You can enjoy your winter vacation while staying true to your frugal ways. Just because you’re craving a little winter magic doesn’t mean you need to freeze your financial goals solid.
Here are eight ways to vacation like you’ve always wanted without overspending.
Try a Staycation
A staycation is a valid way to spend your winter.
Spend time re-discovering your favorite local spots or finding new ones to add to your list. Eliminating the cost of travel and lodging means you’re spending less overall, giving you more room to enjoy what you love while you make the most of the season.
Cash In Reward Points
If you’ve been hoarding miles or reward points for years, waiting for the perfect moment, winter might be it. Using them now can save you a veritable fortune on cold-weather travel essentials, like flights, car rentals, or cozy accommodations.
Plan Your Itinerary Around Freebies
As you explore your destination, look for low-cost or free winter activities and plan your itinerary around them. Filling your schedule with mostly free experiences ensures you’ll have cash leftover for anything extra you want to enjoy. It can make certain winter travel options feel much more affordable.
Book Vacations in Advance
We hate to say hindsight is 20/20, but if it feels too late for this winter, you can still start planning ahead for the next one. Booking in advance always works in your favor. Set up alerts for flights and hotels so you can snag the best deals the moment they drop, even if that means booking something in July for December.
Use Apps to Your Advantage
Many apps focus on helping you find last-minute deals on hotels, flights, and winter activities. So if planning isn’t your strong suit but saving is, don’t worry—there are plenty of options that can help you catch great prices on short notice.
Go for Budget Accommodations
If your main focus is experiencing the snowy landscapes or festive atmosphere, your accommodations don’t need to be extravagant. Save money by choosing an “it’ll do” type of hotel. All you need is a warm place to rest your head while you spend the rest of your time (and money) making winter memories.
Travel in the Off-Peak Season
Winter has its own off-peak moments. Traveling earlier in the season or right after the holidays tends to be cheaper, especially when kids return to school. The bonus of enjoying your trip with fewer crowds is pretty nice, too.
Travel With Loved Ones
Traveling with family or friends can help lighten the load when it comes to food, transportation, and lodging costs. It makes your winter getaway more affordable and more fun—provided everyone you bring is on the same frugal page. A mismatched travel buddy can derail your budget quickly, so choose your group wisely.
