Those winter blues have done you in. Your boring desk job is starting to look like a sinking life raft and the only thing on your mind is a good mojito while sitting poolside as the sun dances on your skin. That PTO is burning a hole in your pocket and you couldn't be more ready to book the vacation you've been dreaming of for so long. Sure, there's no time like the present, however, impulsive vacay decisions are similar to impulsive Target buys: unnecessary and they always end up costing you more than what they're worth. Whether it's white-sand beaches with palmy fronds calling your name or taking the colder route while traipsing European cobblestones, I'm here to help. Ladies, we're about to kick this vacation into high gear with tips and tricks that'll make certain you do it in the most effective way possible.
Unless you are expensing your trip for business or have a very luxurious reason to go big, hotels should be a no-no. They offer little more than an ambiance. Your splurging should never be spent on your lodging unless aesthetic is super important to your Insta grid. Is it nice to come back from a long day of sightseeing to a city skyline and chocolates on your pillow? Oh, definitely. But that money can be spent elsewhere. Find an in-between that includes 5-star vibes without leaving you broke, but don't settle for a bunker hostel with 6 roommates either. This is where Airbnb and couch surfing, (if you're brave enough), shine.
Our society has evolved into what's happening right NOW. This is why geo-tags on Instagram, travel TikTokers, or even scouring FB posts to find relevant information is so vital. I will inject a word of caution though: be aware of all the hype. If there's a place that seems too Parisian-dreamy-macaron-sampling-perfect to be true, then it probably is. Do your homework like no one's business.
Opt for cooking at least half your meals. Not all! Go nuts with those Amsterdam chips when in the Netherlands. Indulge in all the pasta and pizza your little heart desires when in Rome, but for the sake of spending costs, health, and cleansing your palette in between branzino platters, buy some fresh produce and learn to cook a dish authentic to the place you're visiting. Or just have cereal that day, no one's gonna know.
Unless you have some memorabilia treasure trove pact with your dad or significant other (which makes it so you NEED to buy a snow-globe from every destination), skip the cheap souvenir hunts. Better ways to spend your pocket change are with fun photoshoots, or even a hop-on hop-off tour holds more clout than a cheesy magnet that'll gather dust on your fridge for years to come.
Periphery towns and villages will not only give you the best bang for your buck, but you'll likely get your most genuine experiences here. There are services now that allow you to book time with a local to show you their town which beats any Times Square walking tour.
The best way to get to know a city is by walking it. Don't uber everywhere. Transportation expenses add up more than you know and often leave vacationers shocked by how much they spent.
There's always a deal out there. If you look hard enough, you'll find one. Reddit in itself, is a landmine of information on how to book a flight that'll cost you only half your rent. And yet! Be wary of those cheap flight deals! Third-party booking is no joke and can leave you stranded in an airport in a foreign country if you don't have a backup option.
Contingency is key. Always make note to get some cash of the local currency. And for good measure, always bring at least 2 cards with you! Make sure not to convert your cash at the airport unless you're desperate, but get it done as soon as possible. There is truly nothing worse than being strapped for money in unfamiliar territory.
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Like what you see? Find more hilarious women's memes and crazy stories on our Instagram @Cheezcake_Humor and more videos on our TikTok @cheezcaked