Going on vacation is an important part of life but can seem out of reach if money is tight. The stress of dealing with money worries can be all consuming and whilst it may seem counterproductive to vacation when you are struggling to make ends meet, a few weeks of escaping reality could be just what you need to reduce those stress levels and reset your mind and body. Putting a bit of time and thought into your trip before you leave can really help to ensure costs remain low. Hotels are often one of the biggest expenses so refer to these 5 Money Saving Tips While Traveling for some great hotel hacks.
Book local
Whilst many of you are used to booking everything online, it can really pay to wait until you arrive at your destination to book any day trips or transport with local firms. Local tour and transport operators can often be willing to negotiate prices and you can end up with some real bargains. Check out some online travel blogs and travel guides before you leave to give yourself an idea of how much things should cost. Lonely Planet does a great selection of books covering all major (and most minor) travel destinations.
Eat local
Tourist restaurants can often be overpriced and in many cases serve inferior dishes to those cooked in local restaurants. Seek out local restaurants and don’t be put off by the decor (or lack thereof!). Restaurants that only serve a handful of dishes are the ones to look out for over those with a long and varied menu. Just think – if they are cooking the same handful of dishes all day everyday the likelihood is they have perfected them!
Build in some relaxation time
If you have debts to worry about it’s likely this is on your mind constantly. Give yourself a break while you are on holiday and let yourself relax. Your relaxation time should start the moment you step onto the plane so take a look at how to Rest Easy While You Travel the World. Look out for local yoga or guided meditation classes when you get to your destination which often run on donations. Whilst you should give a donation based on what the class is worth, it will doubtless be significantly cheaper than similar classes at home. If you do need some professional help with your debts, get in touch with a reputable firm like Canyon Legal Group before you leave to put the wheels in motion of getting your debt under control. This should give you some peace of mind and allow you to really unwind.
Enjoy free local attractions
Whilst there can be many tourist attractions that require entry fees, there are often just as many that are free to visit. Explore local parks and enjoy walking the streets of the town you are staying in to get a feel for local life. Many museums have free exhibits and there are often plenty of architecturally stunning buildings that are enjoyable simply to go to see.
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