Photo Credit: Unsplash.com
By Henry Moore
Travel isn’t just an opportunity to see the world and expand your horizons by learning about new cultures, foods, and languages. It’s also good for you. Scientific research shows that going on a trip relieves day-to-day stress, enhances your creativity, and boosts general happiness and life satisfaction. Even if you know the benefits, however, you might find a budget crunch keeps you from seeing the world. With a bit of advanced preparation, you can still travel without breaking the bank. Find out how it’s done below.
Rent a car to avoid public transport and rideshare costs
Depending on your destination, it may make sense to rent a car. This can save you the costs of taxis, public transportation, and rideshares adding up, and by avoiding public transportation, you can socially distance as well. In rural destinations with limited access to such services, you won’t have any choice but to rent a car. Don’t sign the first rental car contract you can find, though. Use online platforms to price check different brands and comparison shop the best deals in your area. Always check customer satisfaction ratings and comments, and stick to reputable, established rental agencies whenever possible.
Download apps to your phone for cheap deals
Your phone is a wonderful travel companion when you’re trying to travel on a budget. There are many apps you can use to help keep costs low. If you’re planning a road trip, for example, try GasBuddy. It links to your checking account, and every time you fill up, you save five cents per gallon by using the app. You can also use GasGuru or Waze to find out where prices are the cheapest.
Prepare your phone for increased usage
Odds are you will use your phone a lot while traveling, for instance, to look up directions, read about tourist sites, and make use of apps like those mentioned above. If you’re traveling internationally, you run the risk of expensive roaming fees and added charges if you exceed your regular data plan. Avoid nasty surprises on your phone bill by upgrading your phone plan.
Scope out non-traditional possibilities
You don’t have to stay in a fancy hotel to have a great time while traveling. There are many more affordable options available. If you live in an area that attracts tourists, you can also consider doing a house swap through a platform like Love Home Swap. This allows another person to stay in your house while you stay in theirs, saving both sides money. It can also be cozier to stay in an actual house.
Another idea is to stay in and around Los Angeles, and there are plenty of vacation rentals available in the area. Just be sure to find a rental near the activities you enjoy the most. For example, if you want to lay low in Venice Beach, you can easily find a getaway that fits your needs through Nick’s Beach Rentals. Or if you want to be closer to the action, a rental in Central LA will put you minutes away from Koreatown, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Staples Center. If you’d rather spend your time outdoors, a home in the Silverlake area will make it easy to enjoy amazing hiking opportunities. Regardless of the neighborhood, as an added benefit, when you rent a home, you’ll have access to a kitchen, so you can cook instead of eating out at pricey restaurants.
With these tips and tricks, you should be able to plan a dream holiday without spending big bucks while staying safe. Just leave plenty of time to plan in advance, and you will be able to enjoy a stress-free and affordable trip.
If you’re planning the perfect beach getaway, Nick’s Beach Rentals has a space for you? We offer bungalows, cozy cottages, and even a rooftop penthouse. Check out our site today to book your rental now!