Have you recently decided to go to a vacation? If you did, you must be excited! The anticipation for a worth-while trip can already give you a reason to smile especially if you are going with the person or the people who matters to you the most.
There are many places in the world that are delightful to visit. From the beaches of Hawaii, the adventure in South Africa, the urban landscapes of Chicago, and the food of Italy, there simply are so many attractions and activities to look forward to. However, while these destinations promises heaps of fun, our budget can limit us from setting our foot in these places.
Samish Island Vacation Rental Image Source: Flickr (Click on image for bigger size)
The good news is, you can still travel even your budget is limited. How? Simple. You only have to be realistic of what fits in and plan your vacation accordingly. One of the biggest part of the budget that can give you a nice chunk of savings is the accommodation, so if you could find an affordable one, you can spend the remaining money for exciting activities for a fulfilling holiday.
How you could go about finding and booking affordable vacation rentals? To help you, outline below are the four sure-fire ways to find affordable vacation rental for the budget traveler.
1. Lay Your Budget Realistically
Laying your budget realistically, as what we mentioned above is the first step in looking for cheap vacation rentals. Understanding the limitations of your budget and knowing what you would like to spend with are vital considerations. Since income ranges are different, what are affordable to others may not be affordable to you, and vice versa. What’s affordable to you is the primary basis of creating a travel budget for yourself.
Do not try to cheat yourself on this one. If you choose an accommodation more than what you can afford, this could be a big trouble.
2. Maximize the Use of the World Wide Web
Image Source: Pixabay (Click on image for bigger size)
Information has ever been accessible in the present generation, so there is no excuse for you not to find good vacation rental deals in the place you plan of going. Google it! Many travelers ask help from travel agents, other do it on their own through travel websites, and some go directly to vacation property owners to seal the deal.
This may take plenty of time researching, but all the efforts will surely be worth it. Read testimonials from online review site like Trip Advisor. Join a social media community or forums for travelers. Many travelers would be more than glad to share their insights! You can even get a recommendation for a cheap vacation rental that others have already stayed with.
3. Remember Accessible
As we mentioned above, the Internet can provide amazing assistance in picking your perfect vacation rental. In some travel websites, users are allowed to narrow their options according to the range of price they can afford for an accommodation. Of course, this is very helpful. However, do not book mindlessly because you found out that the vacation rental is the cheapest in your destination. That accommodation may be affordable, but it can be located in a place far from the activities you want to participate with, worse if the important amenities you need are lacking.
Accessibility and comfort should still be a priority even if you are traveling with a limited budget. Vacation is meant for relaxation and it does not do its worth if you come into a place that gives you more worry than fun. If you are taking the family, then, you also should consider their needs.
4. List all Possible Fees
When examining vacation rentals over the Internet, you will find vast list of information. Reputable travel sites provide information on the location, features, services, and fees. Most of the time, the services are those that come with additional charge. Find out the services you need that comes with a fee and include them on your budget.
Moreover, you should also find out if there is a need for a security deposit. Although security deposits are given back in full, you should include this in the cost of your vacation.
Do not box yourself when you travel. Vacation rentals come in different forms. Hotels could be the most expensive especially if they charge by day. If you are traveling with a group, you can go for an apartment instead. Apartments often have a fixed rate, and this is one great way to live in the place like a local!
