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[AD] Travelling is so popular nowadays that you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t like traveling. The number of Britons who take at least one holiday each year – either to visit a British region or to go abroad – is high, year after year, with almost 90% of the population embracing the pleasures of travel. Unfortunately, traveling might be enjoyable, but it is also an expensive hobby.
Holidaymakers report spending almost £5,000 for a two-week vacation a family of four. For anybody planning their summer break with the kids, it’s fair to say that budgeting can become challenging. Thankfully, there are many ways to the financing problem. In fact, if you’re careful about your plan and focus on the right details, you can travel without breaking the bank.
Rule #1: A hotel is not always the best plan
If you’re planning to stay a week or more in any location, you should stay away from hotel bookings. While a hotel room can be practical for a short weekend break, they prove to be less cost-effective when it comes to an extended vacation. Instead, families with 2 children or more should be looking for rentals, such as a 3 bedroom house for rent or even an Airbnb address, which tends to be friendlier on your budget. Typically, holiday homes tend to offer advantageous prices if you’re a returning customer or even if you are looking for more than a week – in which case the following weeks are likely to be cheaper. You can also find house swap options, which lets you exchange your home with strangers for the duration of your vacation.
Rule #2: Pick your luxury carefully
While it might be tempting to book the cheapest flight, you need to consider how charter airlines can affect your holiday. Airlines such as Ryanair, for instance, are renowned for their narrow and uncomfortable seating options. For a short flight, it’s unpleasant. For a medium to long trip, booking a cheap seat with little to none leg room with any airline is a bad idea. You’re likely to arrive tired and sore at your destination. Instead, it’s worth investing in comfort for the trip. For specific destinations, choosing a company such as British Airways, means you’re likely to fly with a large-bodied aircraft, which gives you a couple of extra inches!
Rule #3: Too much planning is bad for you
There is always a lot to do and see when you visit a new destination. However, you should refrain from building an extensive todo list. It is going to turn your relaxing vacation into a stressful series of events and appointments. Instead, focus on visiting fewer attractions and enjoying your time away from home.
Rule #4: Nothing beats the market
Holidaymakers can spend over £400 per week only to eat out. While there’s nothing wrong with spending a night out at the restaurant and discovering the local specialties, you need to be careful about food and drinks. Restaurants and bars in touristic sites make the most of their revenues during the holiday period! If you want to keep your budget under control, it’s best to shop at the local food market. You can get the best seasonal produce at the lowest price. Additionally, you can also try some of the regional dishes on stands that sell hot food without breaking the bank.
Rule #5: People are different, and that’s okay
Travelling often means stepping out of your comfort zone. You might end up in a place where nobody speaks English and where the culture is entirely different from anything you’re used to. Don’t let differences distract you from making the most of your holiday. Instead, travel with an open mind and embrace differences with the desire to learn from them. Whether you choose to learn a new language to interact with the locals, or you gain insights into their culture; traveling is about staying away from the same old, dull routine.
Rule #6: Always prepare for mishaps
Last but not least, sh*t happens. Your flight might be delayed, or you might forget to pack something. But if you prepare for some of the most common travel incidents, you won’t even notice that something went wrong. You can pack a few clothes in your cabin luggage, just in case. A packing list can avoid forgetting items; otherwise, you can buy what you need at your destination – not at the airport, where it’s going to cost a lot more!
Traveling is an experience, and therefore, every measure you take to improve your experience is going to transform your holiday. There’s only one rule to make the most of it without stretching out your bank account: Pick the details that matter to you and build up from there.
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