Some little-known tips can help you save nearly 60% on your next holiday trip

The Christmas and New Year holidays are a great time to relax and explore new destinations. Many travelers use the year-end holidays to visit their favorite destinations. Exploring new destinations comes at a price. Therefore, travelers must plan their Christmas holidays within a budget to avoid overspending, as no holiday should have a lasting impact on finances.

To make the most of their trip, you have to set a realistic budget, get cost-effective deals, and minimize expenses.

Choosing the right destination is one of the key factors in ensuring travelers stay within their budget. Priyank Shah, co-founder and CEO of The Financier, said choosing the right destination is crucial to making the most of your travel budget.

“Choose locations that are known for being more affordable but still offering great experiences. For example, while cities like Paris and Rome are popular, consider alternatives like Lisbon or Budapest, which offer similar culture at a lower cost experience,” Shah said.

He recommends a range of offbeat and affordable destinations that offer similar experiences to popular locations.

1.Mexico City, Mexico

save: Travelers can save about 40% compared to cities like New York or Los Angeles.

Highlights: Affordable accommodation, cheap public transport and delicious street food.

2. Hoi An, Vietnam

save: The average daily cost is about $64.51, which is significantly lower than popular destinations like Paris or Tokyo where daily rates can exceed $200.

Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient towns, beautiful beaches and vibrant local culture.

3. Budapest, Hungary

save: The cost is about 50% lower than in Western European capitals such as London or Paris.

Highlights: Rich history, stunning architecture and affordable spas.

4. Chiang Mai, Thailand

savings: Daily budgets can be as low as $30, while daily budgets in Bangkok or other major cities can exceed $100.

Highlights: Scenic temples, lush landscapes and cheap street food.

5. Marrakech, Morocco

save: Travelers can save around 60% compared to cities like Barcelona or Rome.

Highlights: Lively souks, traditional riads and rich cultural experiences.

He also added that traveling during the off-season will help save money on air tickets and accommodation.

For example, a trip to Europe might cost $7,300 in high season, but $4,000 in low season.

“In 2023, fares for off-season travel have decreased by approximately 32%,” Shah said.

“Prices during off-peak hours can be reduced by 50%, thus providing better accommodation at a lower price,” he added. Travelers can choose alternatives such as vacation rentals or hotels to save money on lodging. Additionally, hosting arrangements can provide cost-effective accommodation.

The goal of every vacation is to enjoy and create memories that will last a lifetime. Planning your vacation according to your financial situation will make it more valuable instead of becoming a financial burden. Focus more on a productive experience rather than squandering money on lavish amenities.