With back to school behind us and the weather starting to turn, many of us are turning our attention to winter travel. But with everything in life feeling more expensive these days, holiday planning costs can add up and overshadow the excitement. But don’t lose hope–there are a few tips that can keep costs under control.
Set a realistic budget
As with many big purchases, planning an affordable holiday starts with setting a budget. According to the Allianz Global Assistance’s 2024 Vacation Confidence Study conducted late last year, 70% of Canadians planned to take a vacation in 2024, despite financial pressures. We’re all for maximizing life experiences too, so let’s look at a few ways we can travel just as confidently without completely throwing caution to the wind.
Figure out your budget
Start by reviewing your financial situation and determining how much you can comfortably afford. If you’re already accustomed to setting and tracking your budget, even better. You’re at least one step ahead.
Quick Tip
If you’re new to budgeting, the best time to start is now. Check our budgeting guide to get going.
- Consider all potential expenses. These include transportation, accommodations, food, activities, and–not to be underestimated–incidentals.
- Cut back a little in preparation. Yes, we all cringe at the dreaded advice of cutting back on that daily double-double. But looking forward to a trip might make your home brew easier to swallow.
- Go off-season. Especially if your destination requires flying, you can save a ton by choosing popular summer destinations for your winter travel. Plus, you might find yourself having a more authentic cultural experience instead of being one of ten thousand people trying to snap a selfie with the Eiffel Tower.
- Look for packages. You can often get a better deal on flights and accommodations if you book everything together.
Cash in your points
Now is the time to use those credit card rewards and travel points. This is when you might start to feel better about the sticker-shock we all faced at the checkout throughout the year. And if you don’t have a travel-focused credit card yet, now might be the time to get one, like the World Mastercard® from Coastal Community.
- Go through your credit card benefits and look for travel perks.
- Some rewards programs offer points transfer promotions.
- In addition to cost savings, you might be eligible for perks like airport lounge access or other upgrades.
Quick Tip
Explore travel insurance through Coastal Community and take back some peace of mind. Keep important documents and information accessible in case anything happens.
Did we say free?
We know, nothing is really free. But you might find free or low-cost things to do on your travels. These might include:
- Free walking tours
- Free days or time slots at museums
- Public parks
- Local festivals or events
- Nature trails and picturesque views
Looking for adventure closer to home?
We’re lucky to live in a beautiful province in a spectacular country. Check out a few of our top picks that don’t require an expensive flight.
- Ski Mount Washington. Squeeze in a ski adventure without leaving the island.
- Cozy up on the coast. Explore Tofino or Ucluelet for storm watching. We also love Sooke for a beautiful stop on the way out of Victoria.
- Explore the Gulf Islands. Go island hopping, Canadian-style and get your fill of forests and wildlife.
- Follow the Sunshine Coast. With the slower pace of fall and winter setting in, it’s the perfect time to take in that laid-back west coast culture.
- Rediscover Vancouver. If you haven’t left the island for a while, exploring the city for a few days might be the change you crave.
Stay present and stave off FOMO
While researching, planning and budgeting are important, you can make the most of a trip by being in the moment with your loved ones.
- Limit social media. Not only is comparing your life to others almost guaranteed to make you less happy, but basing travel on social media will lead to trendy, expensive experiences that are probably underwhelming in real life.
- Embrace the unexpected. Going with the flow can sometimes lead to experiences and local interactions you could never have planned. Bonus: it may not cost you anything!
- Practice gratitude while you travel. This one is available to everyone, at any budget.
No matter how near or far you’re headed this winter, be sure to explore travel insurance through Coastal Community for enjoyable and safe travels, and take back some peace of mind. Have questions about travel insurance or anything else?