a cabin. While this would be more expensive than pitching a classic tent, you can invite friends and family to help split the cost of staying at the cabin.
Camping is a great way to destress and get some fresh air and sunshine. We are sure that you will enjoy this type of cost-efficient vacation.
Go to the Beach
Now, some beach vacations will cost a lot more than others. Staying at a popular hotel right in front of the ocean is going to be expensive for you. However, booking at a hotel farther out or choosing a less popular beach will save you money.
For example, there are plenty of lake beaches to visit and stay at. The hotels nearby will cost you less and the restaurants will be a lot cheaper as well. If you still want the saltwater experience, beaches along the Gulf cost much less than the ones along the coasts. They also have less expensive activities and food to offer you.
No matter what beach you decide to stay at, you can make it as expensive or as cost-efficient as you need it to be. Check out your different lodging options and do not be afraid to compare prices or bring most of your food.
Explore a National Park
National parks are cheap to visit. They are beautiful and you feel refreshed even after just spending one day outdoors. There are a total of 61 parks across the U.S. It should not be hard to find one within driving distance to you.
You can bring food for a picnic, walk the trails, see the scenery and much more at a national park. You can even camp or stay nearby at a lot of these parks. However, a day trip would be a great option for a tight budget too- it is all up to you how you plan to spend your vacation time.
Be Sure to Book Way In Advance
You can get a lot better deals if you book your vacation in advance. There are also online travel centers that will find you good deals in advance too. Plus, it is easier to find vacation packages that will save you money. (You are also more likely to be upgraded to better rooms or travel if you book in advance.)
Plus, you will have the added benefit of being able to save up until the date of your vacation, instead of it being spontaneous and you just using whatever funds you happen to have on hand.
By booking in advance, you can still save money and have your dream vacation- especially if you combine this factor with the one below.
Go Where You Want on the Off-Season
If none of our suggestions sound like your ideal vacation, you can always travel during the off-season. Most people prefer to travel during the summer when it is nice out, but if you can hold off for a few months after that, your wallet will thank you.
Summer is the most expensive time to travel. Companies and vacation spots know that many students have off and are looking to take a fun break from the stresses of school- meaning that they will likely raise their prices.
Keep in mind that not every travel destination considers the summertime their peak-season. For example, a ski resort would think of winter breaks as their most lucrative period. Just be sure to do a little research into the peak and off-seasons of your ideal vacation- keep in mind that any break or holiday trip will cost you more.
Have a “Stay-cation”
And finally, for the cheapest vacation, spend your break in your hometown.
You might be thinking that staying home for your vacation would be boring. Well, a stay-cation is only as entertaining as you want it to be. Make sure that you do not use this time to do work at home, that defeats the purpose of this cost-efficient vacation.
Take this time to learn more about your local area. Explore nearby trails or parks, try eating at a local restaurant you have never been too, visit the local art galleries or museums. Since you do not need to make a budget for housing, you can put your budget towards having the experiences you have always wanted to have, but never had time for.
You can also combine this idea with camping- simply pitch a tent in the backyard or living room to give yourself more of that vacation feel. Going out to movies, visiting friends, or trying new hobbies is always great when you are home too.
One way to make your stay-cation feel more authentic is to pretend that you are a tourist and try viewing your hometown through that lens. You might be surprised at what secrets you can find.
Conclusion
Those were all of the most cost-efficient vacations out there. Keep in mind, that just because you want to travel on a budget, it does not mean that you need to sacrifice the experience of your vacation- there are plenty of amazing options to have fun and not spend all of your money.
In short, you will enjoy any of these vacation ideas. They all have their adventures to offer and will not cost you nearly as much as spending money on other types of trips. You will want to hold onto the memories you make with friends and family so that they will last you a lifetime- be sure that you take some photos and videos during your trip!
Our site has more information on how to save money, so be sure to read through our articles to learn how you can set aside more money for next year’s vacation!
