It’s safe to say that travelling is a luxury. For ordinary working adults like us, it’s not every day that we get to have our much-needed physical and mental health break through travelling. Some people don’t always have the time. Others don’t have the money. And there are those who don’t have both. So when we do get the chance, it’s easy to overspend and lose track of time because, hey, it happens only once in a while.
But after splurging a huge chunk of time and savings on a vacation, do you usually have the guilty feeling that you’ve wasted something? That you’ve spent too much time on places that are not worth seeing? Or you’ve spent too much money on things that are not valuable? Well, you’re not alone.
While it’s okay to splurge and indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime trip, not every aspect of your vacation is worth your time, money, and even energy. That said, we suggest listing down your travel goals, putting more resources on things that matter, and compromising on things you can travel without.
In this article, we’ll list down five things that are okay to spend less or zero on without taking away the fun of travelling.
1. Skimp on avoidable fees in your vacation
While some unexpected fees are usually small, they can add up and ruin your vacation. Avoidable fees include baggage fees, pre-paying for your airline seat in advance, paid wi-fi, resort fees, parking charges, and corkage fees. You can also spend unnecessarily on unplanned snacks to stave off hunger while on the road.
Before embarking on a trip, research more about your destination, hotel, and airline. Check the rules and regulations, the things included in the rate, and the things that are not.
2. Skimp on tourist traps
From overrated tourist attractions to overpriced yet subpar restaurants near those attractions, there are different ways to fall prey to tourist traps. While it’s a must to check out the spot your target destination is known for, know that some tourist attractions won’t give you a bang for your buck. Eiffel Tower, for example, is better enjoyed from a distance (for free) than from climbing it, paying a hefty price, and competing with a flock of tourists.
Do your research on the places you plan to visit during your vacation. Once you arrive at your destination, you may find some friendly locals who can give you more genuine suggestions on sightseeing and dining.
You can even rely on your accommodation property’s recommendations. This serviced apartment in Liverpool, for example, has a motto: check in as a guest, leave as a local. Its website features a wide array of local favourites. These include attractions, cafes, restaurants, shopping centres, and other reliable establishments that are worth your time and money.
3. Skimp on transportation
One of the most common ways to feel guilty about your travel is to spend extra on a comfortable seat you’ll only enjoy for a couple of hours. This includes first-class airfare, ferries, and taxis. Once you’re at your destination, you can forget that the airplane had smaller legroom or the 15-minute city bus forced you to stand (like you usually do during your work commute).
If you’re budget-conscious, go for the economic yet safe options on transportation. Skip business class and choose third-class, then shift your focus into the window view. Go for mass transit like subways, buses, and trains when getting around too. Plus, riding on public transportation and other cheap transportation options will allow you to feel what it’s like to be a local.
4. Skimp on tourist companies
Okay, you’re in a foreign land and you’re not familiar with the destination, its history, and the fun things to see. Might as well pay a tourist company and relax, right? Well, there’s still a more valuable way to do it.
As with tourist attractions, booking with tour companies can be more expensive than booking similar attractions on your own. Instead of doing so, you’re better off inquiring at your hotel or hostel about their trusted local tour guides. They can show you around the city for free or in exchange for a small tip.
If the destination you’re visiting is popular, chances are that you can find free walking tours and learn from fun and friendly local guides.
5. Skimp on souvenirs
Bringing home souvenirs is a great way to reminisce about your beautiful trip. However, if your souvenirs are way too expensive, plenty, and look like they’re mass-produced, then they’re not a great investment.
Be wary of your souvenir spending. If you’re buying, make sure they’re crafted by the locals, supporting the local community. You can also save money by collecting free souvenirs, like your bus tickets, napkins, packaging from a local item, leaves, and your hotel freebies.
Things that are worth splurging on
Now that we’ve discussed the aspects that are NOT worth your time and money, let’s move on to something you can guiltlessly splurge on: meaningful experiences. Its meaning will vary based on your travel goals.
If your ideal trip includes a jam-packed itinerary, you can spend on activities, like ziplining, hiking, boat tours, historic walks, cultural trips, and gastronomic adventures. If you’re more of a laidback traveller, it’s okay to spend extra on upscale accommodation. Go for a hotel with a scenic view of the ocean from a spacious balcony, an in-room jacuzzi, a roof deck bar, and everything indulgent.
The important thing is you spend your resources wisely on anything that will leave you with amazing photographs and fun stories to tell as you go on.
Enjoy your travel!
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a content writer during the weekends, and a travel and food blogger 24/7. She may be an awkward introvert but she’s got a lot to say about travel, food, and cultural appreciation. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit PREMIER SUITES Liverpool.
