A holiday you can’t really afford is the typical summer budget buster, and all too often our friends talk us into buying extravagant trips, promising we’ll have the time of our lives. While sometimes it may be so, you are more likely to return from the fab escape only to face the unflattering credit card balance reminding you of all the mojitos you gulped down, or even worse, bought for your holiday crush who forgot all about you once they got sober the following day.
The good news is, you can still make and treasure outrageous holiday memories if you plan well, and study the ways to save money this very summer.
1. Reality Check Time
Visualizing yourself bask in the Sun on a white sandy beach against the azure ocean backdrop, is not exactly the best starting point for smart holiday planning. Instead, be brutally realistic and ask yourself a common sense question: “How much can I spend on this summer holiday and still feel comfortable with it?” Only after writing down the figure, start online research to dig out the best deals within your safety zone budget.
Some of my best holidays were in super cheap camps when laughs, and great travel companions, were what counted. So it’s not a matter of where, but how and with whom, and these things don’t cost money, but your social skills.
Give a chance to city breaks in student hostels, or weekends in the country, and I promise that you’ll come back with more vivid memories and fun stories, than from a cold, glamorous 5-star property.
2. Forget about Make up
Men on the beach don’t care! A smart guy will actually be repelled by beach make up, thinking that you’re shallow, desperate and simply fake. Beauty industry wants you to believe that their latest bronzers, or waterproof mascaras, are as important as your bikini. Well they aren’t! The sexy factors are your smile and a carefree attitude. Savings on vanity products will bring peace to your mind, and your inner peace will radiate as beauty on the outside.
Remember when you were a little girl, just how playful and free you felt on the beach? Having fun with your friends will attract guys more than all the designer make up of this world.
3. Keep Hydrated with Tap or Fountain Water
If you’re travelling with kids, the recommended eight glasses of water a day per person adds up significantly to your final tab, especially if you order mineral water in restaurants and cafes.
Did you know that tap water in most regions is just as good as bottled water is? Once again, the industry wants to mislead you with the fancy TV commercials, showing forest springs, and fairy-like skinny models, or featuring top notch athletes. Tap water is virtually free, and is just as clean and mineral rich as most bottled water brands are. Not to mention the environmental damage PET bottles make.
Plastic bottles are known to release harmful chemicals so save both your health and money by drinking regular tap water.
4. Sales Time!
Patience, please! You don’t have to wear the latest bikini and sun glasses right from June. You know too well that there are dozens of your wardrobe items which never got to see the light of the day, so no one will ever notice you bought them last year.
My sweetest summer holiday souvenirs are things bought during August bargain sales at a fraction of their original price, and there’s another whole month to sport them, look gorgeous and feel even better because I didn’t splurge.
5. Eat out as a Local
There’s nothing exciting about overcrowded touristy restaurants, but the bill you end up paying for not being more creative. Wander around the less known areas and make it a mission to discover one locals’ favorite each day. This way, you get to learn about the local culture and lifestyle while paying less. You may even meet some friendly locals who will make the next recommendation.
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