When times are tough economically, people tend to cut back on their spending. That goes double for vacations: lengthy trips to exotic locales look much less enticing when the dollar signs start growing. An economic crisis needn't spell the end of vacation plans, however. Downsizing and watching your budget more carefully may become necessary, but it shouldn't deter you from having a relaxing and memorable vacation. You just need to follow a few basic tips, both when planning your vacation and during the trip itself.
Consider vacationing closer to home. Airline fees and other travel expenses constitute a big chunk of any vacation budget. If you're looking to save money, look for a destination within a day's drive. Many communities have a number of great attractions that locals never bother to see because they're "for the tourists." An economic downturn may be a great chance for you to check them out.
Prepare your own meals. Instead of eating out at fancy restaurants, buy groceries at a nearby supermarket and cook for yourself. It's not hard to make sandwiches in your hotel room and take them with you to wherever you're going to visit, and easy dinners cooked in a microwave are much less expensive than most restaurants. This goes double for alcoholic beverages. Buy beer in a grocery store and mix your own drinks instead of paying for them in a bar.
Think about public transportation. This may not be possible depending upon your destination, but many cities have excellent subways, buses and railway systems that make stops at many of their biggest tourist destinations. Using them saves you money on renting a car or taking a taxi.
Purchase tickets in advance. Airlines usually offer discounts to people who book their flights in advance, and if you absolutely need to fly, it's an ideal way to cut down on costs.
Look for bargains on plane and car rental fare. Plane travel can be made cheaper via a number of factors. Look for connecting flights rather than direct flights, and try to travel with just a single suitcase (many airlines charge for extra baggage). With rental cars, consider a round-trip package rather than a one-way trip, and get a smaller, fuel efficient car if you can. Always fill the tank up before you return a rental car: the companies charge you inflated fees for gas otherwise.
Invest in cheap thrills. Many of the most interesting aspects of a new city aren't the ones on tourists' maps. Take a walk through an open market, or go down to the shoreline and walk along the beach. Look for national parks or places of natural beauty that don't charge admission.
