From resorts to guided tours, package deals can help you save on trips
With Reading Week fast approaching and dreams of the summer starting to creep their way into our thoughts, the chance to travel is fast upon us. However, unless you want to spend major money, travel can sometimes be a difficult thing to achieve.
Last week, I wrote about the experience of beach camping as well as camping in general. But for some, roughing it in the wilderness—or on a beach—just isn’t their cup of mojito. Another option, though slightly costlier, can still be doable on a student budget.
My suggestion is: all-inclusive trips. Whether a resort in the Dominican or a trip to a remote location with a tour company, this can be an affordable and fun option for just about anyone. If you are wanting to travel somewhere farther away and are looking to have a packed trip, finding deals with tour companies can be your best bet.
Websites like itravel2000 and Sunwing offer packages to mainly tropical destinations. Other sites, such as WagJag and Groupon, offer packages to destinations in Europe and Asia, as well as some closer options if you don’t want to travel too far. Both options have their benefits and drawbacks, but if you do your research beforehand, you can have an amazing experience.
When choosing all-inclusive packages from travel companies, watch your dates.Heavy travel seasons, especially around spring break, could mean a resort full of students and long wait times for off-site excursions, as well as higher prices.
When booking your trip, try to compare between different destinations and dates; you would be amazed at the difference travelling on a Sunday versus a Friday can make. Make sure to look into what is included in the package as well. Sometimes packages can be customizable, meaning you can tailor your experience. So, if you are headed to Cuba and want to see some of the culture, check to see if Havana is nearby, or if the resort offers shuttles.
As for the WagJag deals, make sure you read the fine print and review the details of the package. Though most can seem like an amazing deal at first, if the black-out dates don’t work with your schedule, you may have to keep looking. Also, make sure you look at the itineraries that are posted for the trip. Some can be busy and if you are someone who likes to take their time, you may need to choose another option.
Overall, it isn’t as impossible to travel to another country or destination without breaking the bank as you may have thought. As long as you make sure that you do your due diligence, a great escape awaits you.
Photo by Skeeze via CC0