Want to escape the cold without draining your bank account?
Every winter thousands of people talk themselves out of taking a trip because they think it’s too expensive. And the crazy thing… THEY’RE WRONG. Winter is actually one of the cheapest times of year to travel. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and deals galore if you know how to look.
Here’s the problem:
Most folks procrastinate when they plan. They wait until the last second, book whatever is available and complain that they overspent. It doesn’t have to be like that.
A good winter getaway is all about smart planning.
This post breaks down exactly how to plan an affordable winter getaway without sacrificing the wow factor. Ready? Let’s go!
What you’ll pick up:
- Why Winter Is The Best Time To Save
- How To Find Affordable Accommodation
- Simple Ways To Cut Your Travel Costs
Why Winter Is The Best Time To Save
Winter travel has a bad reputation. Some believe it’s pricey, rushed and only happens during the holidays. The facts show otherwise.
There are fewer people vying for flights and rooms when you travel in winter. And when demand lessens… prices follow suit. It’s as easy as that. Skimming websites for cheap flights is something more than half of Americans will be doing this season. In fact, 72% of Americans are searching for deals when booking their flights and accommodations.
Another reason winter travel is budget-friendly: most destinations are in “off-season”. Hotels and resorts lower their prices to book those empty rooms.
Consider this…
You can score some amazing deals if you’re flexible with your travel dates and destination. There are places that offer great weather, culture and cheap accommodation simultaneously. You just need to know where to find them. Some of the best places to travel in December on a budget prove you can have all three at once. That is where finding the best cheap accommodation can really make or break your trip.
Winter travel gives you three big wins:
- Lower prices on flights and hotels
- Smaller crowds at popular spots
- Better experiences because you’re not fighting for space
That’s a win-win-win.
How To Find Affordable Accommodation
Booking budget accommodation is by far the easiest way to save money when travelling in winter. Your accommodation will generally be your biggest expense.
Here’s how to do it:
Compare across sites. Don’t just book the first hotel you find. The price you see for the same room can change drastically by location. Comparison shop.
Then consider what type of lodging you really need. Renting a place that includes a kitchen can save you money. You won’t have to eat out every meal. This is especially great for families who will appreciate the extra space and cooking for themselves.
Consider where you are staying also. A hotel located directly in the heart of a tourist area will undoubtedly be more expensive. Move just a few blocks away and you can sometimes get the same room for half the price.
[Think about it:]{.underline}Cheaper accommodation frees up money to spend on experiences. Experiences are what you’ll remember about your travels.
Tip: Hoteliers are frantic to sell rooms during the winter. Lots of properties offer early bird specials and stay longer/savings packages. Booking three or four nights instead of two may open up savings of 10% or more. ALWAYS inquire about specials before booking.
Final tip on lodging… READ THE REVIEWS. If a room is super cheap but falling apart, then its cheap for a reason. Find inexpensive lodging with good reviews and in a good location. There you go!
Simple Ways To Cut Your Travel Costs
You’ve got your cheap lodging sorted. Now let’s discuss some of those other expenses that sneak up on you.
Flight tickets are easily the biggest expense. Luckily, winter works in your favor here. Prices will be lower during the off-season, and being flexible with your flight days can save you a lot of money.
Here’s the trick with flights:
- Fly on a weekday instead of a weekend
- Avoid the busy holiday periods
- Book connecting flights instead of direct
- Use nearby airports
Traveling one or two days earlier or later can dramatically impact cost. Many people are already taking advantage. Nearly 30% of travelers fly on off-peak days just to save money on winter travel.
Earn points and fly free. If you’ve been stockpiling rewards, now is the time to put those points to use. Take a winter trip and redeem your hard earned miles. Remember that points and miles deflate with time. Don’t sit on them forever.
Food is another hidden expense. Dining out for breakfast, lunch and dinner can become expensive quickly. That’s why it’s worth it to have a kitchen in your lodging. Prepare a couple meals yourself and only dine out for the meals that matter.
Here are a few more ways to keep costs down:
- Travel with friends or family and split the accommodation
- Look for free activities at your destination
- Pack light to avoid baggage fees
- Set a daily spending budget and stick to it
Booking your winter vacation ahead of time is the best way to keep costs down. Procrastinators tend to spend way too much money. Be better than that.
Cool huh? None of these tips were super hard. They just required some forethought and some self control.
The Final Word
Now you have all the tools you need to plan a cheap winter vacation. Remember that a cheap vacation isn’t a boring vacation. It just means you have to be smarter with your spending.
To quickly recap:
- Travel in winter to take advantage of lower prices and smaller crowds
- Shop around and lock in affordable accommodation with a kitchen
- Cut your flight costs by being flexible with your dates
- Use your points, cook your own meals, and stick to a budget
Winter travels show you that you don’t need a lot of money for an incredible journey. You just need a strategy.
Alright now check your calendar. Choose your dates and go bargain shopping. Your cheap winter getaway is closer than you imagine…..and your wallet will love you for it.
