By Lisa Payne
If your bank account is on lockdown but your change jar is bustling over, you may have more vacation options than you think. Every little bit counts when you want something bad enough. Even on the smallest of budgets, you can still enjoy life and continue to jet-set all over the world! Don’t believe it?
Here are 6 popular travel apps to make your epic travel plans happen on a budget:
1) Airbnb: At first, Airbnb got its start mostly by word-of-mouth. It was like a little-known secret club where you can book your vacation stay at quaint cottages, trendy city apartments and even luxurious beachside homes. Now a $30 billion company, people all over the word are opening up their homes for vacation rental and for up to a 1/3 of the normal cost. Save money and stay in style!
2) Trail Wallet: Long ago are the days where people consistently balance a physical checkbook. In addition to having your bank app at your fingertips, Trail Wallet helps you budget before and while on vacation. It makes keeping track of airfare, vacation rentals and even your margarita expenses easy!
3) Kayak: If you’re going back and forth about which airfare is the cheapest, leave it to Kayak to let you know when your favorite destinations have airfare you can afford. Set your own price alerts so you know that exact moment to purchase your get-out-of-town trip!
4) Vrbo/Homeaway: Similar to Airbnb, Vrbo is a vacation rental company that lists open, affordable rentals like the classified section of a newspaper. Unlike Airbnb, vacationers have the option to contact the home owner at any point for questions and concerns. You also have multiple payment options and there are no guest fees.
5) ONE:NIGHT: This is perfect if you’re looking to book a spontaneous stay somewhere new. After 3pm every day, ONE:NIGHT can show you which hotels have availability for a reasonable rate. This can also be a great option if you’re on a road trip and want to venture off path.
6) Acorns: Remember that change jar? Here’s the app version where you can round up on purchases and save change to an investment fund for travel or other purchases. Set up daily, weekly or monthly investments, or make a larger one-time deposit. Acorns is like holding your own piggy bank right in the palm of your hand!
Traveling is less about escaping your life and more about breathing new experiences into your life. Vacations allow you to rest, to explore, to savor and to expand your sense of self. Putting money aside to travel is self-improvement and can have lasting effects on your health and well-being. Get your vacation alerts set and pack your bags!
“If it’s important to you, you will find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse,” – Ryan Blair