It’s easy to get caught up in vacation fantasies, but one of the most crucial parts of planning a vacation is understanding how to make the most of your vacation budget. With a little bit of planning, you can maximize the amount you have to spend for an unforgettable trip. From meal planning to flexibility during your travels, here are seven tips on how to plan on a budget and save money before and while on your vacation.

1: Set Your Total Vacation Budget

Before you begin planning the details of your vacation budget, set the overall budget itself. Finding the right budget for a vacation is a personal experience. It has to do with several factors, and in the end, it all comes down to what’s comfortable (and feasible) for your family.

Some financial experts say the average family vacation costs 5–10% of your total income.

Once you set your budget, the remaining vacation planning details can fall into place. Remember, you want to balance feeling free during your travels and not feeling stressed when you return to reality. It’s a delicate balance, but it can be done.

2: Plan in Advance

Start planning your trip as far in advance as possible, as it will often save you money in the long run. Hotels might be more likely to offer a good deal if you book in advance, as will rental cars and trains. This is particularly important if you plan a vacation during peak months, like summer, when kids are out of school.

3: Meal Plan To Avoid Dining Out For Every Meal

One of the quickest ways to blow through a budget during a vacation is to dine out for every meal. Add on drinks and entrees in the evening for the duration of the trip, and you’ve spent a pretty penny.

If you book your accommodations with meal planning in mind, you can find a spot that offers a kitchen, saving you money in the long run. This feature makes it easy to whip up everything from pancakes in the morning to pasta in the evening. Add in some local wine on the deck or patio, and you’ll be all set.

4: Embrace Flexibility

If you can embrace flexibility and a little spontaneity, you may find you reap the rewards. Embracing a flexible mindset doesn’t always come easy to many of us, especially when we’re fine-tuning how to plan a vacation itinerary.

Luckily, with travel flexibility, you can pick and choose what’s most important. Maybe you have your heart set on staying in the most bustling part of the city, but you’re willing to go out for a happy hour to save money instead of a full evening dining experience. To get started with vacation flexibility, list what’s on the top of your bucket list, including lodging locations, adventures and activities, and travel times. Rank those items in order of what’s the most important and start planning from there.

5: Look for Hidden Fees

During the process of vacation planning, hidden fees can become a nuisance. You’ll find them everywhere, from credit card fees to charges for luggage. Gratuities, Wi-Fi, and parking costs can also add up to a surprising amount at the end of your travels.

In some cases, there’s no way to get around hidden fees. They also offer valuable assets—like catching up on work from the comfort of your room or parking your car on-site rather than off-site. The key is to find out about these fees from the beginning so you aren’t alarmed when you get your final bill.

6: Be Careful but Wise

When you’re planning a vacation, there’s such a thing as being too careful with the budget. If you book a flight that gets to your destination super late, you may have to pay a higher price to stay somewhere near the airport. Transportation costs may be higher if you come in at rush hour, like the early morning or early evening. You can book lodging outside of town, then spend more money on a rental car or taxi to get to and from dinner.

With regard to budget, it’s always good to think in terms of the full picture rather than in fragments. Be careful, but be wise.

7: Research Your Destinations

When you travel, destination choice makes a huge impact on your budget. The pricier locations may be for vacations further in the future when you have more time to save and plan. If you have your heart set on a location that’s out of your budget, look for seasonal travel deals, as many places will offer discounts for people willing to travel during the off-season.

By following these seven tips, you can efficiently plan a budget-friendly trip that allows you to have a memorable and enjoyable experience without breaking the bank. Remember, a well-planned vacation saves you money and reduces stress, ensuring you can make the most of your precious time away. So start planning in advance, be flexible, and research your destinations to find the best deals and make your dream vacation a reality. Happy travels!