Yes frugal people like to take vacations too and of course we want to save money. BUT- I do not want to be one of the people kidnapped for a timeshare tour just to get a free buffet. I want my vacation time to be relaxing and for me. I don't want to have to work for my dinner ;)
These are money saving vacation tips....
Check travel sites (like expedia) for deals on hotels but compare prices with the hotel website before you book anything. You really never know which will offer the better deal. I have found the best price from both sides, travel sites and the hotel itself.
Make sure you get a hotel with the free continental breakfast. It's free food right? The continental breakfast at some hotels is better than others, but make sure you get a hotel that offers free breakfast- then make sure to eat it every morning!
Get a room with a refrigerator. Stock it with drinks (preferably the drinks you bought on sale and brought with you). Don't waste your money in the vending machines.
Same as above (save your money from the vending machine monster)- think candy and chips, especially if you have kids.
Before you go, check the Internet for coupons or online specials. I think this is hit or miss. I certainly don't plan my vacation around what places in the city have coupons. But it is nice to find a coupon for somewhere I want to go. I'm finding more places that have "book online" or "purchase online" discounts and savings.
When you get to your destination (or you can call ahead of time) check with your hotel to see if any nearby restaurants offer a discount because you are staying with them. It's actually more common than you think.
If your traveling by car, this is one of the times I would recommend buying the big W gift card for gas (as talked about here in Unusual Ways to Save Money ). Save .03 a gallon. That adds up when your going a long way. And those big W stores are just everywhere.
These are money saving vacation tips....
Check travel sites (like expedia) for deals on hotels but compare prices with the hotel website before you book anything. You really never know which will offer the better deal. I have found the best price from both sides, travel sites and the hotel itself.
Make sure you get a hotel with the free continental breakfast. It's free food right? The continental breakfast at some hotels is better than others, but make sure you get a hotel that offers free breakfast- then make sure to eat it every morning!
Get a room with a refrigerator. Stock it with drinks (preferably the drinks you bought on sale and brought with you). Don't waste your money in the vending machines.
Same as above (save your money from the vending machine monster)- think candy and chips, especially if you have kids.
Before you go, check the Internet for coupons or online specials. I think this is hit or miss. I certainly don't plan my vacation around what places in the city have coupons. But it is nice to find a coupon for somewhere I want to go. I'm finding more places that have "book online" or "purchase online" discounts and savings.
When you get to your destination (or you can call ahead of time) check with your hotel to see if any nearby restaurants offer a discount because you are staying with them. It's actually more common than you think.
If your traveling by car, this is one of the times I would recommend buying the big W gift card for gas (as talked about here in Unusual Ways to Save Money ). Save .03 a gallon. That adds up when your going a long way. And those big W stores are just everywhere.
Pack a picnic lunch for one day of the trip. No one wants to eat our free breakfast every morning and sandwiches everyday while we're on vacation. Sandwiches everyday on vacation would suck! If you have kids- make it fun. Find a spot and actually picnic, bring a basket and a blanket. It makes eating sandwiches more fun. It can be relaxing and you, as the parent, save money on lunch that day.
Aside from coupons and deals, make sure to check the Internet to see what free stuff is available where ever you are visiting. I am cheap, but I have to say that when I go on vacation I don't want to go to another science museum, just because it's free. If your gonna do free stuff, make sure it's fun (to you anyway)- otherwise it just becomes a waste of time.
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