Features > Save Money > 15 Tips for Saving Money While on Vacation
15 Tips for Saving Money While on Vacation
Vacation and budget may seem like adversaries, or enemy combatants, but they're actually working toward one single goal: your happiness. For me, I'm not happy unless I'm saving money, and I'm always happy when I'm on vacation, so does bringing the two together equal double happiness? I think so! Here's 15 ways to do both.
- Plan ahead
Crucial. Only people in movies buy tickets as soon as they arrive at the airport. Here, in the real world, we plan months ahead. I've known people to book two years in advance. - Shop around
It goes hand in hand with planning ahead. Don't just stay loyal to one brand of airline or hotel, venture out to see which company provides the best rates. - Budget planning
Decide how much you have to spend, and stick to your budget. - Get a hotel with a kitchen
Who says you can't cook on vacation? - Ask for discounts
Sometimes, you'll get a better price just because you asked. - Check out free things to do
The internet is a wellspring of knowledge. Look up a calendar of events in your destination, and find what's free or cheap, and blend in with the locals. - Share costs with others
Go on a vacation with your family or friends, and rent a house together. It may be cheaper that way. - Stay in a hostel
Whether backpacking through Europe, or spending a weekend in St. Louis, there's plenty of hostels that accept out of town tourists on the cheap. - Buy a guidebook
Instead of paying for a travel guide, buy or borrow a book about your destination, and beat out your own path, but make sure you don't go it alone. Always travel in pairs, with a spouse, or a friend. - Pay in cash
This works every time. There's something intoxicating about credit cards, it gives us a false sense of security. Use only cash, or travelers cheques preferably, when on vacation to control spending. - Rent a car
Instead of using taxis everywhere you go, a rental car is an inexpensive option that provides you with the most flexibility. - Stay at hotels that offer breakfast
It's one meal that you don't have to pay for, which is a great deal! - Fly in to a different airport
Sometimes choosing an airport that's 20 minutes further away makes $100 difference on your airplane ticket. Once again, comparison shop for the best deals. - Drive to your destination
Instead of flying, driving is a great alternative. Especially if the location is within a day's trip. Comparing the cost of the car and gas to plane tickets may be worth the travel exhaustion. Plus, you get a chance to sight see. - Pack snacks
It's tempting to buy candy and other junk food while traveling, but resist the urge, and bring your own. Conceivably, you won't be traveling to your local Wal-Mart whenever you're vacationing, so make sure to stock up before you go.
I know these tips have helped me save a lot of money. What are some of your favorite tips? Leave me a comment to let me know!
Jessica | Jan 19, 2009 | Category: Money Savings
AllStays Pro Online
Pure information, faster, no ads, privacy, full screen maps, more filters, layers for weather, traffic, biking, transit, over half a million search combinations. Join now
Feature Categories
More Posts
Featured Apps
AllStays Hotels By Chain
Find all kinds of beds near you. All the chains. The only app that puts you one button from the front desk. The data is stored in the app so you aren't waiting to download information (or ads). Works with or without service.
Camp & RV
The number one camping app. From resorts to hike-in spots. Amenities, maps, truck stops, rest areas, Wal-mart and casino parking and much more.
Most Recent Posts
