Spend less this year on your summer vacation, no matter where you plan to go!
Compare Rates
There is more than one way to go on vacation, so make sure that you do your research before booking anything. Compare costs for both packaged deals and separate travel and accommodations. The only way to know if you are getting a good deal is to compare it to other offers out there.
Sometimes you can save quite a bit of money just by choosing to start your vacation on a certain day of the week. While this may not make much difference to your fun, it can have a big impact on your budget. The same goes for the time of the year. Try to schedule your more expensive vacations during off-peak weeks.
Maximize Reward Cards
Compare any reward credit cards that you might have and pick the one that gives you the best return on travel deals. Use that card to book all of your travel related expenses. Better yet, start using that card before you go on vacation. You may be able to apply some of those rewards immediately.
Don’t forget other expenses that may come up, including meals and souvenirs.
Get Coupons
It may seem odd to mention coupons and summer vacation savings together, but the fact is that there are coupons out there for practically everything, including area attractions, restaurants, accommodations and more.
If you are traveling in the United States, make an official state welcome center your first stop. It is here that you can pick up valuable coupons and discounts that you can use during your stay. Every little bit helps.
Don’t forget the cyber coupons, either. Search for “coupon codes.” The retailmenot.com website even has a travel section that you can explore.
Use Groupon and Other Social Discounts
You don’t have to book your vacation through Groupon, but you may just find some great deals on activities for when you reach your destination. Imagine paying up to 70 percent off on your family adventures!
Check out the offers for the area you will be visiting, and take advantage of the deals in advance, so all you have to do is show up with coupon in hand.
Bring Your Own Food
Take advantage of parks or an in-room refrigerator to bring your own food. This can offer you significant savings, especially if you have a large family. While this strategy works well for day trips, you can also use it for longer vacations. If you can’t bring the food with you, make a stop at a local grocery store for snacks and simple meals. You can save hundreds of dollars this way.
Get Group Discounts
Many amusement parks and other venues offer group discounts when your party consists of 15 or more people. Use this to your advantage. Team up with friends and family, and purchase your tickets all at once. You’ll save at least one-third each off of the cost of admission.
Announce your intentions at church, at your school or through Facebook, and sit back as your group comes together.