Summer is here and now is the perfect time to plan a vacation. By planning early (maybe even earlier than this) you will save all the money you need in order to have the perfect family vacation where you can unwind and relax. Saving for a vacation can start with a tax refund…or you may have learned how to create a budget and been planning your perfect vacation since January.
5 Tips for Saving Money on Vacation
Plan early. Knowing your vacation dates well ahead of time allows you to book cheaper plane tickets. You should have a budgeted amount for your vacation. Once you know how much you are able to spend it is time to watch the prices of hotels, condos, cars, and airfare. When prices are the lowest you have seen them, it is time to book.
Don’t buy promotional products. There are many people who love shopping, and whenever they see a promotion they can’t resist the urge to buy. If you are one of these people you should seriously think about making a list whenever you are going shopping and stick to it. If it isn’t on your list…you don’t need it. You can satisfy children’s need to have something new by shopping at Walmart or the Dollar Store for a few cheap souvenirs. Be sure to snap a lot of photos – those will last forever!
Pick a cheaper hotel. The real purpose of a vacation is to visit a different place, and therefore you won’t spend too much time in a hotel room. There is no need to pay too much on a room where you will spend most of the time with your eyes closed.
Pack food. You will save money (and possibly eat healthier) if you bring some of your own food with you. When eating out, choose food that is in season from the local restaurants.
Do you have a great tip that saves you money when you go on vacation? Please share if you do!
Check out these Ways I Save for more budgeting inspiration.
Leandrea is a married mom of two girls, ages 13 and 12, living in Atlanta, GA. She is passionate about helping people save money one coupon at a time. Read more
Also part of “plan early” is to look for discounted, advanced tickets for any tourist attractions you know you’ll hit. Many cities have a CityPASS or equivalent where you can buy tickets to several popular attractions as a package. AAA offers discount tickets to many places; sometimes you have to purchase in advance, but sometimes you can just show your card at the door. If you’re going to a city that has public transportation, you can often get a multi-day pass for cheaper than individual rides.