By Emma Noah
How to Travel Safely
Safe travel has taken on a new meaning in 2020. Even though the restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have put a damper on overseas travel and made people wary about domestic travel, you can stay safe with a few sensible precautions.
Don’t Let Your Guard Down
Have fun and relax while also practicing good COVID-19 hygiene. Wipe down surfaces on planes or hotel rooms with disinfectant. Wear your mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hands frequently. Carry hand sanitizer at all times, using it after touching anything that other people may have put their hands on. Avoid handling cash, doorknobs, handles, or elevator buttons with your hands—If you do, be sure to sanitize them thoroughly before touching your face, mouth, or eyes.
How Will You Get There?
If taking a plane, try to avoid breathing the air where someone else has recently exhaled. Wear your mask during the entire flight, wipe down the seat handles and the tray table, and try not to sit next to a stranger, if possible. The same precautions apply to bus travel.
This pandemic season is a great time to consider making a road trip, either in your personal car or a rental car. If so, you can spend your traveling time in a protected bubble.
Choose Your Destination Wisely
Consider your destination. How many people will you encounter? Will it be easy to practice social distancing? A self-catering cabin in the woods or a short-term rental home minimizes your contact with other people. 2020 is the season to avoid crowded, popular tourist locations.
How to Travel on a Budget
Traveling on a budget requires prioritizing what is essential to you and letting the rest go. It also means doing comparison research to find the best deals. Only splurge on things that are most important to you. Be frugal with your other choices.
Hotel Room and Restaurant Deals
Research and plan your trip carefully before you go, not forgetting the ancillary costs, like tips and fees. Factor in transport fees if your hotel is not within walking distance of the tourist sites. Prepare a list of budget eateries ahead of time.
Use comparison sites to check prices. Travel guides from experts like Rick Steves, or advice from seasoned travel bloggers, can help steer you towards the best travel sites for value. Learn how and when to find discounts.
Look for Free Activities
When choosing your destination, look for activities that you can do for free. Outdoor activities at National Parks can create memories for a lifetime. Many local museums cost little to nothing and offer insights into the culture and history. Spending a day at the beach or hiking in the mountains cost little. Find inexpensive ways to fill your days by avoiding the most common tourist traps.
How to Save For Your Dream Vacation
Vacation costs add up fast. The best way to save money for travel is to make some lifestyle changes as well as to ensure that you are getting the most economy from companies that provide services to you. With these tips, you will see gradual savings each month that will add up to a sizeable contribution to your travel fund each year. The key is to cut down on bills and also cut back on impulse spending.
Scrutinize Your Budget
Where can you save money? Think beyond merely eliminating your daily latte and, instead, look at long-term savings. Review your insurance rates to see if switching companies might provide savings. Another way to save is to sign up for one of the cost-saving Electricity Plans from PPL Utilities, which can significantly reduce your electrical charges per kilowatt-hour—plus, practice energy conservation habits daily. Also, look for credit cards with low-interest rates.
Curtail Your Expectations
Memorable vacations do not need to be all 5-star luxury choices. Prioritize the intangible experiences over the expensive options. Consider where you can be satisfied with more humble accommodations or meals, for example, to allow you to add a few days to your trip.
Plan with the Results in Mind
Plan far in advance and determine how much your vacation will realistically cost. Then, divide that figure by the number of months before you leave. If airfare is involved, keep an eye on cheap ticket options, and purchase when ticket prices are at a low. Keep in mind that you may need to apply for visas or pay other expenses a few months in advance.
Increase Your Income
Once you’ve trimmed the fat from your budget, look at ways to increase your income. Is there a side-hustle that you can start that won’t interfere with your day job? Check freelancer sites like Upwork to find paid work that you can do in your spare time.
You’ll quickly reach your savings goals if you focus on saving rather than spending.
