Outdoorshopping Blog

Traveling can be a costly expense, and many must plan months in advance in order to afford a full vacation. Hotels and transportation costs eat up what many consider to be the piece de resistance of financial savings set aside for travel, but the added costs of food, entertainment, and attractions can many times be overlooked until the last second. Making better financial decisions while traveling can save you heartache and keep your bank account ready for your return to the everyday life.

Bring Your Own Food

Traveling means that you’re typically utilizing a hotel or room where there aren’t always standard kitchen appliances available. Plan ahead, and choose efficiency rooms with kitchenettes or something similar in order to prepare minimal meals. In this manner, you can avoid the cost of eating out at every meal by bringing your own food from home or shopping at the local grocer when you arrive at your destination. Avoid pricey convenience stores, and stick to the staples to fill out those on-the-go meals. If you plan outdoor excursions, be sure to have your cooking essentials stocked and ready to go!

Pack Well

We’ve all done it; we arrive at our destination and remember that we left that vital piece of equipment at home. Whether it’s a camera, snorkeling gear, or other accoutrement, these items in vacation destination areas are typically priced well over retail costs. They’re counting on you forgetting, and packing well and planning ahead of time can keep you out of that financial pitfall. Pack a sweatshirt even if you’re going to a warm weather location. Bring shorts even if the forecast is for cooler weather, and make sure to always take a raincoat.The same goes for necessities like toothpaste and toothbrushes. Remember to pack them so you don’t have to shell out extra cash and waste time looking for toiletries when you reach your destination. If you’ve forgotten essentials like toiletries, don’t forget to ask the front desk. Many establishments keep small items like these on hand for guests. Stock up on your travel accessories ahead of time to make sure you’re good to go for the whole trip!

Plan Ahead

It’s easy to feel the allure of folks trying to sell bundle packages to local attractions, but the savings may be minimal, and if you aren’t willing to utilize all parts of the package, you may simply be throwing money out the window. Plan ahead and get an idea of some of your ‘must-have’ attraction visits. Use your research to capture any online coupons or discounts before you go, and utilize your lists as a guide for what to do when you get there. Also, don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path, as less ‘tourist’y’ areas may be much cheaper and perhaps better to visit.

At the end of the day, always remember to bring cash and only use what you allotted for your trip in order to avoid costly mistakes while you’re gone. By planning ahead, packing well, and bringing your own food, you can save tons on your next vacation.