Consider travelling in off season!
We all know that fruit and vegetable prices at the
market drop when there are copious amounts
to go around. The same is true for vacation
accommodations; when rooms are in less demand
the price of some locations can drop by 50% or
more and with great weather all year round, any
time is a good time to be in Barbados.
Provided by the Barbados Tourism Authority
If you have a kitchen or a
kitchenette, USE IT!
Dragging yourself away from eating sumptuous,
exotic island food every day may be a challenge;
the alternative however - eating out every night
- can be frightfully expensive. Why not try a few
days of light eating: frozen pizza, sandwiches, subs
and cereals - supplemented by the local fast food
or Chinese joint. Conversely you can save hundreds
of dollars over your entire trip, by making lunch
your large meal of the day and snacking lightly
for dinner (most restaurants offer a similar, less
expensive lunch menu).
Frugal
The
V
acation
O
ld School
Bajans and
repeat visitors
may remember the
Frugal Gourmet with
Jeff Smith, a popular
television cooking show
from the 80’s and 90’s
which emphasised
fantastic meals at a
reasonable price. Well
move over Jeff, this
one’s “The Frugal
Va-Stay-cationer”,
with great tips on
maximizing (not just
your eating) your
entire va–stay–cation
experience on a budget.
44 | Caribbean Dreams
The words “vacation/
staycation” and
“frugal” are difficult
words to tie together
but spending wisely
just means more bang
for your buck, with
equal amounts of fun.
If you think about it,
many of us start the va/
stay-cation process by
being frugal – saving for
that perfect vacation.
So these are just a
few more things that
can be done to make
vacationing more
affordable.
Consider all your options. The allinclusive hotel may be the most popular option,
but a frugal vacationer needs to consider every
possible alternative. Small hotels, apartments,
condos, guesthouses and even house swapping as
viable options.
Look for free or reasonably priced
things to do. The park, window shopping,
the movies, art shows & exhibits, bike riding, self
guided sightseeing (Getting lost is a big part of the
experience) and of course the beach; carry toys and
games and the experience gets even better.
Look for deals or coupons.
No sense paying full price if discounts are available.
Several island attractions have a good local rate
or a discounted rate for visitors with coupons.
Check the net before you arrive and you might save
yourself a few dollars.
Consider traveling as a group. Group
deals can drive prices down to rates that are easier
on your eyesight and your pocket. So call up your
friends, plan a group trip, and save.
Join mailing lists and use the social
media where possible.
Simply sign up to get deals and steals right in your
inbox, to your Facebook and your Twitter feeds
making it easier to get a better deal without the
hassles of the big bothersome search.