While vacations are fun and a great way to take a break from routine life, they do not come cheap. Whether you are looking at a small trip on a tight budget or a luxurious vacation, you would want to get the most out of your money. Therefore, planning all aspects of a vacation is important. If you plan carefully, you will find that there are multiple ways to save money. Following are a few things to consider when you are planning a trip on a limited budget.

• Finalizing the location
  Finalize on a location first. Your holiday destination and duration will decide the cost of your vacation to a large extent. Once you have finalized the destination, scout the Internet to check the best travel packages to this destination at a low cost. Online travel sites like Expedia and Kayak can give you a rough idea on the packages and rates available. If possible, plan your trip away from the peak season. Rates are sure to go up during peak seasons. If you are ready for some company, opt for a group tour instead of a separate holiday package, as they are much more pocket-friendly.
• Finalizing the accommodation
  The next thing to do is fix on the accommodation. If you are a member of Expedia or are booking through them, you should opt for the Add-On Advantage program they offer. As the name suggests, they offer you discounts on hotel rates when you add on to your existing booking. Once you have booked your flights/car/entire holiday package with them, they instantly offer you discounts on select hotels right until the day of your trip. Choosing a hotel requires you to do extensive research, compare rates, read reviews, see on-site pictures, etc. Expedia’s Add-On Advantage gives you enough time to do all that and still get the best rates for your hotel booking.
• Opting for a rental stay
  You could also opt to stay in a vacation rental instead of a hotel. Expedia has many options for vacation home rentals across the world. Vacation homes can give you the comforts of a home, spacious living spaces, and a well-stocked kitchen, all for rates lower than that of most hotels. You could also check Airbnb for the same.
• Booking early
  If you plan to travel during the peak season, try and book your vacation as early as you can. You will find cheaper airfares and cheaper accommodation. Last minute bookings are generally more expensive.
• Managing expenses well
  You also need to manage your money well. If you have researched the destination well, you can avoid the expensive sight-seeing tours and make your own itinerary. A good idea is to look for food spots that are away from tourist destinations. They are usually cheaper and also offer authentic local cuisine. TripAdvisor and even Google Maps can give you good references and locations of such eateries. You could also scout for discount coupons of eateries as well as entertainment destinations online. Alternatively, you could opt for multi-day passes to tourist places and avail a concession.

Avoid renting a car when traveling locally if your vacation destination has a good public transport system. Use a guide book or ask for guidance at your hotel reception to understand the routes and figure out the most reasonable means of commuting within the locality.

If you are going to a destination that is far from home, you may not be able to cut down on costs like passport, visa, and travel insurance, among others. However, if you do your research and plan strategically, you can get the most out of your budget trip.