In the United States, between 40 to 50% of all marriages end in divorce, and if you are currently going through this process, it’s likely that you may want some time away to focus on yourself. However, divorce itself can be expensive, which can make taking a trip during this time more difficult. Thankfully, there are some wallet-friendly ways to take a trip during the divorce process that can help you make the most of your time without worrying about breaking the bank.
1. Travel During the Off-Season
Depending on where you are going and what your budget is, you may consider heading to your destination during the off-season if possible. If you’ve been saving up your stimulus checks from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which was created to help assist people and businesses during the ongoing pandemic and economic crisis, you may have leeway to spend a bit more, although saving is always preferable. By traveling during the off-season, you can often save on flights and accommodations since they aren’t in high demand from other travelers. This can help you save a lot more than you otherwise would while traveling during peak time.
If you are unable to travel during the off-season, this doesn’t mean you should postpone your trip. Instead, you can look for other ways to save on travel or consider another destination that may not be as in-demand. You could also consider visiting with family or friends in another location to cut down on costs, as opposed to heading to a destination that will require more expensive accommodation.
2. Book Accommodations Wisely
Booking hotels can quickly eat away at your budget and end up costing you a lot depending on how long you are planning on staying. When planning a trip during your divorce, consider staying away from expensive hotels and instead look for alternatives such as Airbnbs. It also may be worth checking multiple websites to compare prices on accommodations. Across the globe, there are around 1.8 billion websites all operating at the same time, and out of these, there are plenty of travel websites that you can consider. However, you don’t want to settle for the first deal that you see. Shop around and research all of your options before making a decision so that you can save as much as possible. Preferably, you should consider staying with a friend or relative if you are traveling to an area near someone that you know, as this can save you the most overall.
3. Eat Smart
Eating while on a trip can also be one of the most expensive things that you’ll need to watch out for. Eating out every night adds up quickly, and this means that you may need to think smarter about how you get your food. A great way to save on meals is to make your own by buying cheaper ingredients from a local store or market and then preparing the meals where you’re staying, provided you have the resources to do so. If you’re lacking a stove or other way to prepare food, buying premade meals at a local store will still save you more overall than dining out, so it’s worth scouting out the local markets during your trip so that you can save as much as possible.
Taking a trip while going through a divorce can be a great way to take time for yourself and step back from the stressful process. If you’re considering taking a trip, keep these three budget-saving tips in mind so that you can enjoy yourself without worrying about breaking the bank.