The financial crisis affects people’s spending habits more and more, as well as planning a vacation. Thus, it is very important you plan your costs to the best of your abilities and in many detail, so you would make sure you have enough money for the desired trip. Here are some suggestions that will help you reduce costs of your vacation in Croatia:
1. Book your vacation earlier
To actually reduce the costs of your vacation, the most important thing is to book the accommodation, tourist arrangement or plane ticket a few months in advance. You can consult your travel agent, who will give you advice and find excellent accommodation. Also, by booking your accommodation earlier, you will gain advance in choosing free capacities that suit your criteria best, and you can receive First Minute discounts. Reservations from Saturday to Saturday, instead of 10 days, will burden your wallet less, and you will still have time to rest. Besides, most of accommodation has to be booked from Saturday to Saturday, so you will have more choice options in choosing a more affordable accommodation.
2. Travel in pre- or post-season
One of saving options is going on a vacation out of season – in June or September, when the prices are considerately lower. Besides the lower costs, you will spend your out-of-season vacation in Croatia in full sense of the word and actually get some rest. The crowded supermarkets, beaches and restaurants, as well as traffic jams are considerably rarer. The weather in June and September is very nice in Croatia and the sun is a lot less dangerous for your children. The sea is still warm, the sun is pleasant, the beaches half-empty which is ideal for spending as much time bathing, sunbathing or resting as possible. Walking through towns and in the nature is also more pleasant when the temperatures are lower.
3. Choose a smaller location for your vacation
Top destination in Croatia, such as Hvar and Dubrovnik, offer a lot of possibilities and sights, but higher costs, too. However, you would not miss out on anything if you spend your vacation in some other, smaller, town along the coast or on one of the islands. Quite the contrary, you will spend your vacation in a more quality way – you will discover the life of a smaller town; enjoy less-crowded beaches, with considerably lower costs. However, you can always take a one-day trip to a more attractive destination or a bigger tourist resort. Do not be ashamed to ask the local population to recommend you a place where you can eat a delicious and cheap meal, or what would be worth seeing in their town. Ask around for the most convenient supermarkets to save on visiting restaurants.
4. Moderate speed and air-pressure in your tires save on fuel
If you decide to go on a vacation by your car, you will save a considerable amount of money on fuel if you check the air-pressure in your tires before going on the trip. Low pressure “swallows” fuel, as well as speeding and a strong air-condition.
5. Less baggage – lower costs
Less baggage means lesser extra costs at the airport, also when travelling by car because the weight increases fuel costs. For “smart packing”, make a check-list of the most necessary items and pack accordingly. Take the amount adequate to the number of days you will spend on your trip; for shorter trips it is better to take smaller packages of shampoo, soap, cream or other cosmetics ( you can make them yourselves by pouring your house shampoo in a smaller bottle you have at home)
