Avoid Going Into Debt When Going On Vacation
So you’re ready to pack your bags but your wallet is empty? There are plenty of ways to enjoy a summer vacation without spending a lot of money.
- Take full advantage of any student, membership, residency and age discounts. Be sure to have proof of eligibility and ask about discounts when booking reservations or buying attraction tickets.
- In planning a family vacation, look for restaurants, hotels and attractions that offer free meals, free accommodations or other special discounts for children. Finding such deals is as easy as typing “kids stay free” into an Internet search engine.
- Avoid vending machines and the mini bars at hotels by providing your own snacks and drinks. If your hotel offers a free continental breakfast, grab an extra piece of fruit for a snack later in the day.
- When booking a hotel, consider one with a refrigerator and microwave where you can make some of your own meals at less expense than
eating out. - Check your automobile insurance and credit card travel insurance offerings before renting a car to avoid duplicating coverage you
already have. - Airlines’ frequent flier programs ushered in the modern era of reward points and loyalty programs. If you belong to any of these programs check their websites for current travel bargains and cash in your points.
- Search couponcode.com before reserving hotels and rental cars online to see if there are discount codes that can be entered to save even more money when reserving on the provider’s website.
- Consider re-routing your trip or changing the destination to stay a night or two with family and friends to spare the expense of a hotel.
- Off-peak locations offer deals to lure customers. In one recent example, there are many things to enjoy along the Gulf Coast beyond its beaches and due to news coverage of the oil spill you can get bargain vacations and be welcomed with open arms.
- Vacation homes and condo rentals offer a money-saving option but beware of scams. Confirm the legitimacy of a rental property through a real estate agent, an online search of property records, using a recognized vacation rental agency or asking someone you know in the area to go by the house and check it out before sending any money.
- Stay at home and allocate a budget to explore your own city. In addition to cultural organizations such as museums and planetariums, there may be city festivals, historic home and walking tours, live performing arts and sporting events, as well as outdoor activities to enjoy.
- Consider combining the savings of staying close to home with the thrill of being away from it all by booking just one or two nights in a hotel or bed and breakfast in your area.
