If dreams of a cottage, beach, or pool are keeping you from focusing during Zoom meetings, you’re not alone.
Summer is travel season for Canadians, with July being the most popular month for a getaway, according to a recent Deloitte survey.
But if budget worries are clouding your vacation dreams, experts say it’s possible to ease that anxiety. Whether you’re heading out on an adventure close to home or taking the trip of a lifetime, here are some tips to make sure summer fun doesn’t break the bank.
At home
Vacationing at home allows you to avoid some of the biggest travel-related expenses, like plane tickets and hotel stays. But unless you plan to spend all your time reading on the patio, you’ll need a budget that allows you to go on enjoyable outings.
Paul Seipp, regional president of BMO’s Central Prairie region, encourages people to explore local attractions and experiences, especially those that don’t cost anything.
Festivals, fireworks, outdoor events and parades can be a great way to have inexpensive fun.
When going to a more expensive local attraction, consider discount days and special offers. Many museums, for example, offer discounted admission on certain days of the week or from a certain time of day.
“One of the worst things that can happen is a September hangover when summer bills arrive, so stay on track by setting up a separate vacation account or putting some money away side,” suggests Mr. Seipp.
While picnics are always a budget-friendly option, Seipp says vacationers looking to eat out should consider happy hours, kids-eat-free days and other money-saving strategies. money.
At camping
Camping can be significantly cheaper than a hotel stay if you already have the necessary equipment, but if you don’t, sleeping outdoors can be expensive. Experts recommend checking second-hand stores, resale sites and even yard sales to find gently used camping gear.
“Used camping equipment can be very effective, of very good quality, and save you a lot of money,” says Kristine D’Arbelles, senior director of public affairs for the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).
Although it is advisable to plan meals carefully while camping, so as not to make unplanned purchases at an overpriced camping store, Mme D’Arbelles points out that a lesser-known way to save money is simply to pack efficiently.
The heavier your vehicle, the more gas you use. Think about what you need to put in your vehicle. Simply removing exterior racks that you don’t need will save you gas.
Kristine D’Arbelles, CAA Senior Director of Public Affairs
Some campsites may offer discounts for mid-week stays. If you plan to camp several times during the summer, purchasing a national or provincial park pass may also pay off.
Elsewhere in Quebec or Canada
Gasoline is typically one of the biggest expenses on a road trip, so check out different routes and roads to determine which cities or areas you can reach without blowing your budget.
It’s also a good idea to strategically choose where you’ll stop for fuel. Seipp recommends taking advantage of loyalty programs or memberships, as well as checking mobile apps that can find the best prices in your area or along your route.
It’s best to book accommodation when traveling by car rather than assuming you’ll find a hotel when you get tired of driving. Not only is booking in advance generally cheaper, but reserving a room with a kitchenette, for example, can save you from having to eat out at a restaurant, says Mme From Arbelles.
Leave the country
If you’re planning to go to Europe or another dream location this summer, it might be time to use all the rewards points you’ve accumulated on your credit card or with an airline. This will help you save on travel and accommodation, allowing you to spend more of your budget on dining, events or shopping.
Redeeming points is a key area where people can reduce their costs. Especially for big trips that take place once every three or every five years.
Paul Seipp, regional president of BMO
When traveling abroad, check your credit card policy to make sure you don’t get tricked by foreign transaction fees and buy a local SIM card or use Wi-Fi to avoid charges. roaming charges.
International travelers have a wide range of accommodation options. Consider factors like proximity to attractions and free breakfast, in addition to the initial room price, Seipp says.
Mme D’Arbelles strongly recommends taking out travel insurance. Delays due to weather or flights are not just minor inconveniences, they can add hundreds or thousands of dollars to the cost of a vacation in the form of unexpected food and lodging expenses.
It’s a bit counterintuitive because people think they’re just spending the money on travel insurance, according to Mme D’Arbelles, but “given the uncertainty of travel today, it’s a very, very good idea.”