Life is tremendously busy in these modern days. Our lifestyle has improved, cost of living is at its peak, demands are more and so the stress levels too. The pressure adds up when you become a parent and have the responsibilities of working behind the needs of more than one person!
I am a homemaker, most times I am at home, sitting in front of my computer sorting out bills, my blog, kid’s activities etc. and yes, definitely I do hear you…. cooking, cleaning, tidying up, decorating…. etc…. etc…!
There are many days, I just want to do NOTHING!!!!, NOTHING AT ALL!, except relaxing DOING NOTHING and I found going on a short or long break helps ease everything a little, beds being made, dinner cooked and served, bathrooms cleaned and all I have to do is look after myself and make sure that the kids had dumped something in their little tummy.
Going on a holiday gives you time to refresh your mind and body, and get you ready for facing the next few months/years (until you go on next holiday)
On a quick note, everyone in this world dreams of a getaway and in my opinion everyone deserves it… from babies to the elderly! But it isn’t going to happen overnight! There is budget involved!
Holidays help families to have a really good family times, keeping the work and other tensions away.
Even if not long holidays, short breaks do wonders.
Here are a few tips to plan a perfect holiday within budget.
Spend some time on research
Before planning your holiday, research for the best destinations that you can make the most out of it in your budget. Work on how many days you can go on the holiday, the most wonderful, affordable destinations and what actually you want to do during the holidays. It can just be relaxing or adventurous, so finding a place that can offer you what you want is most important. Places like Cran Canaria can offer a mix of holiday experience from relaxing to adventurous. You can quickly check the images on Social Media, especially Pinterest to find some amazing destinations.
Plan your holiday
After you finalise your destination, prepare a to-do list, Kind of like itinerary that will help you stick to your budget, find a place that will offer everything you want within your budget, places you want to see and activities you want to do. If you are going with kids, it is better to find accommodations with childcare facilities, In-house entertainments and places of interest to keep the kids entertained. Websites like Clickstay has a wide range of accommodations available to fit different budget and needs. It is easy to navigate through the site and find the accommodation you like. They also have a good source of information about what to see, when to go and how to find local deals.
If you travel with children, it is also good to have a list of restaurant choices of your interest especially when you have fussy children and find something quicker and easier. Dubai being one of the top attractions to visit around this time of the year (Dec/Jan), if you are in UAE, Square Meal UAE provides wide ranges of choices for restaurants and other party services and let you buy Restaurant gift vouchers are an affordable price. They also have interesting information of food you should try around the world.
Flexible with dates
This is something that will help you reduce the expenses on accommodation and activity costs. Obviously, if you have school aged children, it is going to be difficult to be flexible but some schools may offer a few holidays on some terms. So, while planning, look for dates before and after the dates that you are actually thinking of. Avoiding the busy times if at all you can, would save a lot of money.
Do a group booking if possible
This is something you can consider if you know of any family or friends who would be interested in the same location as you during the same time. You don’t necessarily have to be hanging out together but group bookings are usually a little cheaper.
Insurance coverage
If you are renting a holiday home, make sure you check for any insurances that covers the accidental damage. After all you don’t want to pay for that smart TV that you accidentally smashed while dancing drunk!
Leave a review for the places you stayed
Even if it not a positive review, highlight the points that you would love to see improved during your next stay at the property. You may be lucky to win their lucky draw for a free holiday next time and you could even grab a loyalty discount for your next stay.
Use the cashback sites
Don’t forget to check on the cashback websites, though all the holiday booking sites are not on these cashback sites, there are a few who could help you earn a little cashback.
Do you have any other useful tips that you would like to share? Have you been on a holiday without any plans before? Did you find it cheaper or expensive? Would you research before planning?
I would love to hear from you….
Take care…
~ Rishi ~
I usually travel very often and I realized how researching and booking everything by myself can save a lot of money. I never use booking agencies. I agree that everyone should take a holiday, at least once a year, to relax.
Great tips on how to plan your holiday. Will be sure to try.
I look forward to taking a vacation every year…it is one of the most fun things to plan for! I agree to research as much as you can to make sure you are getting the best deal/price.
Everyone deserves a holiday to relax and unwind away from the busy city life. Nice tips you have there!
Thank you Grace..
I agree that short breaks do wonder!
These lists are so helpful. I don’t have any tips to share. We all know that Holiday travels are so expensive and we have to admit that, right? Glad that I found this. I’ll have to share this.