Summer vacations require careful budgeting to ensure that you can enjoy the vacation without spending too much money. When creating a vacation budget, items like food, lodging, and transportation are typically included, but there are a number of expenses you may encounter that you do not think about until they arise. These unexpected expenses can quickly burn a hole in your vacation budget. To reduce the risk of not having enough money to complete your vacation the way you wish, keep these expenses in mind.
High Priced Personal Items
In tourist locations, the cost of personal items like toothpaste, sunscreen, and shampoo can be substantially higher than what you would pay at home. Stock up on these items before you leave home to ensure you will not run out while on vacation. If you find that you need to purchase personal items while on your trip, shop for them while you are outside the main tourist area to get a better price.
Beach And Boardwalk Rentals
When traveling, many people pack only their clothing and personal toiletries, figuring that they can rent things like chairs and bikes when they reach their destination. However, these rentals can be very costly because they are in high demand with all of the other visitors to the area that had the same idea. Bringing your own beach umbrella and chairs with you on vacation can save you nearly $15 per person per day. For transportation, pack your own bike on the car or walk to your destinations instead.
Toll Expenses
Toll expenses can add up quickly and burn a big hole in your vacation budget. Many GPS devices give you the quickest route from place to place and do not take tolls into consideration when recommending roads to take. Taking an alternate route may take longer, but the money that you save in tolls is often considerably more than you’ll pay in additional gas.
Premium Gas Prices
The gas stations in many tourist towns charge more for gasoline because they know there are limited options in the area. Paying an extra $0.50 a gallon for gas raises the price of filling up a car by nearly $8 and the price of filling up a truck or SUV by nearly $15. Try to make your gas purchases at areas outside the main tourist zone to keep your vacation budget more in line with what you expected to pay.