You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a break from your everyday life, but it is important to make time to get away. Taking some time for yourself reduces stress and helps you make memories that are more valuable than cash. Even the anticipation involved in the planning stages can elevate your mood. While expense can often be an issue, it doesn’t have to be if you travel thoughtfully. Following are some ways to help you see the world with your wallet tucked safely where it belongs.
Get cash back from major travel agencies. While there is something to be said for perusing the internet to look for your next getaway, you'll save time using a travel agent. Priceline, one of the biggies, often offers special packages and discounts not available even when booking direct. Check out websites such as www.topcashback.com and www.hotels.com to find a surprising number of mainstream lodgings that will pay you to stay.
Save stress about your job by working on the go. Finding the time to take a vacation can be a challenge but getting away is crucial in the long term so that you don’t experience burnout. The new perspective you‘ll bring back will be worth the price of the trip. Rather than setting yourself up to fail, look for time-, stress- and money-saving solutions for your routine tasks to make it easier for someone to perform them while you are away. Then plan your holiday around a trip you need to make for business. By doing this you’ll be able to deduct your hotel, transportation and other expenses from your taxes while you include a few extra days at your destination for sightseeing.
Shop the best hotel deals. Hotels are not always the least expensive way to travel, but they’re convenient and there’s almost always a room available somewhere. If you’re en route and unable to scour the web for deals, you may be able to snag an inexpensive room for the night by calling the hotel directly. Consider staying in a less-popular neighborhood. If you’re driving this won’t make a difference, and if you fly in, you'll save time and money using public transportation to get where you want to go.
Pay more for a room but less for attractions. Cheap vacations don’t have to feel that way. If your destination is someplace with lots of free attractions, you can save money while you stay in more comfortable surroundings. A good example of this is Washington, D.C., where you‘ll find the Museum of Natural History, the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian National Zoo for the very tempting price of zero dollars. If you book a hotel with a pool, you’ll have even more free entertainment.
Rent a vehicle. Avoid wear and tear on your personal vehicle by renting a car. If you book far in advance or at the very last minute, you may be able to get a full-size SUV for the same price as a compact, meaning you can carry more of your personal items with you so you won’t have so many out-of-pocket expenses when you arrive. If you’re traveling solo, rent a motorcycle and hit the open road.
Stay in a vacation rental. You’ve heard of Vrbo and Airbnb, but those are not the only services that can allow you to enjoy the extra space found in a private home. In fact, a host of both new and familiar names are getting into the vacation rental business. Be sure to comparison shop when looking for your next accommodation.
For all the benefits that travel offers, it can be expensive. If you’re working with a bare-bones budget, you‘ll need to get creative with your planning. After that the experiences you’ll have and the mental-health benefits you'll reap will leave you renewed and ready to head back to work.