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Tents on riverbank

Want to Travel on a Budget? You Have Options!

Planning a Vacation Doesn't Have to be Expensive

It's an age-old conundrum: you want to get away for a while but you don't have much to spend. You've just whiled away your afternoon window-shopping at travel agencies and the cost of a plane ticket to a half-decent destination is more than your entire trip's budget. If you don't come up with some appealing cheap vacation ideas, you won't be going anywhere.

Relax. There are plenty of cheap vacation deals and off-the-beaten-path travel ideas out there, whether you're intent on going far or staying local. You just have to keep an open mind and a flexible schedule, since last-minute vacations are usually the best way to save a bundle on a traditional trip.

Cheap Vacation Ideas for Singles and Groups

Checking with online vendors of flights and travel packages is an ideal way to snap up last-minute vacations and bargain-basement prices. If you learn how to find cheap plane tickets, you'll open up a world of further possibilities without having to rely solely on whatever discount destinations happen to be available.

So-called "staycations" spike in popularity during times of economic turmoil, but you don't need to wait for a fiscal meltdown to explore the getaway possibilities in your own backyard. And, of course, no discussion of cheap vacation ideas is complete without mentioning camping. The ultimate thrift vacation, camping is a perfect way for a group of friends to enjoy a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city without spending a fortune. All you'll need is an affordable camping permit, enough food and some basic supplies and you're good to go.

If you've assembled a group of adventurers, one tried-and-true variant of this idea is to take a road trip to a drivable destination, camping along the way, and stay in a vacation house when you get where you're going. Sharing the fuel, food and accommodations expenses will take a big bite out of the overall cost of the vacation.

Cheap Romantic Vacations for Couples

Finding cheap cruise vacations and cheap vacation packages for couples can be easier than looking for single vacancies, since vendors obviously prefer to sell two trips instead of just one. Resort vacations are also among the most common cheap romantic vacations for couples, especially if you're okay with traveling during off-peak times of year. Weekend-long festivals, road trips, summertime fairs and amusement parks also give couples the chance to spend some quality time together without accruing the expenses that come with venturing far from home.