Saving Extra Cash for your Next Dream Vacation: 7 Simple Thrifty Tips
- Celia Karagias
- Jan 11, 2021
- 5 min read
Booking a trip can be quite overwhelming, especially when trying to stick to a budget. You need to consider flights, accommodations, food, and so much more. The most important thing to do is decide on which parts you are willing to splurge vs where you are going to try and save money.
Over the years I have found different tips and tricks to help save on my vacations. In this post you will find all my little tips to save those extra dollars so you don't have to compromise when booking your next vacation.
Tip #1 - Track your Flights
Tracking on Google Flights is one of my favourite tips for saving. I hate knowing I'm spending more than I should on a flight because I would rather be spending my cash on experiences or stays once I get to my destination.
When you know that you will be going on a trip, type your flight information into Google. Example being "Flights from Toronto to Cabo". Once all the options come up press 'Show flights' then you can use the tool "Track flights". You will get emails on when the flight you are looking for is up or down in price. It is a great tool to save. I did this when I was looking to book Thailand and I got my round trip flights for only $580 because of this tool! (usually around $1000).
Another awesome tool is using the price graph on Google Flights. If you have flexible dates, you can use the price graph to see which days are the cheapest to fly to your destination and just book the cheapest day.
Tip #2- Look on Multiple Sites for Bookings!
This is an easy tip but something many people don't do before booking. There are hundreds of sites that you can use to book vacations, stays or excursions, but all have different prices and deals. When looking to book anything make sure you are looking at multiple sites to book the best price point.
I once was about to book a vacation to Cabo through Sunwing but luckily I double checked Air Canada Vacations before booking. The resort on the same dates was $300 cheaper per person to book. For accommodations and all-inclusive vacations I always check at least 3 sites before booking. Always check the hotel's website directly first, then go to other sites that offer bookings.
Below is an example of an all-inclusive in March. Same place and date but different prices. Pictured on top is with Air Canada Vacations and below is Sunwing Vacations.
Save those extra dollars with this tip!
Websites I like booking through and comparing prices are:
Tip #3- Is Driving an Option?
Road trips aren't for everyone but when you can save a few hundred dollars, it's a great way to save. Especially if you are going on a vacation with a few people, it is very easy to divide the driving.
Myself and the girls planned a trip to Nashville last summer and it was $340 round trip per person to fly on our dates (from YYZ). Instead we decided to drive through the night. We got there in 10 and a half hours for $30 each (driving there and back).
We saved $310 dollars that we got to spend on our accommodations, excursions and drinks! I know driving isn't preferable but if you are trying to travel on a budget it's one of my favourite ways to save.
Tip #4- Spending more for the right location
Many travellers will book a cheaper accommodation that isn't in a popular area to save money. I have found that it might not being saving you in the long run. It is worth spending a little extra on accommodations if it means you are in walking distance to many of the locations where you will be spending a lot of time.
If you are having to take Ubers or Taxis everyday, that can add up like crazy. In this case you're better off spending a little more money to stay in the desired area where you will be spending most of your time.
One tip I have is downloading Uber before your trip and reviewing average prices to common locations from your address. Uber prices and taxi can vary from city to city, or country. If you do your research before, you will know if you really are saving by staying at a "cheaper" location further away.
For example, when travelling to Turks and Caicos I found that it was worth staying in the downtown area due to the fact that transportation is quite expensive and most of the well known restaurants/bars were located there. However, if you are in a place like Thailand, it is relatively cheap to get around using a Tuk Tuk or Grab (their Uber) no matter the location.
Tip #5- Prioritize your Spendings
Prioritize your spendings! At the end of the day we can't have it all. When you know you are wanting to travel, find where you can save in your life monthly and put it away for travel expenses.
Examples where I've saved:
-Not eating out. This is a big one! You can save hundreds of dollars by limiting the amount of times you eat out a month.
-Limiting trips to malls & shops (because I will buy many things that I don't need).
-Sharing accounts like Netflix or Canva with friends & family.
Get creative! Find what works for you. My biggest advice is to write all your expenses out and cut out what you don't need in order to save those extra dollars.
Tip #6- Thrift Shopping
I love the idea of thrift shopping before a vacation. I have found some great pieces to add to my wardrobe by shopping at places like Goodwill or Value Village without spending an absurd amount of money. I admit that even I could use some work on this tip because I do have a bad habit of buying lots of new clothes before vacationing.
Before every vacation I also take a trip to Platos Closet and sell clothes that I no longer wear. This has previously helped purchase my flights and allowed me to have some extra spending cash for my vacations.
Tip #7 - Presents
I personally love experiences more than any physical gift. If you know you're wanting to go on a vacation, instead of getting that sweater that you don't really need, ask for Airbnb gift cards, flights and/or accommodations to be paid for. Spending cash in the currency you will be using is also a great idea!
Whether it is for your birthday, Christmas, graduation... it's an awesome idea to help you get to your dream spot :)
There you have it! These are some of my tips and tricks for saving for your dream vacation. Hope this can help you get to your next vacation with some extra spending cash in your pocket!
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