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Planning a vacation, but afraid of overspending and denting your credit card? Here are some simple tips that can help you plan a budget vacation so that you can travel to your heart’s content without spending too much.

Plan your budget beforehand: When it comes to planning a vacation, the first thing you will need to do is plan your budget. The first part of your budget will encompass the flights and accommodation, along with other add-on charges like baggage, airport transfers, and so on. The next part of the budget will include meals, recreational activities, shopping, intercity travel etc. Decide how much you want to spend on add-ons, allowing for the occasional travel splurge in the form of a gondola ride in Venice or a bullet train ride in Japan, etc.

Opt for off-peak travel: Most travelers are not aware of the fact that traveling during the off seasons can cut down costs. For instance, if you are on the lookout for affordable romantic getaway packages, you will be surprised to note that resorts that offer these packages for unaffordable prices during the peak season will offer the same for at least half the cost during off seasons.

Check online sites for discounts: One of the main advantages of booking your vacation online via travel websites is that you get to enjoy great deals offered by these sites on a frequent basis. Signing up with such sites will help you get firsthand information on these offers via emails and SMS. Some sites also offer attractive discounts on some hotels or resorts.

Check for price alerts from flights: Flight prices can change drastically overnight. The trick here is to keep scouring the price alerts that pop up on the travel or airline websites. If you have the date fixed in your mind, book the tickets for the same at least a few months in advance so that you can avoid spending extra bucks.

Travel from nearby cities and airports: Sometimes a lesser-known airport in the same area or a nearby city can offer cheaper travel options than well-known airports. It would be more cost-effective to fly into these airports and then take a cab, bus, or train to the city you want to visit. For instance, if you are thinking of booking romantic vacation getaways in Paris, you may want to fly into a neighboring city like Montreuil to reduce your travel budget.

Be flexible with your stay options: Why opt for only hotels when there are so many other alternatives you can choose from? If you are traveling with friends, a hostel will offer a more cost-effective solution. Many services also allow you to rent apartments or rooms from the locals. Several other services allow you to rent couches or beds to sleep on while traveling from one place to another.

Sign up for travel newsletters: Search for some renowned airlines or travel websites and sign up for their newsletters. You will be amazed at the sheer number of travel offers and discounts that fly into your inbox every other day, all of which can come in handy when you want to book some romantic getaway packages at affordable prices.