Travel More in 2016: How’s How

Now that fall is officially here, the first snowfall isn’t far off. Once the ground is covered, I know I’m not alone when I start daydreaming about a sandy beach and a warmer climate. We have two sunny vacations planned for January – one as a family and one as a couple – and yes, I’m counting down the days already!

The weak Canadian dollar doesn’t give many of us confidence in booking a trip south, I get that, but there are ways you can save money and travel more in 2016. You just have to be savvy with your plans and choices, and here’s how:

1. Start thinking of every day ways you can save more and spend less. It can be as simple as cutting out your daily drive-through coffee, or figuring out how to swap dresses with your girlfriends to avoid buying a new one for the next big event. I offered some tips on saving more money earlier in 2015 that you can reference for a great start!

2. Utilize rewards cards and programs that focus on travel. Swap your credit card for one that offers travel points, and ensure you’re using your travel rewards and points cards faithfully. I can’t tell you how many times I’m in line at a checkout and the person before me doesn’t have a rewards card and simply shrugs when asked. I don’t understand why people don’t like saving money! Promise yourself you’ll sign-up for rewards programs and then remember to always use your rewards cards – you’ll be surprised how quickly they can add up.

3. Talk to a travel agent early and let them know your vacation goals. It helps having someone scope out travel deals for you, and this way you can focus on all the other money saving strategies here! Also, don’t forget to make room for travel insurance in your plans, this is a non-negotiable part of smart travel, after all losing money if you have to cancel your trip or spending money on a trip-injury are definitely not helpful to the bottom line of spending less and traveling more!

4. Consider shorter holidays for maximum savings. Some cruises offer 4-day sails, and a weekend getaway to Las Vegas for example can go a long way to recharging your spirit. While a 7-10 day holiday is a definite bonus in the dreary winter months, a less expensive and shorter holiday can keep your bank account and you happy.

5. Don’t hang out with the Joneses! In other words, while it may feel like everyone else is traveling and you’re not realistically we know that’s not the case. Don’t put yourself in debt to satisfy that FOMO (fear of missing out!) Find alternate vacation ideas, and if your ideal holiday is out of budget for 2016, start planning now to make it happen in a year. Little getaways help break up that winter chill, even a staycation at a hotel in your area! We’ll get through this winter even if we have to create a beach day ourselves in a hotel pool!