If you’re like most folks, by the time you’ve booked your flights
and arranged your travel plans you’re already stressed about how much money you’ve
spent and you haven’t even left your couch yet.
Not to worry, there are many ways to cut your vacation costs and save
money so you can continue to live out your travel dreams.
Look into What’s Free
Wherever you may be heading on your next getaway there’s bound to
be a host of free activities for you to enjoy.
For instance, many cities offer their visitors free admission to area
museums or they may offer some outdoor attractions that do not require an
admission fee. It’s worthwhile to do
some research and hunt down a few of these “freebees.”
Cut Out Hotel Cost
There are many accommodation options available these days that can
save you a bundle on your next vacation.
Home exchange is a great
alternative to paying a hefty hotel bill.
Companies like International Vacation Home Exchange offer some
great luxury home options while saving you a bundle on your vacation budget, on
average IVHE members save over $5,000 on a two week vacation!
Use Uber Instead of a Car Rental
During my travels this summer I ended up returning my car rental
several days earlier than planned after finding it much more economical to Uber
to my destinations. After doing some
quick accounting, I figured out that the amount I was paying in car rental fees
plus parking would be equivalent to many more Uber rides than I could ever
possibly need. It’s also a much more
convenient way to get around unfamiliar surroundings.
Eat In
Choosing a home exchange option can
save you more than just exorbitant hotel fees.
It gives you the opportunity to dine in a few nights and pocket a big
savings. Make a quick trip to the
grocery store, throw together a simple meal and not only will you save money by
not eating in restaurants but you may find it a more relaxing way to spend the
evening. Isn’t that what vacationing is
all about?
Buy Tickets in Advance
For those attractions that are on your Bucket List but not on the “freebees”
list be sure to buy your tickets way in advance. It’s worthwhile to spend some time researching
all the deals that are out there for your destination. For example, many cities offer a City Pass
that allows you to see many of their main attractions at a discounted
price. You’d be surprised how spending a
little time on Google can yield you some big travel savings.
Try Not to Forget Anything at Home
If hiking is on your travel itinerary and you discover you only
packed flip flips then get ready to waste some precious travel funds on a pair
of shoes you don’t really need. When it
comes to packing, take the time to really plan out what you will need and be
sure to double check that you have everything.
Forgetting items is not only a waste of money but a waste of precious
time. Time you could be doing something more enjoyable.
So now that you’ve saved a few dollars with these money saving
tips you’ve earned the right to splurge
a little. It is a vacation after
all. Spend of little of your hard earned
savings on special souvenir or take that exciting excursion that may be a bit
out of budget. The goal isn’t to not
spend any money at all on vacation but rather to spend it as wisely as
possible. Happy travel.
Thank
you Travel Writer Lisa Medeiros. Follow
her on twitter @lisamedeiros_
Great money-saving suggestions, Lisa.
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