Vacations are supposed to be stress-free and enjoyable, but it’s important to make sure to budget your expenses so you can make the most out of your trip without going over your spending limit. Budgeting before or during your vacation will help you avoid worrying about finances and ensure that your trip is memorable. Check out our tips on how to budget while on vacation:

1. First and foremost, plan ahead and be prepared by creating a budget before you leave for vacation. Your budget should include all your expenses, such as accommodations, transportation, food, activities, and souvenirs. Research your destination in advance to have a realistic idea of how much you should budget for the entire trip.
2. Travel during the off season. Traveling during the off season is great because your flights may be cheaper, as well as your accommodations, since the demand won’t be as high. This also means that there will be fewer travelers, allowing for a more peaceful and quiet vacation.
3. Be flexible with your travel dates. Having flexible dates will help you find the cheapest tickets and stays.
4. Book your flight in advance. This allows you to monitor airlines and prices to get the best deal. There may be days and times that are cheaper to fly than others.
5. Avoid overspending on lodging. Although it’s fun to stay in nice hotels while on vacation, it’s better for your budget to choose cost-friendly accommodations for the duration of your trip. Consider booking at budget-friendly hotels, hostels, or vacation rentals. By doing your research, you can find deals and discounts online and compare prices to find the best value. There are several websites (like Trip Advisor, Expedia, and Travelocity) that can help you find deals and cost-efficient stays around the world.
6. Research your destination before you go to find attractions and activities that are free, such as going to the beach, hiking trails, and farmer’s markets. Free activities and attractions are especially great for large groups, so there are no costs for tickets.
7. Prioritize your activities and stick to your plan. By planning your activities beforehand, you can budget appropriately. This will allow you to see or do what is most important to you and avoid overspending on unnecessary activities.
8. Eat like a local. Restaurants aimed at tourists can be less authentic and tend to be more expensive. By eating at lesser-known, locally owned restaurants, you get the opportunity to try foods that you’ve never had, plus it's authentic and prepared by the natives of your destination. This will give you the true feeling of eating like a local while saving money.
9. Use public or group transportation. Some hotels provide transportation, such as trolleys, that will drop you off at popular locations. If your hotel doesn’t offer this, then use buses, trains, or subways instead of Uber/Lyft, taxis, or renting a car. This can be a cost-effective way to get around and explore your destination without overspending.
10. Consider purchasing travel insurance. Even with the best planning, things don't always go to plan when you're traveling. That's why it's important to consider travel insurance. Travel insurance can provide financial protection against unexpected events, such as trip cancellation, lost or stolen baggage, medical emergencies, and more. With an iTravelInsured plan, you can have peace of mind knowing that you're covered in case something unexpected happens while you're away from home.