By Josephine Agbonkhese

Sometimes you just need to get away. But when the bank account’s looking a bit bare or you’re trying to really save, it’s easy to want to give up on holidaying.

Luckily, you don’t have to break a bank to get a proper getaway. Here are tips on how to plan a holiday on a budget.

Decide when and plan ahead

Decide when you want to travel and begin to plan ahead even up to one year before your trip. Planning in advance enables you get the best deals on hotels, flights and even activities, as these prices often go up the later you leave them. If you book well in advance, you should get some nice savings.

Think location

If you’re going abroad from Nigeria, then think carefully about the location. Europe is going to be cheaper to get to than the USA, for example, and getting the ferry to France will likely be cheaper than flying to Greece. Also consider the cost of living in each city— the price of food and general living. Remember, also, that certain destinations might require expensive vaccinations and visa fees.

Opt for a package deal

Choosing a package deal that includes travel and accommodation is one of the easiest ways to cut costs. If you book a package holiday, you don’t have to eat at the hotel and take a particular flight. They can simply be a good way of getting a rock-bottom deal.

Be flexible on flights

Remember, your flight is only a small part of your trip; so, opt for budget airlines as you don’t really want to spend hundreds more for a few extra centimetres of leg room. Note when looking at flights that stopping off for a few hours could end up saving you a lot of money compared to flying direct.

Find affordable accommodation

Fancy hotels can take up a big chunk of your budget. Consider home share options, camping, or hostels. There are plenty of comfortable hostels around the world that appeal to travellers of all ages. Many offer private rooms, facilities such as swimming pools and breakfast included for often super-low prices. Search them out online.

Travel by bus, drive or catch a train

If you’re travelling domestically, go for road and/or rail. Apart from the money, there’s also the time and hassle that travelling on the road can save you on– skipping airport queues, security checks and bag check-ins. Even heading overseas, you can avoid air trips once in your destination country. For instance, you can travel across different countries in Europe by train or overnight buses.

Shop less

It’s always tempting to go on a shopping spree when on holiday but always remember that isn’t what will enrich your travel experience. It will only end up ripping you dry financially. Cutting down on what you buy could also help you save money on airline baggage fees.

Carry along some quick foods

Whether you’re just travelling across Nigeria or going abroad, bringing some quick foods for the journey could save you some money compared to eating at a service station or the airport. If traveling by air, avoid loading them in your carry-on luggage as most airlines have restrictions on edibles, especially liquids.