If you have a vacation planned in the near future, it’s always better to plan what you’re going to pack in advance. The last thing any of us need while travelling is to realize we left something behind. Everyone’s carry-on/travel essentials look a little bit different, depending on how long you’re travelling for, where you’re going, what you’re doing, and so on. But there are some essentials we could never travel without, so they go swiftly onto our carry-ons for easy access.
Here are 9 essentials to pack on your carry-on
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Shop These 12 Travel Essentials Before Your Next Vacation
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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This spring break, escape from your responsibilities without breaking the bank. With new budget airlines, affordable Airbnbs, and a world to explore, it’s not impossible to have a week-long getaway without spending a ton of your savings. Plus, budget thoughtful trips is a chance to fly more frequently.
From Ontario to Hungary, here are 7 budget-friendly not-your-average spring break destinations to satisfy your wanderlust.
Mattawa, Ontario
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Experience Canada like no other by staying in a Yurt near North Bay. A one night stay will cost you less than $100 CAD with activities to do around the area from skiing, exploring nature, or just enjoying the most unique Airbnb experience.
Budapest, Hungary
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The cost of living in the extraordinary city of Budapest is actually quite low. Airbnb’s and hostels are affordable, dining out is inexpensive, and the nightlife won’t burn a hole in your wallet. It’s not impossible to spend $30-$45 CAD per day without limiting what you do! The only thing you will need to splurge on are the baths which are of course, a must-see in Budapest.
San Diego, California
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Surprisingly enough, flights from San Diego can often be cheaper than flying to LAX or Las Vegas while still giving you the chance to explore a completely different part of California. See the palm trees and feel the salty air at this beach-side city.
Portland, Oregon
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Only a few hours drive from British Columbia, Portland is an underrated American city that will satisfy your Instagram aesthetic by day, while exploring the bar scene by night. Add a trip within your trip by renting a car for the day and driving to Seattle.
Havana, Cuba
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Instead of a classic spring break beach-side resort in Cuba, try out the country’s capital, Havana! Explore the city’s coffee culture, colourful buildings and antique cars while you dance your heart out at night. Plus, it’s only a three-hour flight from most major Eastern Canadian cities.
Lisbon, Portugal
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How about Portugal? With TAP Air Portugal, you can fly to Lisbon for under $550 round-trip! To add to that, Lisbon is a city where there’s a lot to explore, a lot of different foods to taste, with a rich history by the sea-side.
Dublin, Ireland
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Satisfy your cravings for delicious beer and classic European nightlife in Dublin. With Iceland Air or WOW Air, you can fly to Dublin at a low cost, stay at one of its many youthful hostels and learn about the city while drinking a pint of fine Irish beer. Don’t forget to visit the Guinness Brewery!
Where are you planning to travel this Spring Break? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image: Instagram/ @shotbymaguire
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Whoever denounces winter blues as a real condition, can shove it. You definitely deserve a vacation, no explanation necessary, and you should leave ASAP.
While Florida is overdone and Mexico is less of a vacation for your liver, Bahamas could be your perfect winter escape.
Blessed by an always sunny climate, the tropical Islands are little slices of heaven; one of the main islands is even called “Paradise Island.” And for good reason – pure Instagram bliss is inevitable with picture perfect beaches and blue skies for days.
Here are eight reasons why vacationing in the Bahamas is #LifeGoals.
1. Sunwing flies direct
Departing from Toronto, Sunwing has more direct flights than any other leisure carrier, meaning getting to your sunny Island destination is easier than ever. Flights from Toronto to Nassau (the Bahamas capital) are scheduled every Thursday and Sunday until April 29, 2018.
2. The flight is only three and a half hours long
Paradise is closer than you think. The flight to Nassau averages at approximately three and a half hours. Better yet, if you hate flying or are just fancy, passengers can upgrade to Elite Plus for only $50. Hello, legroom.
3. You’re treated like royalty the second you arrive
Sunwing is the only Canadian operator who offers signature vacations with RIU Hotels and they want every vacationer to feel like Beyonce upon arrival. Think things like welcome cocktails, in-room liquor dispensers, 20% discounts on select local excursions, spa credits, poolside waiter service, and daily champagne breakfast.
4. There are no annoying kids at RIU Paradise Island
The RIU Paradise Island is an adult-only resort so your vacation won’t be riddled with the screams of spoiled children. That sounds like pure bliss in itself.
5. There’s a sh*t ton of food and endless cocktails
Unlike Cuba (sorry for naming names) the food is actually delicious in the Bahamas. The RIU features daily buffets for all meals, a number of a la carte restaurants and a cappuccino bar. Was a huge fan of the buffet doughnuts and Steak Restaurant. Two words: surf & turf.
6. Your Instagram will thank you because.. beaches
White sand. Blue skies. Crystal clear waters. The beaches in the Bahamas are glorious. The serene environment is basically begging you to have an Insta photo shoot. Don’t be shy – live your truth!!! Even if it’s five outfit changes and 30 different angles.
7. Exploring the island is easy
Sunwing took it upon themselves to scour the Island for the best it has to offer and then neatly packaged those experiences into exclusive excursions. Sailing on a catamaran and visiting the local fish market are a must. Conch (the dish of the Bahamas) is freshly caught and diced up right before your eyes. If you’re a fan of ceviche, you’ll LOVE it.
8. The Bahamas is really, really cool
The Islands are rich with culture and have way more to offer than just idyllic beaches and blue shores. Among the pastel colour buildings, there’s so much history, including pirates, canons and an old fort. The Bahamas is also a major producer of cigars and chocolate with a number of workshops you can visit.
You won’t want to leave, ever. Enough said.
To book a vacation to the Bahamas, head to the Sunwing website.
What do you think about vacationing in the Bahamas?
Featured images: Aly Zorn
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