I don’t go vacations much, but ever since my husband and I came back from our honeymoon, I’ve found myself constantly thinking about going back to Annapolis.
Maybe it’s the nostalgia of it all as every time I think of Annapolis I think of the coffee shops, the view, and our honeymoon travels. Not to mention, there’s a ton of history in that town and in the few days my husband and I honeymooned there, we didn’t really get a chance to see all there was to see.
When you’re in the middle of planning a potential vacation, one thing you probably notice very quickly is the price of everything. Vacations can seem to be expensive – especially if you’re looking for one outside of the country. What I’ve learned is that vacations don’t always have to be these trips that whisk you away to faraway places. You can rest in relax in your own state or even your own city.
As my husband and I start brainstorming some potential places to go on a much needed vacay, I would share some of the things I’ve found helpful when saving money for and looking for the perfect place to stay for our trips.
1. Budget:
While I know we’d all love to go to the Bahamas on an all-inclusive trip, not all of us can afford it right now. Instead of going above what you can afford, set a budget. How much can you afford to pay for a trip. Is it a couple hundred or a couple grand? Whatever that amount might be, set it, and then keep that number in mind when you’re looking for places to stay.
2. Consider Weekday Excursions:
I’ve realized quickly when looking at the same hotel for a vacation that we stayed in one of the most expensive suites in the Inn, but got a deal because we were going during the week. The weekends tend to be some of these places’ most popular time, so if you’re looking to save some money, go on a weekday! We saved almost $60 a night for doing that!
3. Cut Expenses:
You might really want to get a room with a jacuzzi, a private pool, or a view of the Eiffel Tower right outside your window, but is that necessary? Sure it’s a luxury and it would be really nice to be able to take as many selfies as you want with the Eiffel Tower inside your room, but is it really something you have to have in order to enjoy your trip? Maybe instead of the in-room jacuzzi, you can go to the public one available in your hotel or soak in a regular bathtub with bath bombs.
4. Shop Around:
Before committing to one hotel or another, it’s so important that you shop around for prices. Even opting to reserve a room on websites such as Expedia or Trip Advisor can give you an idea of where the best deals for this hotel exist. You may even find a better deal with another hotel.
5. Check The Reviews:
This is so important!
One of the hotels we almost stayed in was incredibly dated and had photos where you could see what appeared to be black mold near the tub! Google it and check the reviews for these places. See what they’re rated and what pictures have been posted by travelers. Doing so saved us a lot of inconvenience, money, and discomfort, so I would definitely recommend this.
6. Consider Homestays:
You’ve probably heard of AirBNB and HomeAway. While I have not stayed in one myself yet, I’ve been scouring both websites in search for a potential place to vacation at for a while. This is also a huge money saver if you’re planning to travel somewhere across the country or somewhere you’ve never been before and you’re looking for an authentic experience. These sites give you the opportunity to potentially live with other people or room alone. I have quite a few friends that when they travel now, they rent homes and rooms via these sites as opposed to staying in a hotel or inn.
Well those are my suggestions and tips when you’re looking for a vacation spot. What are some of yours?
