Everyone loves a vacation but no one wants to spend a lot of money on one. That’s okay. You work hard for what you have and blowing it all on a few days off in July and August seems silly. You can enjoy a summer vacation and still go home with a few dollars in your pocket if you follow the following five suggestions:
1. Don’t Drive, Be Driven—All inclusive bus tours are a great way to see the sites and not have to worry about the cost of gas, getting lost, or other drivers making bad decisions. Take a bus, train, or plane to your destination and if you do have to drive, rent a car, don’t use your own. This will give you freedom while you’re on vacation without the wear and tear on your personal vehicle.
2. Book the Longer Stay—Discounts become available when you stay longer. You’ll get a better rate per night with a seven day booking than you will with four or five. Ask your travel agent about duration and family discounts if you’re planning on staying at one hotel or resort for your entire vacation.
3. Eat in your Room Once a Day—This will not only save you money but give you a break from the crowds. Eat lunch in your room once a day and you’ll cut $100 off your weekly expenses when you’re on vacation this summer. A similar savings can be had by using refillable water bottles. Use hotel and public drinking fountains to keep yourself hydrated and you’ll save another $20 a day that your family would otherwise be spending on bottled water.
4. Give Everyone a Budget—Avoid wild spending sprees by giving each member of your family, including you and all of the kids, a budget. Leave some extra aside for unexpected expenses and, to make it more fun, have an allotted amount of money for an “extra” activity that you can all select together.
5. Go to the Beach—This could also say, “Go to the park.” The idea is to spend some time away from attractions that cost money. The beach, other than parking and something to eat or drink, is free. You can spend an entire day there, have lots of family fun, and go home with a nice tan to prove to your friends that you really took a vacation.
