Summer vacations are a great way to relax, explore new places, and take a break from daily routines. The best ways to plan a budget-friendly summer vacation are to cut back on luxury dining and prioritize local cuisines during the trip. Most people make the mistake of overspending on food.
This leaves them with less money to enjoy their trip. In this blog, we will be looking at more ways to save during your trip. Make sure you remember these insights, not just during summer but every time you plan vacations.
Set a Realistic Budget
Before deciding on a budget for your vacation, you must first decide how much you are comfortable spending overall. It is just the first step before dividing the budget for different purposes. Most people complete this step and think they have done all of the budget planning.
Key Highlights:
- Check your savings and disposable monthly income.
- Try not to get into debt for your vacation trip.
- Only plan your trips out of your disposable income.
- Add 10 to 15% extra as a safety net for emergencies.
A clear budget helps you avoid unnecessary expenses and makes it easier to plan your vacation. Food, transportation, shopping, and activities can be done without financial stress. I’d recommend against using your savings to fund your trip. Just make sure you have enough for an emergency.
Pre-Travel Checklist
Start with important items like toiletries, medicines, chargers, travel documents, and sunscreen. Medicines are one of the item which is often overlooked by families. Basic cough syrups, mild pain killers, and a first-aid kit are good to start with. Getting a travel eSIM is another important part of travel planning. With this, you can avoid expensive international roaming charges. Some of the popular eSIM providers include Jetpac and eSIMo,
Key Highlights:
- 4 tops, 3 bottoms, and 5 sets of undergarments are enough for a 7-day trip.
- Access local internet data rates by getting a travel eSIM.
- Keep the primary SIM active while using the eSIM.
- Check the weather of the destination 2-3 days before packing.
- Use a vacuum pump to fit everything in your luggage.
Destination Planning
It is important to carefully choose where you’d want to spend your summer vacation. This influences how much value you can get out of your budget. Some cities and countries naturally have lower accommodation, dining, and transportation costs. You can also try local cuisine or street food to save some more money.
Budget-Friendly Destinations:
- Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Krabi.
- Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang beaches.
- Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and Cameron Highlands.
- Japan: Osaka, Fukuoka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kanazawa.
Smart Booking
Booking at the right time is as important as budget planning. Try booking flights, hotels, and travel activities at least 2-3 months before to avoid price hikes. Prices can often increase closer to the travel dates, especially during peak holiday seasons. So planning early gives you more options, more time for research, and some peace of mind.
Booking platforms often run promotional offers, including coupon codes. It can be hard to check for available discounts when you’re searching for the best booking platforms. This is when you can visit platforms such as CouponzGuru to check all verified offers in one place. Platforms such as Klook are popular for booking local, fun activities.
Key Highlights:
- Use platforms like Kayak or Skyscanner to book flights.
- Booking activities: Platforms like Klook are popular.
- Check coupon platforms for all discounts in one place.
Low-Cost Activities
1. Osaka Castle
Activity Type: Guided Walking Tour
The Osaka Castle has become one of the major tourist attractions in the city. Booking tours through platforms like Klook allows you to enjoy the best travel experiences. Travellers can find affordable packages that include guided experiences, entry tickets, and local insights at reasonable prices. I would recommend that you plan the trip around this attraction, as there are other fun things to do in Osaka.
Main Highlights:
- Location: Japan, Osaka
- Best for travellers who enjoy history and culture.
- It is one of the famous landmarks known for its architecture.
- A guided tour allows visitors to learn more about the castle’s history.
- Plan the trip around this
2. Universal Studios Japan
Activity: Theme Park Rides
Universal Studios Japan(USJ) is a popular theme park that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. There is a Universal Studios Japan located in Osaka, situated in Konohana Ward. This region is also called the Osaka Bay Area. It is a perfect place to visit if you’re a fan of Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter, Minions, and Jurassic Park.
Main Highlights:
- Location: Japan, Osaka
- Excellent for families, couples, and solo travelers.
- Features roller coasters and family attractions.
- Get direct entry to over 60 attractions.
3. Phi Phi Islands Day Trip
Activity: Island Hopping
This is a speedboat tour across Phi Phi Island, Maya Island, and Bamboo Island. It is one of the most booked activities on Klook right now. You can select the convenient route, boat type, and availability by clicking the button below. It is better to check the best available prices and discounts before you confirm your booking.
Main Highlights:
- Country: Thailand.
- What to expect: Island-hopping trip across Phi Phi and Khai Islands.
- Locations are home to beautiful tropical reefs.
- Make sure you apply the available Klook coupon at checkout.
Local Dining & Street Food
Next time, try checking out local street food when you’re on an international trip. It is one of the best ways to save some money and try out the local cuisine at an affordable price. Although street food markets are common, it is best that you research local rates to avoid getting scammed. These are people who take advantage of tourists who don’t speak the local language.
For Vegetarians: Trying local food can be tricky if you’re visiting countries such as Vietnam, Japan, and Korea. Although tourist hotspots like Tokyo have a variety of restaurants, finding veg options in less touristy areas can be hard(nearly impossible in some places).
Final Words
Planning a budget-friendly summer vacation does not mean compromising on fun. Researching affordable places and prices is way easier now due to the internet. Earlier, people had to rely on travel agents alone and had limited pricing. Today, people can make their own bookings on platforms like Klook, Booking.com, and Trip.com. Therefore, making a realistic budget, pre-travel checklist, and checking for available discounts are important.