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With the price of travel headed upward, it makes sense to maximize your travel dollars.
Many families spend most of their time and energy planning annual vacations - where to go, what to do, where to eat - and not thinking about how much their plans may cost them. The best way to enjoy your vacation without worrying about finances is to come up with a plan that will save you money without sacrificing fun. The first thing you want to do is to create a budget for your vacation. Plan a special family meeting to talk about what everyone wants to do and see while they are on vacation. After you've talked it over, decide which suggestions you will keep in your plans and which you will discard. The next step is to create a budget that will not only help you save money but will also allow you to do all that you want to do. Plan to stay within your budget at all times. Remember that impulse spending can play havoc with your vacation dollars. To ensure that you have the money you need, start saving as soon as you start planning. Cut back on some luxuries at home - that extra cup of latte, for example - so that you can save money toward your vacation. You may be sacrificing now, but you'll be able to splurge a little more during vacation time. Plan your vacation well in advance. You can save money if you vacation during off-season or shoulder season when the weather is good and the rates are still low. Remember that peak travel times mean peak spending. When you're in the research phase of the process, check out different states' travel websites. Each state has a website devoted to travel and tourism. Those sites offer a wealth of information. Narrow your vacation choices down to two or three destinations and then compare prices. This is when the Internet comes in handy. Many state travel sites will list special packages and vacation deals. Or, you can go to the specific destination or city and browse its travel site. You can often find money-saving coupons or special promotions. Take advantage of special events or festivals like the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach, Florida in May where you'll find boatloads of shrimp, crafts and artisans from around the country or the Annual Berry Festival, traditional community social with banjo music, entertainers and lots of old-fashioned fun during June in Intercourse, Pennsylvania. You'll find that many festivals like the Berry Festival are free to the public. Another great way to save money is to spend a few days in a walkable destination so that you don't have to spend your cash on cabs or gas. Old Town Alexandria, Virginia is one of the country's most walkable cities according to AAA. Why not check out George Washington's hometown and walk off a couple of pounds in the process. |