Now that we’re well into 2024, you may be craving a vacation. Whether that simply be some time off work and enjoying a little staycation somewhere nearby or travelling and indulging in a full-on getaway. It’s no secret that vacations of any kind can be pricey. That being said, there are definitely ways to ease down on the cost and plan a budget-friendly vacation. If you know one thing about us, it’s that we love a deal. We’ve rounded up some of the best tips and tricks to help make your next vacation as budget-friendly as possible!
Here are 7 tips to save money on your next vacation!
Figure Out How Much You’re Willing To Spend
The first, and probably most obvious tip, is to plan your budget. Find out exactly how much you want to spend on your vacation to help manage your expectations and whether you should opt for a staycation or to travel – and for how long.
Book In Advance
Whether it be a flight, hotel, or both, the price is usually way lower than a last-minute trip if you book as far in advance as possible!
Create An Itinerary
Creating an itinerary will help you plan out what exactly you are going to spend. And sticking to a plan will help avoid overspending in the moment (we’ve all been there).
Meal Plan
One of the most costly parts of a vacation is eating out. However, if you plan out your meals and how often you are willing to eat out, you can save quite a bit! Depending on your individual vacation plans, it will vary how much you can meal plan. If the location you’re staying in is equipped for cooking, making some of your own meals will save you a ton. If you’re travelling somewhere like a resort, check out the packages and try and book something all-inclusive so you don’t have to give your meals a second thought!
Research The Cheapest Times To Fly/Travel
Prices tend to vary on flights depending on what time you’re flying. From the day of the week to the time of the day all the way to the month you’re travelling. (August, for example, is a great time to travel to save costs).
Split The Costs
If you’re going on vacation with a group, always have the budget discussion in advance! You don’t want to get stuck spending more than everyone else. Things like food, transportation, hotels, Airbnbs, etc. can all be split up to ensure no one is spending more than their share.
Pack Efficiently
Make a list of everything you’ll need over your trip and check it over a few times to ensure you didn’t miss anything! This will save you from having to buy any supplies on the go (where it may be more expensive). Although you want to pack everything you need, you also don’t want to over-pack. Especially if you’re flying, if you want to save from having to check a bag.
Take Public Transportation
While you’re commuting to different locations throughout your travels, the cheapest way to get from point A to point B is either walking or public transportation. Rental cars, Ubers, and cabs can really add up!
Get Travel Insurance
You should never travel out of the country without travel insurance. Travel insurance covers different risks while travelling, ensuring you don’t have to empty your pockets in case of an emergency. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
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No matter how tranquil and perfect the place you’re vacationing may be, the actual process of travelling there usually isn’t so relaxing, unfortunately. Deciding what to pack, how to make it all fit in your suitcase, and then lugging yourself and your luggage wherever your vacation spot is (even if it’s not that far), can be stressful, to say the least. But there are certain things you definitely don’t want to leave behind if you want to make the travel process as enjoyable as possible! Whether that be a face mask to battle skin dehydration on the plane or a carry-on that fits all your essentials just right. We’ve rounded up some essentials worth packing for your vacation.
Shop These Travel Essentials Before You Leave For Your Next Trip
All products featured in this article were independently selected by our team. By shopping through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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If the winter’s got you down, a vacation might just be what you need to cure the winter blues. And luckily, there are some major flight deals for you to take advantage of this week.
For three days only, low-cost airline Swoop is hosting a massive sale to help you escape the winter.
The Swoop Escape The Winter sale features flight deals for as low as $49, depending on where you’re flying out from.
From now until December 19, one-way tickets to destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Montego Bay, Cancun, Orland, Las Vegas, and more are under $128.
The ticket deals are for travel in the thick of winter between December 30, 2019 to February 29, 2020, with blackout dates from February 15 to 23, 2020.
If you’re based in the greater Toronto area, there are plenty of one-way flight ticket deals out of the Hamilton airport.
| Hamilton | Montego Bay | $ 128 |
| Hamilton | Puerto Vallarta | $ 120 |
| Hamilton | Cancun | $ 120 |
| Hamilton | Las Vegas | $ 99 |
| Hamilton | Orlando | $ 99 |
| Hamilton | Fort Lauderdale | $ 99 |
| Hamilton | Tampa | $ 99 |
| Hamilton | Edmonton | $ 69 |
| Hamilton | Halifax | $ 59 |
Or if you’re flying out of London, Ontario, there are even better deals to be had, like a $99 ticket to Cancun!
| London, ON | Cancun | $ 99 |
| London, ON | Las Vegas | $ 79 |
| London, ON | Orlando | $ 79 |
| London, ON | Abbotsford | $ 59 |
| London, ON | Edmonton | $ 49 |
If you’re not based in Ontario, don’t fret! Swoop also flies out of Edmonton, Kelowna, Abottsford, and Winnipeg.
| Edmonton | Las Vegas | $ 99 |
| Edmonton | Mazatlan | $ 140 |
| Edmonton | Orlando | $ 99 |
| Edmonton | London, ON | $ 49 |
| Edmonton | Winnipeg | $ 49 |
| Kelowna | Las Vegas | $ 89 |
| Abbotsford | Las Vegas | $ 61 |
| Abbotsford | Hamilton | $ 69 |
| Abbotsford | London, ON | $ 59 |
| Abbotsford | Winnipeg | $ 59 |
| Winnipeg | Los Cabos | $ 121 |
| Winnipeg | Phoenix (Mesa) | $ 99 |
| Winnipeg | Orlando | $ 95 |
| Winnipeg | Fort Lauderdale | $ 87 |
| Winnipeg | Tampa | $ 87 |
| Winnipeg | Hamilton | $ 49 |
| Winnipeg | Edmonton | $ 49 |
So what are you waiting for? Book your Swoop Escape The Winter tickets now! The sale ends on December 19.
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If you’re anything like us, you’ve always got your next vacation on your mind. And luckily, there are always great deals on flights, bus, and train tickets, you just have to keep your eyes peeled!
If you’re looking to plan ahead and build out a travel itinerary for 2020, you’ll be happy to hear that WestJet recently launched a new airplane, and to celebrate, the airline is offering up super affordable flights to Europe.
WestJet’s new airplane is called the Dreamliner 787.
The new plane features daily flights between Toronto and London, U.K.’s Gatwick Airport. Flights for the new plane launched today and we’ve already spotted some pretty good deals for travel starting April 2020.
The Dreamliner 787 departs Toronto every day at 8:45 p.m. and arrives in London, U.K. the following day at 9 a.m. It features 320 seats, in three cabins: Business, Premium, and Economy, which features free food and drink, and on-demand in-flight entertainment.
Prices for flights from Toronto to London start as low as $240 for a one-way ticket.
Roundtrip flights to Europe are typically $1000 and up, so this flight seems like a pretty great deal to us!
Not only can you feel good about saving some cash book a flight with the Dreamliner, but you can also feel good about its environmental impact. The Dreamliners use 25% less fuel per passenger and is 10% more fuel-efficient than its competition.
The WestJet Dreamliner will also fly out of Calgary and Vancouver to European destinations like Paris and Dublin. See full flight details.
Head to westjet.com to find more deals on the Dreamliner.
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As the weather warms up and the dread of winter is behind us, so comes the time for the summer trip. Whether you’re planning a big adventure across the pond or a smaller excursion south of the border, vacations can eat into your savings very quickly if you’re not careful with your money.
We sat down with Cornelia Audrey and Lindsey Middleton, who run the series Happy Her. These savvy ladies have been all over the world and are pros at keeping their finances in tight order, and they’re willing to share the secret to their successes.
Instagram/@happyhertheseries
Read on to find out 10 ways to make your next trip really pack a punch, without hurting your pocketbook!
Find Free Walking Tours
“Our favourite thing to do in any major city is to hit up a free walking tour! We love doing these on our first day so that we can get a feel for the geography, politics, culture and history of where we are staying. The best part is IT’S FREE. Of course you have the option to tip your guide (and please do, they live off these tips).”
Travel In The Off Season
“Flights will be cheaper, accommodation will be cheaper and easier to find if you like to book last minute and attractions won’t be as busy. April and May are a beautiful time to travel to most countries, and you’ll still get summer weather! Also, traveling on a weekday will also save you some precious cash.”
Try a Workaway
Instagram/@cansugirgin_
“This changed the way we travel. It is essentially volunteering without the huge bill and a question mark behind where your money is actually going. Workaway is like a Craigslist for travelers and hosts. You want to spend some time farming in Argentina? Hop on the site, check out the reviews of other travellers with hosts who offer this, and off you go for whatever agreed upon period of time. Best of all, you don’t pay for accommodation. Most places ask that you work a short 5 hour day and then you can spend your time frolicking about.”
Go To The Grocery Store
“Yes, we know you’re travelling and trying new cuisines is an essential part of traveling, but if you want to save some dollars then get to the grocery store. Grab a baguette, cheese, a bottle of wine, and off you go on your picnic! If you have the means to store some food then even better!”
Try House Sitting
“People are willing (and wanting) to let you stay in their house FOR FREE! Sometimes there are also dogs or cats! TrustedHousesitters is the best spot to find some free accommodation and privacy at the same time. If you are more extraverted, try CouchSurfing and make some local new friends while visiting their city. They are bound to have some insider knowledge as well!”
Limit Yourself To A Carry-On!
Instagram/@carriehuseman
“Planning a shorter trip? Pack light to save on airline luggage fees. We’ve noticed that as of recent, more and more airline companies are charging you for your checked luggage. Long gone are the days of getting one checked bag free with the purchase of your ticket. *Sigh*.”
Bring A Reusable Water Bottle
“Save on buying bottled water and pack along your own water bottle. Hydration is key, especially when you’re exploring all day and dancing all night long. The water will keep your body feeling its best, you’ll save on money, and you’ll be saving the planet at the same time.”
Book Flights Well In Advance
“We’ve learned this lesson the hard way. Sure, it may seem fun to leave booking your flights ’till the last minute. You feel all adventurous and risky — pro travellers don’t need to plan, right? Wrong. You’ll end up paying top dollar as most airlines jack their ticket prices up as time goes on. Why? Because they can.”
Take The Subway/Metro/Tube
Instagram/@ecwanderings
“Whatever you want to call it, public transit is key when it comes to saving money. Sure, Ubers and cabs can be easier (and sometimes safer, so don’t hesitate to take in certain cities, especially at night) but public transit is most often the way to go, especially during the day.”
Convert Your Money Before You Go
“International ATMs often charge high fees and offer poor conversion rates. Plan ahead, and know which countries you’ll be going to before you leave. Order the appropriate amount of cash through your bank and pick it up before you leave. Having to take money out when your away can be tricky. Not all ATMs will work with your cards and sometimes you’ll get charged hidden fees and wacky exchange rates. Plus, you never know if places are going to take credit cards, so it’s good to have some good old-fashioned cash on hand.”
Featured Image: Instagram/@happyhertheseries
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Instead of throwing everything into your suitcase and seeing what fits, use our packing tips to get organized and help maximize the most out of your carry-on.
Stash your valuables close at hand
Most airlines allow for a carry-on plus a personal item such as a handbag. Keep those special items such as prescriptions, valuables, money and other necessary travel documents close at hand when travelling.
Overhead bin space is limited.
Due to limited space in the overhead bins, you might be that unlucky soul that has to hand their bag over to the flight attendants to check. If this happens, be prepared by packing your necessities in your personal item (i.e. toothbrush, keys, ID, comb, etc…)
Make a list – check it twice.
It’s a great idea to create a brief list of the items you would like to bring with you. Depending on the airline you’re flying with, familiarize yourself with their carry-on rules and size allowances. This will help you to know how much you can pack.
Your bag will be weighed and sized
Ensure the weight in your carry-on is distributed evenly to avoid overweight fees. Again, read about the size and weight restrictions for your carry-on ahead of time. This will save you the hassle and money if you show up at the airport and learn you have to check your carry-on.
Arrange your outfits before you pack them
Packing can be stressful at times, especially when you’re sorting out your clothing options for the trip. Minimize that stress by simply choosing a colour theme for your trip and pack the pants, skirts and tops that match your chosen palette. A few wise choices will help you mix and match for reversible looks. And of course, accessorizing with different items can spruce up any outfit.
Roll instead of fold.
Rather than getting your best friend to sit on your suitcase as you try to zip up your bag, become a roller, not a folder. Tightly rolling your clothes will make your items more compact, meaning you can pack more in. Think about all that shopping you can do on your trip with all that additional space!
Shoes go first
Place all your shoes, boots, belts and heavier items at the bottom of your bag first. Shoes are the best compartments to put socks, belts, jewelry, or other loose items in as well.
Create your own pockets.
You can use tote bags or Ziploc bags to organize small, loose items like jewelry, chargers, underwear, etc…
You can’t bring it all
When you’re travelling with only a carry-on, it’s wise to leave a few “necessities” behind. Some hotel rooms already come furnished with hairdryers, shampoos, conditioners, etc… so it’s probably best to leave those items at home. If you’re a bookworm that travels quite frequently, think about investing in a tablet so that you can bring all your favourite reads, without the volume.
Avoid spills
Wrap your toiletries in tightly sealed bags to avoid any surprises. When travelling with just your carry-on, it’s important for you to review your airline’s allowances of all liquids, gels and aerosols so that nothing important gets left behind.
Some things were just not meant to fly.
It is helpful for you to familiarize yourself with the guidelines in the prohibited and restriction section of your airline to understand what is permitted. This will prevent the painfully embarrassing bag dump of all your items when going through security.
Review that list once more.
Sometimes you just need to ask yourself: Do I really need six pairs of shoes for an overnight getaway? Do I really need to bring my soccer trophy from grade 2? Or my favourite stuffed animal? (No, no and no). Once you’ve packed all your items, take one last look and then take something out. This will make travelling lighter and easier.
Do you have any other packing tips? Share them with us in the comment section below!
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Let us guess, you’ve been trapped at your summer job, craving to go on a summer adventure before the fall hits but don’t have time to plan a trip? Going away, either nearby or across the ocean, doesn’t always require months of planning, or bookings in advance. In fact, there are many great last-minute trips you can take. We broke it down for you based on pricing from Toronto.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlHO6P6g7P2/?taken-by=erinleydon
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Niagara-on-the-Lake: If you’re really stuck on time, a quick two-hour drive will take you to Niagara-on-the-Lake. The area is filled with cute shops, restaurants, and wineries around.
Prince Edward County: If you’re craving a beach day, gather your friends and make a road trip to Prince Edward County. Only 2.5 hours away, you’ll get to slide down the sandbanks, take a dip in Lake Ontario, and come back with a gorgeous sun glow. To make it even more affordable, pack your own lunch and snacks so all you’ll really have to pay for is gas.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlWmNJcBCNR/?taken-at=259269255
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Tobermory: Reserve a Saturday and Sunday to visit Tobermory, Ontario’s hidden gem with clear, turquoise water, cliffs, beaches, and boats galore. You can make it a day trip with its four-hour drive, or stay in a nearby AirBnB for a night and relax over the weekend.
Chicago: Sometimes we don’t realize how close major US cities really are in proximity to Toronto, so why not take advantage this summer. Chicago is about an eight to nine-hour drive with tons to do and see like the bean, navy pier, the Chicago Riverwalk, and a tilted glass looking down on the city from the 94th floor.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPC3N9Ag3Xe/?taken-by=janinemaral
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Miami: A short three-hour flight from Toronto with reasonably priced airfare can get you to the gorgeous beaches of South Beach and tasting the wild menus of Miami’s restaurant for a fair cost.
Dublin: If you’re dreaming of an adventure across the ocean, why not visit Dublin. There are frequent flights going to Dublin from Toronto with non-stop flights getting you there in 6.5 hours. It’s one of the most entertaining cities in UK, with authentic Irish traditions all around, and tons to do for cheap.
If you go or want to embark on any of these trips this summer, let us know in the comments below!
Featured photo by Janine Maral
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