By Tina Martin Photo via Rawpixel
Smart Ways for Entrepreneurs to Save on Their Next Zen-Filled Getaway
Travel broadens our horizons, improves our mood, and just might be the key to happiness and longevity. However, it’s no secret that travel can be expensive, and if you run a business, you also worry about time out of the office. But traveling on a budget can be surprisingly easy. Use these tips when you’re planning your next getaway.
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Cover the Office
It’s true that time is money in the business world, but the right arrangements help to ensure things run smoothly while you’re out of town. Prepare employees for your absence so you don’t need to worry about your business while you’re away. It’s also a good idea to alert any clients or customers that you’ll be unavailable.
Stay Out of Town
For the best savings, try to book a place just outside of town. Avoid tourist centers; instead, use vacation rental booking sites like Airbnb or HomeAway to find area accommodations. This is also a great opportunity to experience your destination like a local! Other options include going camping or hitting a hostel. You’ll save money and have opportunities to do things very outside your normal routine.
Speaking of stepping outside your routine, if wellness is what you seek, you really should look into Blue Zones. These are five areas around the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and last but not least, Loma Linda, California.
Find a Rental with a Kitchen Area
Eating out for every meal quickly adds up but you can cut costs by finding a vacation rental with a small kitchen and cooking most of your meals yourself. That said, sampling the local cuisine is part of the fun of traveling. Smarter Travel recommends searching online for coupons or discounts before choosing a place to eat so you can find the most affordable dining options.
Opt for a B&B Instead
While it’s fun to go camping or visit a hostel, you can also treat yourself to a special stay in a B&B. A bed and breakfast, or inn, is often a former residence or historical structure that’s been refurbished. Other times, they have been built especially for guests and offer unique amenities and conveniences.
An inn typically provides a well-appointed room and a full breakfast the next morning you’ll enjoy with other guests. The breakfast table is also a great opportunity to chat with your host to learn more about the area, and you might just stumble upon activities, events and attractions you would otherwise miss if you only hit the usual touristy spots.
Secure Your Valuables
Besides looking for budget-friendly options, make sure you don’t have your credit cards and cash stolen. Never leave valuables unattended and invest in a theft-resistant backpack. If you’re traveling abroad, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place just in case family members need to send you cash. For instance, if you’re vacationing in a country like the Dominican Republic, Remitly offers money transfer services that can securely send you funds within minutes for as low as $4.99.
Scout Out Free Activities
Instead of blowing your travel budget on tourist attractions, look for cheap or free things to do at your destination. For example, Mapping Megan recommends taking advantage of free walking tours to get acquainted with your new location and learn about some of the most popular attractions. You’ll also find a lot of museums and churches that are free to enter. If possible, try planning your trip around a free local event—like a street food festival or musical performance in the park.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
If you can only travel during certain dates, consider being flexible with your destinations instead. You can use Google Flights to scout out affordable destinations during your designated travel dates—including new locations you would never have thought to visit otherwise.
Wherever you end up going, try to travel during the off-season so you can avoid inflated prices and the stress of navigating through hordes of tourists.
If you want to travel, don’t let limited time or money hold you back. Do your research so you can find affordable opportunities for an experience free from stress. With the right planning and a flexible mindset, you can get away from the daily grind and return recharged for the next step in your entrepreneurial journey.