We all look forward to our next vacation, but often we spend too much money on the trip. It’s no fun to return home and realize you will be paying for the vacation for months to come, instead plan ahead and come home owing nothing.
Save for It
If you cannot pay for your vacation without taking out a loan or putting it on your credit card, don’t do it. No vacation is worth going into debt over.
Start a vacation savings account and each time you get paid deposit money into the account. Work this into your budget and think of it as another monthly payment. Depending on how much you are able to save each month and how much the vacation will cost it may take weeks, months or even years to save enough for the trip you want to take, but that’s OK. Returning from vacation without dept will be your reward. You may be able to save more quickly by trimming some expenses. Review your monthly budget and eliminate unnecessary expenses, cable tv, streaming services, magazine and newspaper subscription, unused gym and club memberships and eating out and put the money you would have spent on these services into your savings account.
Travel Options
Calculate the cost of travel. If you are within 7 or 8 hours of your destination it may be more cost effective to drive. When shopping for airline tickets be sure to calculate taxes, bag fees and other expenses you will incur when you fly. You might also consider traveling by bus or train.
Consider Lodging Options
There are many different choices when it comes to lodging, hotels, condo rentals, B&B’s, cabins, RV’s, Airbnb’s, camping and more. Once you have chosen a destination research the area and find out what lodging options are available and then compare prices. Think about how much time you will spend in the rental. Many people are out most of the day and just need a place to shower and sleep so something very basic will work for them, others may spend more time at the rental and need a kitchen, laundry, and other amenities.
Length of Trip
Decide how much time you want to spend at your destination. Have you ever taken a weeklong trip and decided on day 4-5 that you had seen enough and were ready to go home? You can save hundreds of dollars by trimming off just a few days. Maybe plan some activities at home to enjoy the last few days of your vacation. Having a few days at home allows time to unpack and rest before returning to work.
Plan Meals
Plan your meals before leaving on your trip. If you can prepare most of your meals at the location where you will be staying you can shop for groceries before you leave. Often grocery stores at popular vacation destinations are overprices, you can save money by buying most of your groceries and supplies before you leave. If you are driving that is a good option. If you are flying, you can still buy groceries, but you will need to purchase them once you arrive. Research super markets at your destination to find the lowest priced stores.
Pack snacks as well then when you are out for the day take them along, this prevents hunger and impulse food purchases which in many tourist destinations can be extremely overpriced, take a refillable water bottle, bottled water is more expensive in popular vacation areas and you can save by carrying your own.
Save When Eating Out
There are ways to save when you do dine out on your trip.
Many hotels and airport lounges offer complementary food and beverages.
Choose the right time, restaurants often charge more at peak meal times, instead go an hour earlier or an hour later.
Ask about daily specials.
Check for coupons for local restaurants before leaving on your trip.
Skip coffee, tea and soda, drink water with your meal.
Get it to go, this allows you to tip around 10% rather than 20% of your tab.
Many restaurants offer discounts on certain days of the week, check around and choose to dine out when you can get the best deal.
If you have children look for restaurants where kids eat free.
Skip the appetizers if the restaurant offers free bread or chips & salsa.
Skip the Souvenirs
Souvenirs are a big waste of money, do you really need the shot glasses, refrigerator magnets, keychains or mini statues? This just adds to the clutter at home and they are always overpriced. Take photos and videos instead to remember your trip.
Check for Attraction Discounts
Check online before leaving for discounts and coupons to local attractions like tours, aquariums, amusement parks and museums. When you arrive go to the local visitor center, often you can pick up discounts and coupons there along with recommendations for places to visit.
Groupon and similar sites offer discounts and deals on restaurants, entertainment and attractions. Look for discounts for the area you will be visiting. Read the fine print on deals to make sure there are no exclusions to consider.
Find Free Activities
Some museums and galleries offer free or discount days, many beaches are free, go to local parks or take a walking tour, visit local landmarks, farmers markets and flea markets. The local visitors center can offer suggestions and pamphlets on free activities.
Travel in the Off Season
Consider taking your vacation during the off season when everything is less expensive. You can get airline tickets, hotel rooms and attraction tickets for less, restaurants will also be less expensive.
Use Online Resources to Book Travel & Lodging
Use websites to search for the best price on airfare, lodging and car rentals.
https://www.google.com/travel/flights
Join Travel Loyalty Programs
Join airline, hotel, and rental car company travel loyalty programs. It is almost always free to sign up, and you can receive perks like free or reduced-rate airfare, nightly stays, car rentals, and upgrades.
https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles/overview
https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/mileageplus.html
https://www.southwest.com/rapidrewards/how-to-earn?clk=GSUBNAV-RR-EARN
https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-program/aadvantage-program.jsp
https://world.hyatt.com/content/gp/en/program-overview.html
https://www.hilton.com/en/hilton-honors/
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/
https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/
Negotiate Room Rates Directly
Hotels, airlines and rental car companies pay a commission for business brokered by online booking sites. Look online for the best price, then call the hotel, airline and car rental company directly to negotiate a lower price. If you don’t get a better price initially don’t be afraid to talk to the manager. You can also check their website or mobile app and book through one of those if the price is right.
Book Flights Midweek
If you are flying and have some flexibility for departure dates, consider booking your flight for the middle of the week. Rates are often higher later in the week. If you are traveling on a holiday, consider traveling on the actual day like Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter. Ticket prices are generally lower on those days.
Credit Card with Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can offer financial protection for problems that can happen on vacation. Check with your credit card company, some offer built-in travel insurance if you pay for the trip using their card. If you don’t have a card that offers this, consider applying for one. Find one that offers travel and cash back points as well as travel insurance. Find out what the card covers and what exceptions they have then decide if it is worth it. You can purchase travel insurance through a third party as well.
Borrow Luggage
If you don’t own luggage, consider borrowing it from a friend or family member. Luggage is expensive and if you don’t travel often borrowing is a frugal option.
Pack Light
Most people over pack for vacation. Make a detailed list of what you need to bring, pack garments and accessories that you can mix and match, pants, shorts, dresses and tops can be worn more than once.
Pack essential products like toiletries, chargers, a reusable water bottle, plastic bags and anything else you will need so you don’t have to buy those items once you arrive.
If flying, try to fit everything in a carry-on and personal items bag so you don’t have to pay baggage fees. This also prevents lost luggage.
Use Public Transit Whenever Possible
If you are vacationing in an area where public transportation is readily available, use that instead of renting a car.
Get a Multi-Attraction Pass or Discount Card
Before leaving on your trip look for multi-attraction passes and discount cards.
CityPass and Go City sell a variety of discount packages in popular US tourist destinations including Seattle, San Francisco, Southern California, New York City, Boston, and Miami.
Withdraw Cash Before Leaving
Avoid using ATMs that charge fees for using them. Withdraw cash before leaving on your trip. Use credit cards when possible, to earn points. If you do need cash while you are away use your banking app to locate no-fee ATMs in the area.
Ask for Discounts
Many places offer discounts to seniors, veterans, military members, AARP members, AAA members, children and students. If you fall into any of these categories, ask for discounts wherever you go.
Some museums, national parks and amusement parks have reciprocal programs, here are a few.
America the Beautiful
The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series
Each pass covers entrance fees at lands managed by the National Park Service and US Fish & Wildlife Service and also standard amenity fees (day use fees) at lands managed by the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Army Corps of Engineers. A pass covers the pass owner and all occupants in a personal vehicle at sites that charge per vehicle or, the pass owner and up to three additional adults (16 and over) at sites that charge per person. Children ages 15 or under are admitted free.
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
The North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM)
They are a network of 1,319 art museums and galleries, historical museums and societies, botanical gardens, children’s museums, zoos, and more. When you sign up with your favorite participating NARM institution, you can receive reciprocal membership benefits across the United States, Bermuda, Canada, the Cayman Islands, and Puerto Rico. https://narmassociation.org/
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
Those with an AZA pass will receive free or half-price admission to many zoos and aquariums across the country.
https://www.aza.org/reciprocity
Time Travelers
Not all Time Travelers museums offer totally free reciprocal membership, you may receive a discount instead.
http://timetravelers.mohistory.org/
Association of Children’s Museums (ACM)
They offer 50% off at many children’s museums.
ACM Reciprocal Network
Southeastern Reciprocal Membership Program (SERM)
This covers many museums in the Southeastern region.
https://www.semcdirect.net/reciprocal
Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM)
Not widely known, ROAM has a small number of art museums, history museums, and gardens.
https://sites.google.com/site/roammuseums/home/list-of-roam-museums?mobile=true
American Horticultural Society (AHS)
Offers cardholders free admission to dozens of gardens all over the country.
Home Page
Cedar Point Season Pass
Cedar Point offers 4 different season passes, all include unlimited visits to Cedar Point, discounts on food and merchandise, free parking and pass perk rewards.
https://www.cedarpoint.com/season-passes
Six Flags Gold Pass
Every Six Flags park in the country is included in this pass, Parking is free. https://www.sixflags.com/
Busch Gardens Florida Platinum Pass
Choose from a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Annual Pass – the more you move up, the more value and bigger the benefits. Find out which plan fits you best below. All plans let you pick your parks which include 12 months admission, monthly rewards and more for the park(s) selected. Special events like Bier Fest, Spooktacular, Christmas Town, and Food & Wine Festival are included with a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Annual Pass.
https://buschgardens.com/tampa/annual-pass/benefits/
Plan for Cell Service
If you are leaving the country or going on a cruise, call your mobile provider before your trip and find out what kind of international plans they offer so you don’t end up overpaying for service.
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