12 Tips to Taking a Vacation Despite Inflation

These days, everything costs more: gas, restaurants, groceries, hotels and the list goes on. If you want to go on vacation, first review your budget to know what is possible. This will help you live within your means, aware of all the facts. Then, make enlightened choices :

Plan ahead as much as you can to draw on special offers and discounts

Like any other project, a summer vacation requires careful planning if you want to be prepared on time. By booking accommodation weeks in advance, you’ll be sure to obtain a booking and pay a competitive rate to boot. If you’ve planned a budget for your entire trip and set aside a fixed amount each week to cover your expenses (such as gas, accommodation, food, activities, souvenirs, travel insurance and unforeseen events), you’ll have peace of mind when your vacation begins. Lastly, if you’re going last minute, be open about your destination choice. Shop by price, not location, and you could track down special offers.

Use public transportation to get around

Wherever you’re going, use public transportation instead of your car as much as you can. You’ll save on gas. And what could be more energizing and enjoyable than visiting a new town by biking or walking?

Choose a destination close to home

This way, you can limit car travel expenses.

SÉPAQ parks and wildlife reserves are magnificent, affordable playgrounds in the heart of nature. You can camp (borrow a tent from friends if you need to) or sleep in ready-to-camp accommodations. Guaranteed change of scenery!

Be a tourist in your own town

If you want to spend even less, you can also be a tourist in your own town. Staying at home doesn’t mean you can’t have fun!

Many towns in Quebec have very convenient bicycle path networks. Check out the Route verte website.

Take breaks in parks you otherwise wouldn’t have time to visit. Spend a day at the nearest beach. Montreal has many. Rent a paddleboard or a kayak, or relax under the sun umbrella while the kids play ball. Sometimes it takes very little to relax and disconnect from everyday life.

Book weekends rather than a long vacation stay

To spread out your budget, plan activities over several weekends rather than a full, busy and very expensive week. For example, allow yourself $100 for one weekend. If you have children, involve them in choosing the activities. This will be an excellent opportunity to make them aware of what a budget is. At the same time, you get to avoid being blamed for leaving them out of decisions on the program! Next, choose the outings that align with your budget. Doing a theme-based weekend (the beach, discovering Quebec animals, a sports challenge, etc.) could spice things up.

Take a group holiday

A great way to save on your vacation is to go away with friends or family. By sharing all the expenses, you’ll save a lot of money.

Swap babysitting with friends

Childcare costs can rise during the summer. To avoid these extra costs, ask other parents if they’d like to do a babysitting swap. Ask grandparents and other family members too. They’ll surely be happy to lend a hand!

Take advantage of affordable or free activities

Our beautiful province offers a multitude of free activities throughout the summer. Whether you’re single, a couple or with children, it’s worth checking out. Do an Internet search. Then, make a list of free or low-cost activities. When you’re planning your weekend or a few days of vacation, you have options to choose from. With the children, put your list on a bulletin board and ask them to choose the activities they want to try, combining free and paid activities. Many towns offer passports that give you access to a wide range of activities for several days.

Use your rewards points

Use your credit card rewards points to purchase attraction or entertainment tickets.

Think creatively and travel economically

If you want to go further afield and for longer, consider a home exchange. Renting your home can also help you pay for your vacation. Some sites specialize in these economical travel methods. Some people are also looking for people who can live in their home and watch over it in their absence (with or without pets). And this is completely free (housecarers.com, pawshake.ca, nomador.com, trustedhousitters.com, mindmyhouse.com). Finally, if you are willing to work a few hours a day, companies can offer you accommodation in exchange (work-nomad.com, workaway.info…).

Prepare your meals

If your accommodations have a small fridge or, even better, a kitchen, eat in as often as you can rather than going to the restaurant. When heading out, take snacks with you. Everything is expensive in tourist areas.

Avoid vacations on credit!

Never give in to the temptation to leave for vacation at all costs. In the current context, it could be very expensive, especially if you decide to pay for your vacation on credit. For example, let’s say you paid for a $2,500 vacation package with your credit card. If you just make the minimum payment of 3% each month, it will take you more than 15 years to pay off your entire debt. Pretty expensive vacation! If you already have problems managing your finances, needless to say, you’ll find yourself in a debt spiral.

In short, enjoy your vacation, yes, but not in any old way or at any price! The best thing to do is to prepare yourself by making a budget and planning your summer according to your means. Remember, the most important thing is to share moments with those you love. And for that, there is no need to go far!

Have you accumulated debts over the past few years and summer vacations have only increased them? Don’t hesitate to contact one of our financial recovery counsellors. They can help you find solutions to reduce or eliminate your debt.