Guest Author - Leyla Garofalo

What do you really want out of your vacation? Is this going to be a cultural whirlwind tour of museums and cathedrals? Or maybe this is a genealogical expedition where you finally complete the missing branches of your family tree. Whether you’re on a hunt to find keepsakes and souvenirs for the whole family, or whether this vacation is all about pampering Number One, prioritizing your vacation goals is the key to a stress-free trip that stays within your travel budget.
Follow the tips below, and you will be on your way to a serene and manageable vacation experience.

1. Decide on the main goals for your trip. This sounds simple, but its importance cannot be overstated. Oftentimes, a vacation to the same destination may look very different depending on what one hopes to see and do after arriving.


2. Where to stay. Some of the budget travelers out there will disagree with me on this one, but here goes. I really believe you should pick lodging that is close to the area where you want to spend your time, even if you end up paying a littler more to do it. Yes, hotels situated far from the hot spots may be a bit cheaper. But trust me, the time and effort it takes you to get to and from your hotel every day is not worth it.
   In addition to good location, I prefer vacation apartments over hotels. This is by far the most economic option out there, especially when you’re with family or a group. The most attractive feature of an apartment is the kitchen. Having the ability to make your own meals will help you stay within your budget. This brings me to my third tip:


3. Make a food budget. This is the hardest one to budget, especially in a foreign country. It’s hard to accurately predict how much you will spend at foreign restaurants, especially when you factor in the "tourist premium" that many restaurants charge their unsuspecting visitors. That is why I always try to shop at local grocery stores. This way you can cover breakfast and lunch and eat much more cheaply than you would at restaurants.


4. Make a fun budget. Make a list of the things you really want to do. Use the Internet to figure out how much it’s going to cost, and create your budget. Stick with this amount! If you spend your budget before your vacation is over, switch to the free activities your vacation spot has to offer (see below).


5. Make a list of free activities. Research your vacation destination and jot down the free activities it has to offer. This list might come in handy.

Taking a little time during the trip-planning stages to financially map out your vacation can go a long way in keeping your next vacation affordable and personally rewarding.