Cut holiday costs and maximize summer fun
Print Edition
SUMMER holidays seem to be a painfully long way away when you begin the school year, but they can sneak up on you when you’re not keeping track! Without the daily structure and limitations of a regular work schedule, it can be easy to overspend during the summer holidays, leaving you with a pittance when you return to Shanghai in August. Instead of living like royalty and descending into temporary destitution at the end of the summer holiday, book your airfare, accommodations, and some activities in advance so you have a little more coin to play with when the fun really starts.
Airfare generally becomes more expensive the closer to your planned travel date you get, so try to book long-haul flights at least three months in advance. If I’m returning to Canada at the end of June, I generally book my flights in March, or earlier if I’m able. Short-haul flights can be inexpensive up to a week before you leave, depending on your destination, but using certain flight tracker websites like Kayak or Hopper can give you algorithmic predictions on when to buy.
Booking accommodations is also an area where planning ahead pays off; the more popular a destination, the earlier the hotels book up, so work fast, or consider booking a place that’s a little more out of the ordinary. Airbnb has many unique venues available, such as treehouses in Washington State, or even in retired airplanes! Staying in self-catering places can be far less expensive than a hotel, especially if you’re going to be spending any longish period of time in one place. They’re also great for large families.
No matter how you swing it, some dream destinations are simply more expensive than others. Western Europe, Australasia, and Japan remain some of the priciest yet most sought-after destinations in the world, but if you’re willing to try something new and different, you can get a similar vacation feel for a lot less money. Like the French Riviera? Try the Dalmation Coast in Croatia. Want exceptional scuba and snorkelling? Have a look at Sipidan, Malaysia, or some other Southeast Asian island nations. Temples and history more your thing? Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar are all treasure troves photo ops and sunrise vistas.
The bottom line? Your dream vacation can become a reality, but only if you invest the time and effort in planning it properly.
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