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How to Save Money on Your Vacation

We try to save money in every aspects of our lives. We are always looking for the best deal, sales, deals, grocery coupons, tips to save on gas…. So why not get some tips on how to save money on your vacation as well? You can enjoy a great family time, or romantic get away and still try to get the bests deals possibles.

Save Money on Your Vacation Tip 1: Booking

The first tip to remember, is book a vacation off season, this is the most obvious tip on how to save money on your vacations, but can also save you the most. If you have children that are not in school yet, or if your schedule allows it, don’t plan to go on vacation during the high season. Prices are much higher, attractions crowded, and you pay more whether it is hotels, rental cars, gas and even food… Also, try to book early. The closer you book to your planned travel date, the higher the prices.If you try to book a flight, the earlier you start looking the better the deals. Also, note one of the Riders Digest greatest tip about the best time to actually book your flight: Wednesday night at 12:01 in the time zone of the airline company you wish to fly with, because they have to sell the weekend reservations that were not completed. You can also save money by booking on less busy days, so avoid flying Fridays and Sundays. And remember to check all the airports in your town. Smaller airports can really help you save money on your vacation. Who knows, you might be able to afford that extra night at the hotel after saving on your plan ticket? When you rent a car, booking early is important as well, because you will have more choices. Check out our Fox Rent A Car promotions and choose the most suitable rental car category for your needs. Book the most fuel efficient car, like our hybrid, and remember to fill up the tank on Wednesday, it’s cheaper than on the weekends. If you plan to take some organized tours or want to see a show, check online before you get there. Most companies offer better deals online. Once again plan ahead!

Save Money on Your Vacation Tip 2: Hotels

When you book your hotel, check for package deals. Don’t use a travel agency. You will save money on your vacation by booking it yourself. Check for hotels offering free breakfast, or special deals like: Stay 2 nights – the 3rd is free. Also make sure to ask about parking. If it is not included then you will have to find a better deal or pay for parking. Ask about their “specials”. Certain hotels in ski resorts for example have what seems to be higher room prices, but the 2 days ski lift tickets are included. So find their website or call to see, if the hotel has any room+tours packages. Think about staying out of the city. You can try to find hotel close, but not right in the middle of the city you visit. They are usually much cheaper, but remember to check for good public transportation or cheap parking. Think about how much time you actually spend in the room, and then book accordingly. You most likely want to discover and take advantage of your visit. So a smaller room might be enough. Remember what you don’t spend there, you can spend on other things, whether you stay longer, go shopping or splurge on a nice dinner!

Save Money on Your Vacation Tip 3: Coupons

When you Google a city name, you often find the city’s official page among the top results. Check out their coupons, or special offers pages. You can get ideas of things to do in the city and find out what attractions offer deals. Discover LA , or Visit California for example give you info on the best lodging, dining and promotions going on all year long. Some Museums have a free entrance day once a week. Also once you get there, ask in your hotel or visit the city information center for coupons books. Most hotels have them. They promote businesses in town and inform you about the promotions going on. You can get insights about happy hours, special deals, and general travel tips

Save Money on Your Vacation Tip 4: Eating out

A good thing to keep in mind is that dinning out is usually a big chunk of your travel budget. Eating out is certainly one of the most fun plans about going on a vacation. You can take advantage of it, but be organized about it. Try to eat out once a day only. Plan some picnics, eat some fresh fruit, or buy a snack somewhere cheap.  If you know when and where the farmer’s market take place and check it out. Go to grocery stores for snacks and drinks and store them at your hotel room. Then you can satisfy your sudden cravings at night and take a snack and something to drink for your day trips. Don’t use the hotel room mini fridge! It is overpriced and not worth it! Remember that in some hotels, even opening the fridge will cost you big! Don’t be afraid to ask locals about the best places to dine and the best deals. They will most likely know where to direct you. They might even inform you on specials going on. You can also plan a late lunch, and only have a small snack for dinner, as lunch prices are usually much cheaper than dinner prices.

Save Money on Your Vacation Tip 5: Stay Off the Beaten Path

To save money on your vacations it is also good to stay away from the tourist tracks. A lot of attractions are costly and sometimes pure tourist traps. If you stay off the beaten path, you can discover a city as well, from a different angle and with a lower budget. Once again, ask your hotel or locals what they recommend. Do you really want to  do what everyone else does? Be adventurous, discover what most tourists don’t see. Of course you may want to see the main attractions, but plan it accordingly. Plan your sightseeing, so you don’t have to eat out close to the biggest attraction in town, or if you do, go a couple of streets off the main drag and look for a smaller restaurant there.

Those tips to save money on your vacations can allow you to organize your budget better, stay longer or splurge on other things. You just need to adapt it to what you are looking for in your vacation. But remember to book early and don’t be shy to ask locals; they will be happy to help you discover their city and share the best of it!

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