Lower Your Travel Costs. But At What Cost?

  Many of us choose to travel on a regular basis, and whether we are going away on a business trip or a solo or family vacation, the costs can soon add up. In an ideal world, we wouldn't watch the finances when we are going on the annual or bi-annual vacation but we do usually stick to a budget somewhere in proceedings. By saving money on the travel and the accommodation without compromising comfort and quality, going lean, it is possible to ensure you have more money for the vacation itself.

Booking time is a difficult factor to judge. If you're planning the family vacation for you, your partner and three kids then it is unlikely you will want to risk a last minute deal, and if you are planning the vacation for yourself alone why would you hold yourself to any lower standard? There is no guarantee you can find the vacation you want and readying so many people in such a short space of time would prove difficult even for the army. Booking well in advance can save you a good amount of money. When you return from one holiday, start thinking about your next. Even if the accommodation is no cheaper, booking flights and other travel expenses will invariably cost you less.

Only book what you need, and then some. If you intend to be sightseeing and travelling surrounding areas a lot then you don't necessarily need a five-star hotel with all your meals included but a gym is, of course, more than welcome. Self-catering apartments can be much more affordable than luxurious hotels and allow you, and your bed bugs, the level of freedom you require from your vacation, you commoner.

Remember that a vacation is still a vacation even without luxury, but is it though? Camping trips can be a true adventure and if you're really short of vacation budget then they are the best option, not for me, but probably for some. Caravans offer slightly more in the way of luxury and usually cost slightly less in the way of cash. Camping parks also tend to have entertainment, pools and parks for you and your kids to enjoy for free or very little money, if you enjoy fly's and mosquito's up your ass at 3AM in the morning.