We’re all feeling the pinch due to rising prices, so your travel budget has probably taken a hit. If you don’t have as much money to play with, you may have to pass on costly vacation ideas this year. Some types of trips are notoriously expensive, including ski vacations and safaris. Here are 7 kinds of vacations to avoid if you’re looking to save money.
1. Trendy, Exclusive Resorts
The dreamy overwater bungalows you see on Instagram look like the perfect vacation spot. However, trendy resorts are usually expensive, costing hundreds or even thousands per night. If you want to save big, it’s better to find modest accommodations like a hostel or room on Airbnb. Resorts have wonderful amenities like pools and private beaches. But your vacation budget will stretch further if you stay at a regular hotel and head to the public beach instead.
2. Safaris
Many people rank safaris at the top of their bucket list. However, this costly vacation idea may not be in the cards if you’re on a budget. According to Travel Weekly, the average cost of a safari in Botswana is a whopping $23,577. Transportation costs and conservation fees paid to the national parks contribute to this eye-watering price tag. Although it’s incredible to see animals like giraffes in their natural habitat, it’s much cheaper to buy a membership to your local zoo. Or perhaps you could save up and travel to one of the top zoos here in the United States.
3. Disney World
Disney World used to be a popular destination for middle class families. However, in recent years it has become a costly vacation idea you should consider skipping. According to US News, the average cost of a Disney trip for a family of four is $6,865. If you opt for more luxurious accommodations and dining options, that price tag rises to $10,696. Instead of flying to Orlando, look into visiting a local theme park or water park like Great Wolf Lodge.
4. Ski Trip
According to Outside Magazine, a family with kids would have to spend nearly $1,000 to enjoy a day at the slopes. Between lift tickets, equipment rentals, snow gear, and lessons, skiing is not cheap. If you have to travel to a ski resort and spend the night, you’re in for a hefty bill that rivals the cost of a Disney trip.
If you have your heart set on skiing, make sure to book your lift tickets and equipment rentals in advance, which allows you to take advantage of online deals. Cross-country skiing is another budget-friendly option because trail passes tend to be cheaper than lift tickets.
5. Antarctica Cruise
Another bucket list trip for many is an Antarctica cruise. Although it’s a costly vacation idea, travelers pay the high price in order to see beautiful glaciers and penguins in the wild. On average, a cruise to this part of the world costs about $8,000 per person. According to The Points Guy, you can potentially use credit card rewards points to offset the cost of your cruise or flights. However, it’s unlikely that a trip to this incredible remote location will ever be light on the wallet.
6. Hawaii Vacation
Hawaii has beautiful islands and white sand beaches that draw many tourists. However, paradise comes at a cost. According to Yahoo Finance, solo travelers can expect to spend about $4,000 for a weeklong trip. If you’re working with a smaller budget, Yahoo suggests heading to Puerto Rico or Mexico instead. As long as you watch your pennies, you can pull off a budget trip to one of these tropical destinations for $1,300 to $2,000.
7. Trips That Require Flights
If you’re on a tight budget, it may be best to take a road trip instead of flying due to the cost of airfare. According to CNBC, airline ticket prices have risen 25% and outpaced inflation. Although you can save money by being flexible about your trip’s start and end date, it’s cheaper to take a road trip than fly. Gas prices have fallen recently, making domestic travel by car a budget-friendly option.
You Can Still Travel on a Budget
Even if you have a limited travel budget, there are still cheaper vacations you can enjoy. Camping and road trips are both affordable options. Don’t have the funds for transportation? Consider a staycation instead and visit local attractions like museums, the zoo, or an indoor water park. Luckily you can still have a ton of fun on a shoestring if you skip costly vacation ideas.