If you are like the majority of Americans, you will be waking up in your own bed on Memorial Day… or on your relative’s couch.
According to a new survey, most families won’t be traveling too far from home during the holiday weekend, and of those taking to the skies, rails or highways, less than 40 percent plan to spend the night in hotels, motels or inns.
Respondents to Atmosphere Research Group’s online poll say they plan to stay with family or friends rather than forking over money to sleep at a hotel. Others say they plan to stay at a campground or in an RV. Meanwhile, a small percent revealed plans to rent a condo or a vacation house, but won’t bust their budget doing so.
Survey respondents say, on average, they will not spend more than $675 for their transportation, lodging, rental cars, and entertainment this Memorial Day weekend. Food, souvenirs, and other incidentals were not part of the total, though most respondents claim they won’t shell out more than they did last year during the long holiday weekend.
If you are planning to spend part of your vacation at a hotel this Memorial Day, you might consider stretching your vacation dollar by using hotel rewards credit cards. The cards allow you to rack up points which you can then redeem for free stays during future visits. Another way to save is to look for properties that offer free services and amenities, such as parking, gym privileges, Internet access and breakfast or dinner. Some hotel chains also offer deals where kids eat or stay for free, while others feature refrigerators and microwaves where you can prepare your own meals and save money on food. Finally, if you can extend your holiday weekend, consider booking a room at a hotel which offers discounted savings when you spend four or more consecutive nights.
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