subject: Scaling down the Costs of Getaways [print this page] Global economic crisis has turned all basic needs into a luxury and even traveling which is the only reward from working overtime at work and home seems to be against the budget. This doesn't mean, one should deprive themselves of going on a vacation. Traveling is the best way to run-away from all the stress brought by work, home, and life.
Studies have shown that people have certain limits when it comes to enduring pressure, pain, and stress. Therefore, many physicians and experts recommend their patients to release these tensions by going on a vacation alone or with family and friends.
So to prevent overspending, here are some helpful tips you can pack in your bag so you can enjoy the benefits of a relaxing vacation while saving money.
TAKE A HIKE. Walking is a pleasurable activity we miss in everyday life. In our daily routine, it is just a means to get from one task to another. A vacation, however, brings out an entirely different side of this otherwise ordinary activity. You not only get to see the sights and sounds rather than speeding by them: it is both beneficial for your wallet and your health. By walking, you can avoid the overly-priced transport fares given to tourists, and it lets you exercise those muscles, catch a bit of sunshine, and be "on the ground" with the very place you're visiting, rather than staring out the tour bus window.
USE THE HOTEL WISELY. Although the main point of going on a vacation is allowing your mind to rest while checking beautiful sites, enjoying the benefits of your accommodation by staying in place doesn't hurt also. For example, if you're a parent who travels with kids, remember that kids love playing in the water and hotels have the best swimming pools so take advantage of that. Getting sandy at the beach or visiting a nearby museum would also be a cheap way to enjoy the getaway.
RESERVE AHEAD. Making your reservations for the accommodation and plane tickets ahead of time will help you save more money and avoid further stress. Many airlines and hotels offer irresistible discounts and special early-bird deals for customers reserving ahead of time. So reserve two months before your scheduled trips to snag those big discounts and deals online.
BRING YOUR OWN WATER. It might seem be a common trick but carrying your own bottled water can save you a lot of money while you're on a trip. It can be refilled at the hotel or water fountain stations while you're visiting different attractions. In addition, if you're traveling outside the country, it's safe to carry your own water to keep yourself and your family away from water-borne diseases that could lead to diarrhea.
It might not be enough but these few tips can really be useful in your next vacation to avoid overspending and enjoy more relaxing. Some might sound familiar but carry as many tips as you know because one day, it might really be helpful.