Vacation Time: Take Your Thriftiness on the Road

Vacation—It’s supposed to be a time of rest and relaxation, but with the ever-increasing price of food, lodging, and the like; a vacation can be enough to send anyone into a financial panic. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way. The following tips are sure to help you squeeze the most fun out of your vacation without giving your wallet the squeeze.

• Set a budget- To live the frugal life style you’ve got to set a budget and stick with it. That includes setting a vacation budget. As you begin to plan your vacation, decide how much you can afford to spend on the trip, then make your plans accordingly. For a realistic figure be sure to allot money for lodging, food, entertainment, and traveling expenses.

• Take advantage of freebies- Does the hotel you’ll be staying at offer a complimentary breakfast? If so, don’t pass up a free meal. Find out what time breakfast is served, and make sure your family is at the front of the line.

• Ask for discounts- When you call to make your hotel reservations, be sure to ask what discounts are available. Many hotels offer discounts for AAA members, but if you’re not a member, there still may be other discounts available. Often hotels offer a discounted rate to guests who make their reservations online. What a simple way to save money!

• Research free activities- Don’t assume that every activity has to come with a steep admission price. Scout out free attractions such as national parks, beaches, monuments, museums, and factory tours, and you’ll save a ton without cutting back on the fun.

• Pack snacks- If you’re going to be in the car for a long time, be sure to pack some snacks and drinks so you won’t be stuck paying convenience store prices once the munchies set in. If you’ll be traveling over lunch, pack a few sandwiches as well. This also holds true if you will be flying to your destination. Don’t get stuck paying airport prices for your snacks.

• Consider eating out at lunch- While you may be tempted to have dinner out every night of your trip, this may not be the most economical choice. Identify restaurants that interest you, and then check to see if they offer cheaper prices at lunch. You’ll be surprised how much you can save by taking advantage of special lunch pricing.

• Dine-In- Eating out three meals a day can be the quickest way to destroy a vacation budget. To avoid this common vacation pitfall, plan to eat some meals in your room. When you call to make your reservations, ask for a room that is equipped with a mini-fridge or kitchenette. Then once you arrive at your destination, you can stop at a grocery store for a few breakfast and lunch basics.

• Look for vacation guides- If you will be visiting a vacation hot spot, check the hotel lobby for a free vacation guide. These guides will help you to plan activities during your stay, and are a good source for coupons to area attractions including restaurants.

Remember: A vacation shouldn’t add stress to your life, so plan a trip that you can afford to take.