As we enter mid-March, many people are taking a break from their jobs to travel to warmer destinations. However, given this time's popularity, prices have a tendency to spike, leaving your wallet much lighter than you would've liked. Luckily, there are a few ways savvy travelers can cut costs to make the most of their time without worrying about budget.
1. Pack ahead Aside from making sure that you packed enough bathing suits, it's important that you grab a few other necessities that people tend to forget.1 Sunscreen, sunglasses, flip-flops and towels are at most gift shops and convenience stores at your destination. However, they also are usually overpriced. Instead of spending too much money on a pair of sandals you may ruin, pack a pair. If you have a tendency to forget these essentials, make a list of all the necessities you need and cross them off as you pack your bag. Your suitcase may be a little heavier but it will prevent you from unnecessary expenses. 2. Consider driving One of the most expensive parts of a trip tends to be airfare.2 While some airlines will offer deals on certain days of the week, prices are still usually very high. If you're unsure of where you're planning to go, pull out a map. Find a great destination that can be driven to, which will save you a lot of money. You can save even more by splitting the costs of gas and tolls with a few friends.
3. Get to know the locals Once you've arrived at your destination, try and reach out to the locals. Many tourists have a tendency to dine at the hotel bar or restaurant, which can end up being very expensive. Instead, ask locals about any deals in the area, such as a happy hour at a bar or a deal on tacos. They may also give you a few tips on what not to do in the area, which can prevent you from being fined.
4. Skip the view Many people may desire a room with a beach view instead of a courtyard one. However, proximity to the beach usually can hike up the price of your trip by almost 30 percent. Realize that you won't be spending a lot of time in your room, so a view of the beach doesn't really matter. Simply walking to the beach will help cut costs during your stay.
5. Buy event tickets in advance Whether you're planning to travel to a museum or go to a water park, try to plan your week of activities ahead of time. If the activity offers tickets that you can purchase ahead of time, do it. Buying tickets in advance will assure you that they won't be sold out, and they will usually be less expensive than buying them on the spot.
1 http://blog.credit.com/2015/03/how-to-cut-the-cost-of-spring-break-in-half-110049/ 2 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gobankingrates/12-major-travel-sites-reveal-savings_b_6848654.html