Embarking on an adventure with your significant other is one of the best feelings in the world.
Think about the smooches in unfamiliar destinations, the gastronomic escapades in local markets, and the fun of buying souvenirs. Traveling allows you to discover more not only about the environment but also about yourself and your partner.
Romantic things aside, traveling as a couple can be a huge relationship test. One of the stressful situations you may face is running out of money. To enjoy your trip, you need to have a budget for accommodation, transportation, food, and tours that aren’t cheap.
Knowing how to stretch your budget allows your vacation to last and create more memorable experiences with your partner. Here are 8 ways to make the most of your vacation with your spouse without going broke.
Where to lodge is your main consideration. People tend to go for famous, more expensive hotel chains, thinking they’re always better – don’t adopt that mindset.
Your choice should depend not on the brand but on your budget, destination, comfort and safety level, and travel style. Here are some of the tried and tested tricks for scoring cheap accommodation:
Stretching out your budget makes your vacation last longer with more rewarding experiences.
Over time, your credit card points add up, giving your discounted flights and other perks. If you’ve traveled a lot and have leveraged credit cards, then you might know about the companion tickets. It’s basically a bring-in-a-friend ticket for a flight you buy in the future.
Avoid luggage fees. If you must pay, it’s better to use a large carry on for the both of you than carry two individual suitcases.
Packing in one suitcase benefits you in two ways: Firstly, you’ll save money. Secondly, you’ll have less baggage to carry around which translates to more roads traveled.
Sure, you may treat yourself in a posh, dim-lit Michelin-star restaurant and pay for a bill that is as expensive as your hotel accommodation. Or, you may go buy a good supermarket roasted chicken, cold cuts platter, bread, fruit, and a bottle of wine for half the price. Go on a picnic along the riverside while stargazing. Now that’s what we call a romantic date night.
If you choose an Airbnb or vacation rental for a longer stay, chances are that your room comes with a kitchen. Maximize it and do the cooking instead of eating out all the time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s not only cheaper – crafting dishes with your partner in your new, temporary “home” is also a great way to spend quality time together.
Go have breakfast in bed or a dinner under the moonlight in the room balcony.
Aside from destroying your budget, alcohol spoils the fun. You can’t grasp everything when you’re intoxicated – you’ll only end up groggy in the morning and regret wasting your precious time. If you need to drink, limit it to amounts that are just enough to give you a little kick – not get you drunk.
Recurring bills, material things, and exhausted mind and body due to heavy baggage – these things ruin your trip when all you want is a little fun and freedom.
Pack and travel light. Bring an easy to carry bag packed with less gear, fewer clothes, and less cash. Stick to the essentials. Acquire a small but comfortable hotel room. Learn to unload and embrace minimalist travel.
It’s about you and your partner, and the beautiful place you’ve set your feet on. So make sure to enjoy each other’s company and focus on the destination and the experience.
Don’t waste money on expensive dinners, shows, parks, events, and anything you could experience on a regular day. Don’t get caught up on buying pricey gifts and souvenirs you don’t need.
Instead, look for free city tours and museum entries. Visit the local market and try authentic dishes. Take a lot of pictures in different places.
Always go back to the core of why you’re traveling with your partner: to gain new, rewarding experiences. This way, you’ll be able to devote your time, efforts, and money on things that matter.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is one of the writers for Holiday Inn Parramatta Hotel, a modern hotel in Western Sydney known for their exceptional hotel accommodation and location, which appeals to travelers in Australia. She has always been passionate about giving in to her wanderlust and collecting mementos from different places.