A Guest Post by Jesse
Gearing up for a couple’s trip takes a lot of planning and preparation, and if you aren’t careful, it can also take a lot of money. However, there are some fabulous options. From stateside weekends to cheap getaways in countries like Cancun, the Dominican Republic or Jamaica that won’t break the bank but will leave you and your significant other with a lot of great memories.
If you want to include some friends, you can save even more by getting group rates or splitting the cost of a vacation rental. You can also save on all the things you need for the trip by looking for discounts, promo codes, and cashback opportunities. By shopping smart and planning well, you can create a memorable, fun adventure trip without spending a ton of cash. TravelsandEscapes offers some resources to help you get started:
Double-check your phone
While most people want to unplug during their vacation, you’ll still want to be reachable by your friends and family members in case of an emergency, so making sure your phone has the right plan for your needs is essential. The last thing you want to do is get caught in an unfamiliar place and find out you have no service! Talk to your provider to find out if your phone will work abroad, and then see what sort of interim plan they offer if you’ll be out of the country. Many give affordable pricing for short trips.
Share the cost
Traveling can be pricey, but if you split the cost with some friends or family members, you can stay in affordable and comfortable hotels or rentals. Look for deals on sites like VRBO and Expedia; you can usually even find extra savings with a coupon code.
When deciding who to travel with, think about a couple that would be a great addition but keep in mind that you should all be able to get along, and everyone should have similar endurance levels when it comes to trying new things or being active so no one is left behind. Find out beforehand how much they want to spend and work out an agreement before the trip gets underway so there will be no confusion or hurt feelings down the road. If you’re going to stay in a place that has a kitchen, you can even share the cost of groceries and reduce your travel budget a bit since you won’t be eating out as much.
Plan ahead of time
Planning a trip takes some time, so give yourself plenty of it in order to make sure you’re able to book the events or activities you’re interested in, particularly if you plan to travel internationally. Look online to find out the rules of each destination beforehand; for instance, you may need certain vaccines, or you may not be able to bring food and drink along to certain places, or you might have to pay for some activities separately within one main event. Planning well will allow you to be prepared and will cut back on your last-minute or unforeseen expenses.
Keep in mind that you may still want to have emergency cash on hand during the trip, so this should be worked into your budget. While you should have some on hand, have a plan for friends or family to wire you money in the event of an emergency. For example, if your credit card is stolen in Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, you can easily access quick cash from a variety of locations. Fees are zero to none with a service like Remitly, and your family can count on secure transfers.
Putting together a fabulous couple’s trip on a budget is a great way to bond with your significant other, and it can also help you broaden your horizons a bit. By planning well and shopping smart, you can ensure that everyone has a great time without the stress and expenses that can come with a major trip.
Check out more travel tips at https://travelsandescapes.net/2021/12/02/vaccination-card-2/