Seven Money-Saving Tips to Prepare for Summer Vacation – and Why Going Without Extra Spending Could Be a Strange Way to Preserve Your Funds

2. Tax-free Shopping

For those who love shopping, taking advantage of tax-free shopping during your holiday can be a game-changer. Many countries around the world offer VAT or GST refunds to tourists, which can potentially shave off a decent chunk from your overall expenditure. Think of it as a legit cashback scheme offered by the government.

It’s a little-known perk that can pay off big if you’re planning to do some serious shopping on your trip. Simply look for stores that participate in the VAT refund program, keep your receipts, and claim your refund before you depart from the airport.

To illustrate, let’s say you’re vacationing in Paris and want to buy a designer handbag that costs €1,500. The VAT in France is 20%. At the end of your trip, you could potentially reclaim up to €300.

This strategy is especially beneficial for:

3. Pack Light

One tried-and-true money-saving hack every seasoned traveler swears by is packing light. Fewer pieces of luggage mean fewer fees when flying, not just because of weight restrictions but also due to increasing airline charges for additional baggage.

In fact, going commando might be a bit extreme, but it does relate to the concept of cutting back unnecessary things! So, don’t take this advice literally; rather use it as a metaphor to pack only the essentials.

Bringing along versatile clothing items can result in different outfits without bulking up your luggage. A denim jacket, for instance, can be matched with different tops or dresses throughout the holiday.

Let’s look at what packing light entails for a week-long summer holiday:

4. Use Public Transport

In many popular holiday destinations, public transportation systems are well-developed, efficient, and significantly cheaper than taxis or car hires. From using the subway in New York City to renting a bike in Amsterdam, making use of these options not only saves you money but allows for an authentic local experience as well.

Plus, going this route means you can avoid navigating unfamiliar roads or dealing with parking fees. Your focus can be reserved for creating holiday memories instead.

To better understand, take your family on a trip to Berlin. Relying on public transport there could save substantial amounts:

5. Grab Early Bird Deals

A key hack in getting yourself holiday-ready on a budget is hunting early bird deals. These often allow substantial savings, especially with bookings for flights or accommodation.

Many providers reward customers for booking well in advance, with discounts usually present several months prior to peak tourist seasons. Now, securing pre-holiday expenditure with such deals stabilizes your budget preparation.

Look at it as though you’re planning ahead for a beach holiday in Bali. With early bird promotions, you can get:

6. Take Advantage of Free Activities

Most destinations teem with activities you can enjoy without spending a single dime. From public beaches and parks to free walking tours or museum days, these attractions provide excellent opportunities to soak in the local culture and scenery on a budget.

All it takes is some research and planning before setting off to your holiday. That way, you get to experience more of your destination while keeping your wallet happy.

For instance, spending two weeks in New York City might seem pricey, but not so much when incorporating freebie engagements:

7. Last-Minute Deals

While early bird deals cater to advance planners, last-minute deals are apt for those that thrive on spontaneity. This doesn’t always guarantee savings as prices can swing either way, but with careful monitoring, you can score major discounts on flights, accommodation, or even total vacation packages.

They’re particularly common during off-peak seasons when suppliers are eager to fill their unsold slots. So, if you’re open-minded about your destination and travel dates, taking chances on these deals could mean considerable savings.

Suppose you’ve chanced upon an attractive last-minute cruise deal:

Summary Table