For many Jamaicans, having a passport is more for identification locally than for actual travel because, let’s be real, it can be expensive.

Considerations for things like airfare, accommodations and spending money may serve as a deterrent to those who want to vacation abroad but think it too expensive. However, trips can be made significantly cheaper if one plans accordingly.

Buy tickets early (enough)

As a general rule, try to stay away from buying last-minute tickets. On that note, you also want to stay away from getting tickets too soon. Purchasing tickets between two to three months in advance of your planned travel date could get you the best prices, depending on the season, according to the CheapAir.com 2019 Annual Airfare Study based on 917 million airfares across 8,000 markets. Travel during holiday periods and to popular destinations will cost more. For example, the difference between tickets to New York bought for travel in October may vary by as much as US$100 or more each when compared to one bought for travel in December, closer to Christmas.

Visit a cheaper location

Consider travelling to a cheaper city or country than where you have planned. Closer and less popular destinations often come with more reasonable airfares than you would find when compared to hot spots frequented by Instagram influencers. So, Miami over New York or Mexico instead of Europe will almost always work out to be less expensive.

Plan and save

We love the idea of living in the moment, and spontaneous trips sound fun but will usually involve unplanned expenses. Think carefully about what you would want to do with your two weeks’ vacation and work towards a well-thought out trip that allows you to maximise your time while minimising expenditure. Your bank account will thank you later.

Travel light

In an age where you are charged for everything on flights, bringing additional bags will add up, costing anywhere from US$25 per bag one way for the first bag, with the second being even more. Pack smart and travel light. Some people don’t need more than a good-sized carry-on bag, which comes without a fee on most airlines, if packing is done properly. This is easier said than done as most people, particularly Jamaicans, love to bring enough and then some to ensure we are always dressed to the nines for every occasion.

Eat like a local

By that we don’t necessarily mean eat food from that area; eating like a local means eat where the locals would eat. Ask for suggestions from the people around. They know where to get the best food and at the most reasonable price. The only thing that beats delicious is delicious and cost-effective.

Visit friends and family/Go where you know people

Go, where you have friends and or family. This seems obvious but many people choose to stay away from people they know because of the expectations and the desire to avoid family drama. However, staying with relatives eliminates the cost of accommodations and, oftentimes, food. It may be worth having a couple awkward conversations about what the plans for your future are if it means having somewhere to put your head at nights without a massive charge to your credit card after you’ve left.

Earn miles/points

Speaking of credit cards, get one that gives you travel points or discounts at hotels etc. I got a one three years ago and since then I’ve been able to redeem my points three times for round-trip tickets to New York and Miami. I use my credit card for most regular expenses and then immediately pay it off in full to avoid interest rates while watching the points add up.

Travel in a group

And if you insist on avoiding family at all costs, then plan your trips with a small group of friends to split costs for things like taxis, accommodations and meals, which can really add up.

— Paul Allen