When it comes to getting away, the majority of us take efforts to save where we can. We book bargain hotels, opt for cheap flights, and even make do with hand luggage to avoid added costs. Vacations are expensive enough, without having to worry about extras. After you’ve forked out a fortune, even a small added cost could break your camel’s back.
And, money-saving efforts can be seen in other areas, too. In an ideal world, we would stock up on a new wardrobe each time we went away. Isn’t that what people do when money’s no issue? But, for those of us on a penny-pinch, it’s all about making do with the summer clothes we already have on hand.
There’s nothing wrong with that. You could even argue that buying a new wardrobe for the sake of your vacation makes no sense. After all, you’re going somewhere no one will see you. What’s more, a two-year-old strap top is unlikely to look much different from a new one. In many ways, this is one of the easiest costs to compromise on.
But, when you’re thinking about how to pack, you might want to turn your attention to a few essentials which are worth replacing. Don’t worry; these don’t need to break the bank. But, they could make all the difference to the quality of your time away. So, what are these magic items we speak of? Read on to find out.
Footwear
If you’re heading to a hot country, those boots you wear every day at home aren’t going to serve. Instead, you need to opt for cool choices which give your feet space to breathe. Only, the options you already have to hand may not suit. In a lot of ways, this depends on the type of vacation you’re taking. If you plan to chill by the pool for a week, that old pair of flip flops could still serve your purpose. Equally, if you’re planning not to walk much, that uncomfortable pair of sandals could just about make the cut. But, if your feet will be playing a prominent part in your time away, it’s essential you turn your attention to more suitable options. Most logically, you should look out for comfortable womens sandals like those offered by Alegria. You want a pair which offers padding and support. It’s also best to steer clear of options which split between the toes. Otherwise, you’re just asking for blisters. If sandals don’t appeal, look for open-topped flat shoes instead. And, whatever you do, steer clear of black options. Otherwise, your feet will roast every time you leave the hotel. One thing’s sure, not taking time here could ruin your trip away altogether.
Swimwear
It’s also worth paying attention to swimwear. In truth, it’s unlikely you need to worry here if you jet off every year. The chances are that a swimming costume which worked for you last year will work again. But, if you take a few years off between your vacations, it’s essential you consider this before you leave. Otherwise, you’re going to end up paying over the odds for something while you’re away. After all, most tourist-heavy areas know they have people over the barrel with things like this. And, that’s reflected in the price tag. So, buying a new option before you head off could actually save you pennies in the long run. The main thing to consider here is how confident you feel in what you already have. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that stripping down takes guts, especially if you don’t do it often. And, if your costume is too tight or sagging in the wrong places, it stands to be a real issue. After all, you can hardly feel comfortable while sunbathing if you’re worrying about things falling out in the wrong places. And, going in the pool will be entirely out of bounds in your costume doesn’t fit. You don’t want any unfortunate slips, after all. So, be ruthless here. If you feel at all as though your costume isn’t the right shape for your anymore, get something new. Your vacation self will thank you for it.
Scarves/wraps
You may be thinking that scarves and wraps aren’t exactly essential, and you’d be right. But, bear with us. Given that you aren’t updating the rest of your wardrobe, it might be worth spending some pennies here. A brightly colored new shawl around your shoulders could breathe life into even your oldest outfits. What’s more, the cost of these is a drop in the ocean compared to a whole new outfit. As such, this could be the cheapest way to brighten your fashion choices and make outfits feel brand new while you’re away. And, that’ll work wonders for your confidence. What’s more, additions like these are multifunctional, so you can be sure you’re getting the most for your money. You could use them as belts, shawls, scarves, hair ties, or even as a bracelet if you wanted. As such, you can refresh your outfits each day. By taking these along, you could even find many uses for a more limited wardrobe. And, that stands to save you money on the luggage side of things.
Evening dresses
There’s nothing better than going back to your hotel of an evening and getting changed into something special. When else do you get the excuse to dress up every single night? We’re not saying, of course, that you need to buy a new dress for every evening. The chances are that you already have some options which would work well. But, it won’t hurt to buy yourself one or two new dresses to help you feel as though you’re dressing up. Perhaps buy something for your first and last nights away. This could work wonders for your confidence and take you outside of your comfort zone. What’s more, there are some fantastic cheap options which can make this more than achievable on a budget.