Save on a Mid-Summer Getaway

Forget about the fact that Wal-Mart and Target erected their school supply displays before the last firework exploded on the 4th of July. Take a look at the calendar and you will see that there are more than six weeks of summer vacation left before most kids head back to class. For many families, that leaves plenty of time to get in another trip or two before the end of the season. In fact, if you’ve waited this long to take flight on a summer vacation you stand to save a pretty penny. According to travel insiders, late August is … Continue reading →

Free TV at 35,000 Feet

Southwest Airlines is giving passengers another way to stretch their travel dollar. The discount airline recently announced that it will be allowing customers to watch TV for free on all Wi-Fi enabled planes. The new “TV Flies Free” offer is a budget-conscious traveler’s dream come true. Just bring along your own personal device–iPhone, iPad, iPod or other Internet-ready gadgets–and Southwest will hook you up with satellite TV provider Dish network’s 14 live TV channels and 75 on-demand shows. The new service is currently being offered on the airline’s 425-plus Wi-Fi equipped planes, which is nearly 75% of Southwest’s entire fleet. While … Continue reading →

Timing is Key for Budget-Conscious Travelers

Traveling during the peak summer season is nearly impossible for families on a strict budget. This is especially true if you are flying to your favorite seasonal vacation destination. Airlines show no mercy on penny-pinching passengers and traditionally increase already high airfares during the summer months. Fortunately, there are some ways you can save money when taking to the skies in the coming months. The trick is to remember key dates as set by major commercial carriers. For example, if you are traveling within the United States, airfares typically dip at the end of August, when airlines decide that summer … Continue reading →

Free and Fun in San Diego

San Diego is home to gorgeous beaches, awe-inspiring architecture, vibrant cultural events and near-perfect weather. Fortunately, partaking in all the SoCal city has to offer doesn’t have to put a strain on your family’s budget. If you are looking to soak up some fun and sun in San Diego this summer, but don’t have a ton of cash to burn, consider checking out these free options: Grunion Run: This popular summer event celebrates a natural phenomenon featuring huge schools of tiny fish. When the tide is high and the moon is full hundreds of humans gather to watch thousands of … Continue reading →

Europe for Less

If your bucket list includes a trip to Europe, now is the time to make your dream a reality. A number of reputable European hotels are offering deep discounts just in time for the busy summer travel season. According to popular travel aggregate sites, such as Expedia and Hotwire, several five-star properties are slashing prices to entice visitors to spend part of the summer across the Pond. Lodgings in some European cities are going for less than $100 per night. Among the most amazing deals are properties in Berlin, a city that has added more than 3,000 new hotel rooms … Continue reading →

Free Breakfast on the Road

Free? Is there such a thing these days? If you are a Marriott Rewards Gold or Platinum Elite member, the answer is a hearty “yes.” Hearty as in the breakfast you will get for F-R-E-E beginning June 22nd. Marriott International is treating its loyal customers to a free continental breakfast seven days a week at participating hotels in the U.S. and Canada. To sweeten the deal even more, Gold and Platinum Elite members will also be able to share the free meal pass with a guest of their choice. For elite guests who prefer not to claim a muffin, bagel … Continue reading →

Spring Into Summer for Free

This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer; a time when most families hit the road in search of sun and fun. Whether you are heading to the Jersey Shore, making tracks to Florida’s coastal communities or cruising to California, you can experience sun, sand, and surf without sacrificing your entire summer travel budget. The trick is to take advantage of the free activities and amenities offered at your vacation destination. For example, if you are planning to travel to San Diego this summer, there are a slew of family-friendly options that won’t cost you a dime to enjoy, including: … Continue reading →

Summer Lovin’ for Less

Ah, summer; a time to bond with your loved ones in the great outdoors. Whether you cherish trips to the beach, enjoy hiking at area parks or prefer barbecuing in your own backyard, the season of sun allows for a ton of fun. The key to making the most of summer vacation is to find activities that fit your family’s budget. Whether you are pinching pennies or have some extra cash to burn, top tourist destinations are hoping you will spend some time in their neck of the woods. For example, San Diego is pulling out all the stops to … Continue reading →

Ways to Stretch Your Vacation Dollar

With spring break travel peaking and the busy summer vacation season right around the corner, now is the time to learn how to stretch your travel dollar. The following tips don’t require a ton of effort to execute. What’s more, once you realize how easy it is to save on travel-related expenses, you may be inspired to find a few more frugal ways to keep from going into debt during your family getaway. Timing is key: Do a little research before you hit the road on a family vacation. Airfare and hotel rates can jump sky high when traveling during … Continue reading →

Beach Getaways for Budget-Conscious Travelers

Spring arrives next week, though you’d never know it by the freezing cold temperatures and fresh snow falling in much of the Midwest and Central Plains. If you are dreaming of ditching the ice in order to splish, splash into spring, consider the following beach deals that won’t wipeout your travel budget: Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach: From now through May 1, 2013, the Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach is offering a money-saving “Beach Spring Break Package,” which includes complimentary breakfast for two adults and two children and use of the hotel’s beach accessories (umbrella, two beach chairs and four … Continue reading →