How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Winter Vacation?

With winter approaching, people are planning for their much-awaited winter vacations. But before that, it is necessary to research beforehand if you are on a strict budget. Some families might shun the idea of winter vacations because of budget constraints. What if we tell you that you could plan the perfect winter vacation within your prefered budget?

If you follow these practices, a winter vacation with the best family hotels and top sightseeing in the best locations is possible. Follow along to know how to spend the best winter vacation with a limited budget.

Smart Spending Decisions

It is important to allocate a starting budget for the vacation. You would have probably wanted a vacation for a long and must have saved for this moment. Take out the amount and plan your expenses. If you haven’t saved anything but are willing to spend from the cash in hand, remember first to try and think of all other necessary expenses which are more important than a vacation.

Once you have done all this, it is time to follow these smart practices to keep your vacation plans alive on budget.

1. Choose an affordable location

While some people think tourism is always about spending money, it is usually not. People generally want to experience snowfall during winter. If you are low on budget, places in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are good choices. The younger generation often opts for treks in these places, which is a good way to keep a check on spending.

Travelling by road or by train will help your plans on a budget. In addition, if more people you know are willing to go together, group travel will likely reduce costs even more. Another great way to lessen the trip’s overall cost is by opting for off-season destinations.

2. Don’t use a credit card

Using a credit card on vacation might be tempting as a means of spending. But a credit card is more likely to bring pain than good for people on a budget. So rather than worrying about paying off the credit card bill after your vacation, opt for other spending sources. Having a set amount allocated to your debit card is a great way to go. Keep only a minimum amount as cash when travelling and use your debit card or mobile banking. It is more feasible and keeps you from spending more with cash or credit cards.

3. Opt for local rentals

During a vacation, it is likely that most of your budget will go into accommodation. Rather than opting for big hotels and 5-stars, stay in local rentals and comfortable, cheap hotels on a budget. For example, OYO rooms in vacation spots offer the best family hotels on a budget. For example, if you travel to Manali, you can opt for budget-friendly places like the OYO 22664 Hotel Whispering River. Or, if you have chosen Mussoorie as your holiday destination, you can stay at the Flagship 78464 Sizzling View Home Stay.

4. Avoid taking a guide on common tourist places

Today, when all the information is available at the fingertips, hiring a guide can be an extra cost. Just type in the location, and you’ll know the time it was built, its history and even the folklore associated with it. In common tourist locations, there are thousands of people coming at all times. These people collectively visit top sightseeing places and thus don’t need a guide. So you will usually save some amount by doing this. But if you visit places that are rare and far, getting a guide is always encouraged.

5. Local food and cuisine

When you visit a vacation spot, try local food and dinner stalls and cuisines rather than spending heavily in restaurants. This way, you are more likely to experience the local touch and feel of food and save a lot of money. Regional food is best made and served at these places. You and your loved ones will enjoy the recipes on offer while enjoying with fellow locals and tourists.

Conclusion

Planning for a budget-friendly winter vacation can be challenging and tough. But not if you follow these practices that enhance the experience while keeping your spending in check. Visit affordable locations during winters, such as in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Make sure you are not using your credit card.

Opt for local rentals for good prices—E.g. OYO rooms for best family hotels and accommodation. Only get a guide if necessary and enjoy food and cuisine in local stalls than in big restaurants. Always remember that you can do top sightseeing in popular winter spots on a budget if you follow these steps.