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Cheapest Vacations for Californians

Cheapest Vacations for Californians

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If you are living in California, you are paying one of the highest costs of living in the USA. Your vacation in the Golden State, however, doesn’t have to cost you that much. There are numerous scenic places to visit– all close to home. There are several options depending on the type of vacation that you prefer. You can go on a road trip and enjoy many attractions while camping or staying at cabins for the night.

You can choose a popular destination and find a nice hotel and delight in the surrounding beauty without hurting your budget.

Cheapest Vacations for Californians

Managing your money while on a road trip

Some of the most iconic road trips are in California, so get your car ready and hit the road. There are many scenic drives that await you and lots of entertainment at affordable prices.

Here are a few suggestions:

·     The Pacific Coast Highway (also referred to as California State Route 1) is known as the most scenic drive in the state. The 656-mile drive starts near Leggett to the North and runs to Dana Point to the South. The most famous part of this road trip is from Monterey to Morro Bay. Be prepared for tight turns, though, and for fascinating views. Stop as often as you wish to enjoy the Pacific Ocean coastline.

·    Big Sur is one of the most beautiful spots in California that offers both luxurious inns and cabins along with affordable sleeping options. You can camp at one of the 12 campgrounds along the way for only $15 a night and appreciate the breathtaking views of the Ventana Wilderness. Cook your own meal at the campfire but treat yourself with a drink from the Big Sur River Inn, where you can have a beer while sitting in a chair in the river itself.

·      Calistoga is a charming town that has an Old West vibe and offers cheap accommodations for those who are on a road trip. You can stay at Calistoga Inn for $119-$129/night between Sunday and Thursday. The inconvenience is that you need to share the bathroom, but the brewery on site makes up for it. Besides, you can have ribs with garlic bread at Buster’s Original southern BBQ for just $12. You can also visit the petrified redwood forest for just $10 and see the 3-million-old redwoods that were turned to stone by a volcano eruption.

Budget hotels in famous places

Even the most renowned resorts meant for the affluent can offer affordable vacation opportunities. Here are just three examples that will make you consider a posh holiday on a budget:

·       Palm Springs is an affluent desert resort city that also has some hidden treasures for those who are looking for an affordable holiday. You can get a room at Los Arboles Hotel for just $89 per night. The boutique hotel offers a heated pool, a sun deck, a jacuzzi, and poolside dining. You can grab a tallboy for only $6 at The Amigo Room, where you can enjoy a free jacuzzi as well. Play some night golf at the Lights at Indio Municipal Golf Course, which charges $15 for a green fee and a cart during the summer.

·     Santa Cruz is the heaven for surfers but it also offers plenty of other attractions. There are numerous camping grounds nearby where you can stay. For those who prefer a bit more luxury – Casablanca on the Beach is a boutique hotel with rooms for $119 a night. There are plenty of places to have a drink and enjoy a free pool or a game of darts.

·      Santa Barbara has been dubbed the “American Riviera” and we know why. Hotel rooms can cost $600 a night but there are cheaper options as well. If you stay at The Wayfarer, a hotel and a hostel near the Funk Zone, you will be charged only $49 for a shared room or $125 for a private room per night, which also includes breakfast and a heated pool. If you are a wine lover, Santa Barbara Winery offers six tastings for just $10 and you keep the glass as a souvenir.

Even in California, you can enjoy a vacation without worrying about your finances.

How to save for a vacation

How to Save for a Vacation

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Are all those Instagram vacation pics making you jealous? The good news is, with the right planning, you can take an amazing vacation.

May be you have already picked your destination and you are ready to pack your stuff and enjoy a few days off work. The only thing that’s left is to find the budget. Vacations are not cheap, and the lack of money is a common reason to postpone it again and again. But sometimes all it takes is some self-discipline and you can save enough for a vacation in no time. Here are a few tips…

How to save for a vacation

Open a Vacation Savings Account

If you get direct deposit at work, you can usually split it between different accounts. Ask your employer to send a percentage of your paycheck to a designated savings account. You likely won’t even miss that money and will have a nice vacation fund in a matter of a few months.

Set aside all of your extra cash

Get in your kitchen, find the biggest jar, grab a Sharpie and write “VACATION” on it. If you have a second job, freelance income or leftover change – put it in the jar. If you happen to get a cash gift from someone – put it in the jar. If you work overtime, take the extra money from your paycheck and…you guessed it – put it in the jar!

Make money selling stuff you no longer need

We all tend to hold on to things way too long. If you have all collectibles collecting dust – you can sell them for really good money. If you have clothes you rarely wear – you can offload it for cash as well. Just about anything you own can be sold to someone. There are Download Decluttr app to sell your old DVD’s or tablets. Sell the old furniture in your garage by using Trove Market or Chairish. To sell the items you don’t need, you can use Letgo, Facebook Sell&Buy groups, eBay, Bookoo, etc. You will be surprised how much money you can earn in no time.

Cut expenses

Instead of paying huge monthly fees for the gym you don’t even visit as often as you originally intended, you can cancel your membership and workout at home or outdoors. Using multiple video streaming services? Choose one and stick with it for a while. Consider canceling cable. A lot of the shows are available through streaming services anyway and you’ll save a ton of money every month. Using apps with monthly fees? Cut them out. Going out to eat or getting a Starbucks every morning? Opt for eating at home – your vacation will be worth it.

Rethink Grocery Shopping

  • Do your groceries once a week so you can keep a better track on the money you spend on food;
  • Buy things in bulk when they are on sale;
  • Shop at your local farmers market – it is cheaper, better for you and you will be doing a good deed by supporting small businesses;
  • Grow or regrow herbs and veggies like salad greens, garlic, cilantro, romaine lettuce, scallions, carrots, celery, basil, bokchoi, and more;
  • Shop after 7 PM because most delis and grocery stores decrease the price of foods with limited shelf life like takeout, bread, meat, etc;
  • Don’t shop on an empty stomach because you will spend a lot more;
  • Have a meal plan so you don’t buy too much food. Overconsumption will add to your weight and take away from your wallet.

Borrow what you’re short

You can start saving money for your vacation right this very moment. But still, it is going to take some time before you have enough to cover for your next road trip, cruise, beach holiday, or visit to a national park. When vacation time rolls around, if you’re still a little short, consider borrowing just enough to cover what you weren’t able to save up. There are plenty of different types of loans, but if you need some money fast, car title loans are the perfect option. You can get money in as little as 15 minutes, there is no credit check, monthly payments are reasonable and you can apply online or in person.

If you are in the Long Beach Area, visit us here at Fast Money Loans for a title loan. California residents have been using us since 1997. We’d love to help you with your cash needs!