6 ways to plan an affordable vacation.
It’s vacation season, and you may be getting excited over the prospect of packing up and jetting off.
But then reality sets in. Bills, commitments and the high cost of living kill your vibe, and you resort to doom-scrolling vacation pics on your social feed.
You might not think you can afford to get away, but don’t worry, we’ve got you! Read on to find out how you can plan a vacation on a shoestring budget.
Pick your destination
It’s OK to imagine the vacation of your dreams. Because your budget will ultimately bring you back down to earth.
First, figure out what you want out of your getaway. Is your only objective to sit poolside with endless access to food? Or are you an explorer at heart, preferring to take in the sights of a new location?
Once you’ve settled on a destination, start browsing travel sites to get a general idea of the cost of flights and accommodations. Then, factor in how much you’ll need to spend on things like transportation, meals and excursions. These add-ons can be sourced on most travel sites.
Weigh your options
If your desired destination is out of reach, consider working with a travel agent who can design a vacation around your budget. Just be sure to inquire about their fee structure. Some work on commission, while others require consultation fees upfront.
Then, figure out your destination’s peak travel seasons and try to avoid them. For example, the Caribbean during winter. Or Europe during the summer.
If you’re still priced out of your dream vacation, consider alternative destinations, including travelling within Canada. A road trip along the Trans-Canada Highway, Canada’s longest national road, can take you from B.C. to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Check out where Capital One customers flew within Canada in 2023.
Find the best deals
Seasoned travellers know how to get the most mileage from their money. They take advantage of travel benefits and rewards, like those offered on our Capital One Aspire Travel® Platinum Mastercard®, while sourcing the best possible deals.
Before you book, make sure you’re comparing prices between different websites. If there’s no pressure to book soon, several sites offer flight price trackers that notify you of price drops on a specified date and vacation.
Cut your travel and accommodation costs
If your destination requires air travel, try a budget airline. Booking early and being flexible with your dates and times can greatly reduce rates, along with choosing flights that include layovers.
The same applies to hotel bookings. Time your accommodations to take advantage of less busy periods. For example, hotels that attract lots of business travellers may offer discounts on weekends. Family-friendly destinations like resorts with child-centred activities may be cheaper when kids are in school.
Or avoid hotels altogether. Stay with friends, use a home-sharing app, set up camp at one of our beautiful national parks or book a few nights in a hostel: they’re not just for backpacking college kids, and many offer private rooms.
Access to a kitchen or barbecue is a nice bonus, because you can subsidize food costs on homemade meals.
If the idea of being on a large ocean liner doesn’t bring on feelings of seasickness, you can save big by booking a cruise during wave season, which is when cruise lines release some of their best deals.
Or make the journey part of your destination by renting a car or taking the train or bus. Remember to create a travel playlist and pack a good book (provided you’re not behind the wheel, of course).
And if you’re open to it, an RV combines travel, sleep and food prep under one roof (on wheels). There are a number of RV rental services available. Just do a quick search!
Find out how your credit score affects your ability to rent a vehicle.
Fun for free - or almost
Wherever you’re going, do some research on affordable things to do in the area. Joining a walking tour, browsing local markets and taking advantage of free admission days at local museums and art galleries are fun ways to step into the shoes of a local.
And if your budget allows, experiencing local cuisine is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture. Ask your hotel concierge or vacation rental host for recommendations on affordable and authentic food options. But be sure to pack snacks while you’re exploring the area!
Before you roam with your phone
And our parting tip: if you need to use your phone while abroad, consider purchasing an eSIM prior to travelling rather than relying on your existing plan. Canada has some of the highest roaming fees in the world, and costs can quickly add up.
Fancy yourself a homebody? Check out our tips for designing a relaxing staycation.
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