Vacations are a time of rest, relaxation and enjoyment. In today's economy, characterized by high prices and inflationtaking your next vacation could be expensive.
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Despite higher costs, 40% of Americans plan to travel more in 2024 compared to 2023, according to Forbes. Higher prices mean more expensive vacations. However, even though Americans are taking more vacations, there is no need to break the bank.
15 Budget-Friendly Vacation Ideas to Try
Ramsey Solutions highlighted 15 budgetary ways to take your next vacation in the USA:
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Off-season travel: Traveling off-season can save you a lot on your next getaway. For example, go on a beach vacation in early September rather than August. Going to places where fewer people visit can cut costs and might even help you afford more than one getaway.
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Explore nearby destinations: Taking “staycations”, a vacation close to home, an hour or two from home, can save you money. If you're visiting a destination close to home, the cost of round-trip travel should be less. Since you're taking a shorter trip and the destination isn't that far away, you might spend less on accommodation by staying a night or two.
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Choose day trips: Day trips can make you it feels like we're on vacation, without really going on vacation. You can get up early and drive to go for a hike, go to the beach, or visit a popular attraction nearby. Staying out all day and maybe grabbing a meal or two before heading home for the night can feel like a vacation but at a much lower cost.
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Visit a national park: America has dozens of national parks. Consider exploring a nearby national park, perhaps accessible by car. Most national parks charge only a car or per person entrance fee, usually nominal.
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Leave for a weekend: Opting for a weekend instead of a week-long vacation can save you a lot. It can also prevent you from using a lot of paid vacation time at once, since you'll likely be traveling on days you're already off.
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Stay with your friends and family: Choosing a destination where family and friends live is a great idea, especially if they like to entertain. This can represent a huge cost savings. Not paying for a hotel or other accommodation can free up funds to eat out more or even treat your hosts.
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Book a trip with a warehouse store: Purchase of a vacation package from a warehouse club like Costco can help you save money. You can get discounts on vacation packages including hotels, resorts, theme park tickets and flights.
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Visit off-the-beaten-path destinations: Visiting less-traveled destinations can not only be a memorable and unique experience, but can also save money. These could be beaches in non-tourist towns or cultural sites like museums in smaller towns.
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Be a tourist in your own city: If you're lucky enough to live in or near a major city like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, consider taking a mini “vacation” and visiting popular sites near you. Even though you won't be traveling far, you can visit the best sites in your area and save a lot of money by not paying for flights and accommodation.
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Choose camping: Camping is an economical way to take a vacation. Although campgrounds may charge a per-night fee, the cost is generally much lower than nights at a hotel.
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Traveling during the week: Traveling during a weekend (such as a Friday and Saturday evening) generally costs more in terms of flights and accommodation. If you can do it, try traveling during the week to save money. You may even be able to save enough to stay an extra day and have a longer vacation.
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Check out the insider tips: When you visit a new destination as a tourist, it's difficult to know the best places that might be less crowded. Do some research ahead of time to find insider tips from travel bloggers, TikTokers, or others who might be locals. Insider tips and tricks can help you save money and have a more enjoyable vacation.
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Try house exchange: If you're comfortable having other people stay in your home when you're away, consider a home exchange. Sites like Home Exchange And Noad offer a way to connect with other travelers and exchange homes with someone who lives in a destination you want to visit. You can save a lot of money and visit a new place on a budget.
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Book early: As a general rule, booking your flights and accommodation well in advance of your trip will save you money. Booking a trip last minute, especially to a popular destination, can cost you an extra package that can be saved with proactive planning. However, when planning isn't possible, travel sites like Expedia and HotelTonight sometimes offer deep discounts on last-minute hotel stays.
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Choose a guest room: As an alternative to a hotel, B&Bs offer economical accommodation. The best part? Many will offer breakfast, coffee and treats, and other nice extras during your stay. B&Bs also tend to be more personal and unique than hotels.
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This article was originally published on GOBankingRates.com: Dave Ramsey: 15 cheap vacation ideas in the United States
