The debate over whether a staycation or a weekend trip is less expensive has been going on for years. While many say that staying local costs less, others believe otherwise. This article will explore the pros of both and determine which is actually cheaper in the long run.
Staycation Pros
A staycation is a vacation spent in your own city, state, or country. Staying local provides great opportunities for you to explore the area around you and take advantage of all the activities available for free or at a low cost. If you are staying during the summer, there are many free outdoor events that take place. Be sure to check out the local farmer’s markets, music festivals, and carnivals for some cheap summer fun. If you are doing a staycation during other seasons, there may be free tours of your city such as sightseeing bus tours or walking tours available that would normally cost money. Other things you could do on your staycation include hiking, biking, visiting local parks and beaches, shopping in local boutiques or simply renting a movie from the bookstore and spending time at home.
Weekend-Trips Pros
If you are considering taking a vacation but do not have enough time to take an actual week off, weekend trips are perfect for you. They are also great if you have a limited budget for vacation time. Weekend trips are ideal if you want to visit another city or country but cannot afford the cost of flying there and staying there for an extended period of time. There are so many activities to enjoy in other cities, states or countries that offer free or low-cost admission.
Which is Cheaper?
So, what is cheaper? It all depends on your individual situation. If you want to stay home but can afford the price of a plane ticket and hotel, weekend trips are more expensive than staying local for the week. However, if you cannot afford to buy plane tickets or pay for an expensive hotel room every time you take a vacation, then a staycation may be the better choice.
Here are some tips to help you save money with your next trip!
1. Book your accommodation in advance. Most hotels offer discounts when you book 2+ nights, so if you wait until the last minute to book your trip it probably won’t be cheap!
2. Be flexible with hotels and dates. If you’re not able to book a stay at least 2-3 weeks in advance (at the minimum), then try booking on short notice like for the weekends! Weekend prices are often significantly cheaper than weekday prices, especially on holidays.
3. If you’re traveling during a holiday or around summertime, be sure to double-check and compare hotel rates and packages!
4. If you’re traveling domestically, check out sites like Priceline and Hotwire for cheap vacations and last-minute deals!
5. Book early if you plan on booking airfare! Many flight prices increase the closer to your vacation it gets, so try to book your flight as soon as possible to get the best rates!
6. When booking your flight, be sure to check out the policies on luggage fees! Many airlines charge for checked luggage if it’s overweight or larger than a certain size.
7. If you’ll be driving to your destination, be sure to look into hotel packages that include free parking or discounted parking!
8. Be sure to find out what amenities are included with your hotel stay (free breakfast/WiFi/parking/etc.)
9. Book with AAA or other member discounts if you qualify! Most hotels offer discounted rates to members of hotel/travel clubs.
10. If you have a hotel loyalty program, be sure to sign up! Many hotels have free programs where you earn points every time you stay with them.
11. If your hotel offers gift bags or amenities for their guests, make sure you take advantage of these things!
12. Many hotels have referral programs where if you refer a friend and they book a stay, both of you will receive some sort of bonus (such as free parking or breakfast).
13. If you’re looking to save money on food while traveling, try cooking! Many hotels have kitchens in their rooms with cooking utensils and dishes.
14. If you’re staying for more than a few days, be sure to look into long-term rates instead of just nightly rates!
15. Be sure to check out the cancellation policy before you confirm your stay! Some hotels have very strict policies about canceling, while others are much more forgiving.
Who is Fifth Element?
Who is 5th Element Travel? We are a group of travel enthusiasts who know that life is not worth living unless you are willing to travel new locals, meet local people and expand your horizons – first-hand and with gusto! Don’t know where to start? Start reading our travel blog right now! Our articles offer you an easy summary about what you need to know before going, including hotel ideas, amazing culinary experiences and fun activities for planning and maximizing your time. In addition to specific destination information, we also offer history, cultural dos and don’ts, common language translations, currency information, weather, and other vital information.
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