Travelers commonly tell me they want to know the true cost of their vacation. They reject starting prices and growing estimates. Nobody wants to open a credit card statement that takes months to pay down.
Fortunately, specific vacation styles allow you to pay for everything before you leave home. Prepaying most of your trip helps you set a budget and stick to it. You will enjoy your trip instead of tallying receipts. Prepayment also simplifies planning because you know exactly what to save.
Here are my favorite ways to travel with upfront costs.
The Obvious Options
- Cruises: One fare includes your stateroom, meals, entertainment, and transportation. You can also prepay gratuities, beverage packages, and shore excursions. This limits extra costs once you sail, unless you visit the casino.
- All-Inclusive Resorts: Resorts in Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean bundle lodging, meals, drinks, and entertainment. Many packages also include kids’ clubs, water sports, and airport transfers. You just show up and relax.
- Walt Disney World: You can pay for the Most Magical Place on Earth before arrival. Package your resort stay, park tickets, and the Disney Dining Plan together. Once you arrive, you only choose your first ride.
The Less Obvious Options
- River Cruises: These often include more features than ocean cruises. Many lines bundle shore excursions, wine, beer, Wi-Fi, and gratuities.
- Escorted and Guided Tours: Companies like Tauck, National Geographic, and Adventures by Disney bundle your costs. One price covers hotels, meals, guides, entry fees, and transportation. This setup works perfectly for Europe and national parks.
- Dude and Guest Ranches: One weekly rate typically covers lodging, meals, horseback riding, and activities. Experiences range from luxury spas to rustic log cabins. Prepaying everything creates a unique vacation.
Pro Travel Tip
You can still prepay many costs even if your trip lacks an all-inclusive package. Prepay your travel insurance, airport transfers, gratuities, and excursions. This strategy reduces your destination spending and clarifies your final budget.
