With families looking for ways to stretch the dollar these days, you might think that vacation rentals are out of the question – or that you can’t really save money on a vacation. That’s so not true. Take a minute to think about the following easy-to-do money-saving vacation tips.
Go During Off-Season
It isn’t just airline fares that you can save big money on by going during the off-season. You can garner huge savings in vacation rentals, hotel rooms, car rentals, equipment rentals and even season passes when you go during the off-season. Sometimes these savings, added up, can be quite substantial.
Look for bargains in the shoulder season, those dates just prior to and after peak vacation travel times. In addition, avoid making your reservations for travel during the holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. If you absolutely must travel during peak or holiday times, there are still other ways you can save money. Read on.
Cook at Home
Families can save big by doing the cooking at home – in your vacation rentals, that is to say. Stock up at the supermarket upon your arrival, and plan meals that allow you to get more than one day’s serving out of it. This includes meals like spaghetti, soups or stews, roast chicken, turkey or ham (which can make delicious sandwiches for the hungry crew coming back from vacation recreational activities). Get yourself a Costco membership and you can save even further when you shop at these stores when you’re on vacation. There are Costco locations in most major cities and many prime vacation destinations (including the Hawaiian Islands).
Another tip on saving money is to bring your own spices rather than buying them in the vacation location. Bring only the ones you really need. And, inquire whether your vacation rentals already have them. Many do. This will save even more money on your grocery bills.
Pre-Pay for Greater Savings
Look for opportunities to pre-pay for lift tickets, tours, equipment rentals and other items for additional savings.
Eat Out at Mid-Day
Instead of paying top dollar for dinner entrees, plan to eat out one meal per day and make that a mid-day meal. You’ll get satisfying portions for considerably less than you’d pay for the same meal at night. Granted, some lunch meals are a bit less generous on the plate, but many are more than sufficient. Ask around about places that serve family-sized meals.
Plan to make your other meals at home or do mini-meals in your hotel, condo or rental property. This can be bagels and coffee for breakfast, and sandwiches you make on-the-spot for dinner. Bagged snacks, refreshments and candy are cheaper when you buy them at the grocery store than in a hotel or the mall.
Keep a Running Tab
It’s tempting to put it all on plastic and worry about the bill later. To save money, you need to be aware of where your dollars are going. Keep a running tab and refer to it before you whip out the plastic for that great sundress, gift or souvenir.
Use Shuttles
Many vacation destinations offer free shuttles, minimizing or eliminating the need for rental cars. Get around easily to and from vacation rentals and save big money.
Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com/
Chad Rutt is the Director of Marketing for the online lodging site http://www.abetterstay.com/ and the Managing Editor of its accompanying Vacation Blog www.abetterstay.com/blog/
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