You want your vacation to be memorable, but you probably don’t want to remember spending a lot of money. With some advanced planning, you can save a good amount of your travel and vacation expenses. Here’s what travel experts recommend:
*Don’t pick prime times for flights.If you’re flying, you’ll usually pay less for airline tickets during off-peak times. This means flying during the middle of the week, early in the morning or late at night.
*Be flexible.When booking airline tickets, choose the flexible dates option to find the lowest price for airfare. Sometimes, the savings can be substantial.
*Visit during the off-season.Many people travel to warm, tropical destinations during the winter months. Try going during the late fall or early spring instead.
*Check out renting a house.Many destinations offer houses for rent at about the same price per night as hotels but with much more space. When you share with another family, you split the cost for even more savings.
*Look for online deals & coupons.Look online for local activities you want to do, such as visiting museums or scuba diving excursions. Many places offer deals or coupons if you book in advance. You may also be able to avoid lines for buying tickets.
*Don’t forget your discounts.Companies like AARP and AAA often have discount rates for members. Some employers have discounts available to employees for car rentals and other vacation items.
*Pack snacks.Pack healthy snacks in a cooler for a car trip like fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. For flights, bring your own food to the airport and eat before getting on the plane. Keep in mind liquids more than 3.4 ounces can’t be taken through the security checkpoints.
*Get a kitchen.Look for hotel rooms that have a full kitchen so you can store food and beverages, cook your own meals and avoid the higher costs of eating out.
*Try camping.Instead of traditional hotels, look for campsites. Camping often costs a fraction of what a hotel costs, as long as you have a tent, mats to sleep on and a few more basic camping supplies.
*Look nearby.If the prices of airline tickets and hotels aren’t in your budget, look for daytrip options. Destinations within 2 hours of home are often doable for families and can be just as fun as a longer trip.
