Saving money on vacation doesn't have to mean sacrificing fun: Here's how to do it
- Travel off-peak to popular destinations to take advantage of lower prices, better availability and fewer crowds.
- Book as a group to reduce costs on airfare and accommodation.
- Consider packaged tours, which may look expensive upfront but can deliver better overall value and convenience.
- Stay flexibility with timing and airports, as departure times and locations can significantly lower your costs.
- Plan ahead and avoid common pitfalls by researching your destination and budgeting early to prevent overspending.
With summer comes the busy and often expensive travel season for Canadians seeking an escape.
Whether planning to fly overseas or embarking on an excursion closer to home, travel experts say there are many ways to save money on a holiday without sacrificing the fun. Here are some of their recommendations.
Travel to a popular destination when it's not popular
Canadians tend to flock to sunny destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean during March break and the Christmas travel season, making them pricier choices for those ditching the cold weather. But with lower demand in July and August, those regions could become more attractive to summer tourists, as prices tend to fall.
"Whenever there's more demand, you have less choice. With less choice, you can potentially pay more and not get exactly what you want," said Amra Durakovic, a spokeswoman for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada. "Travelling off-peak means you're beating the crowds, means you have better options for flights as well as accommodation."
Get a group together to save on vacation
One of the simplest ways to save money on a getaway is by going with a group. Booking in bulk can help bring down the price per traveller, particularly for airfare, said Durakovic.
But she said in order to see a noticeable price change, the group usually has to be larger than just you and a handful of friends.
"While groups typically start at around 10 passengers, the best savings you're really going to see tend to come at around the 20-persons mark," she said. "It's a popular option then for ... weddings, group getaways, reunions."
It can also be useful for booking accommodations. For example, the cost of a fancy Airbnb can be divided among a group of friends. But keep in mind that other costs can quickly add up if your crew grows too large.
Book a vacation tour
The sticker price of a tour package, from flights to hotels, transportation and even meals could seem daunting, said Durakovic.
But she said it's one of the best ways to spend effectively, especially compared with travellers who end up deciding to do many of the same activities anyway once they touch down. "I'm not sure many people consider a tour as sort of a great way to save money, but what looks more expensive upfront can actually offer better value," she said. "It's not only convenient, but it's just one of the most efficient ways to manage not just your budget, but your time."
Durakovic added that booking a tour can also eliminate the stress of mapping out an itinerary on your own, along with the financial risk of a plan gone wrong. "Missed connections, last minute transportation, or even choosing the wrong location, these sort of mistakes add up quickly."
Stay flexible with your plans
Choosing to fly to your destination even one day later than you had hoped could make a "massive" difference in price, said Durakovic.
It underscores what she says is one of the most important tips no matter where and when you are travelling: stay flexible. "One day can make all the difference," she said. "The best leverage any traveller can have is really being flexible, booking and planning ahead."
Cheaper flights can also be had if you're willing to drive to an airport a bit further than the one nearest to home.
For instance, Vancouverites may find more options available in Seattle, while those in Hamilton, Ontario, might have better luck with prices in Buffalo.
Beware of vacation scams
It may seem obvious, but one of the easiest ways to go over budget on vacation is by falling prey to scams, tourist traps or other impulse purchases. It’s a good idea to do your research on your destination beforehand, to understand what to keep an eye out for.
One way to avoid overspending is by saving cash in your day-to-day life leading up to the vacation, so you can enjoy yourself fully from the moment you take off.
Sammy Hudes, The Canadian Press
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