Last Updated on November 28, 2022 by Ellen Christian
These ten ways to save money on vacation are something you should think about now – before the summer is here. Check out these tips and get started today.
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Ten Ways to Save Money on Vacation
If you start thinking about ten ways to save money on vacation a week before you want to go, you’ll have waited too long. My family and I don’t take a lot of vacations out of state, but we love being able to take off for the day to visit vacation areas in Vermont.
We don’t have much money to spend on vacations and day trips, so we make money-saving choices whenever possible. Some of the ten ways to save money on vacation I’ll share will work for day trips.
Others will work for vacations when you are gone longer. Either way, you should find several that will help you keep your expenses under control.
Book at the cheapest time
If you can, be flexible about when you travel. If you want to travel in June but flights are cheaper in August, switch to August if it fits into everyone’s schedule.
Always look for the cheapest flights when planning your travel.
Shop for packages
Check prices on package deals. You may save money if you book a deal that includes your flight and your hotel. Even better, stay with family or friends in the area if you can.
Skip checking bags
Travel light. There’s no sense paying to check an extra bag if you don’t have to. Cars get better fuel mileage when they are not weighed down as much.
Be unconventional
Don’t be afraid to be unconventional. If you’re driving, check out the prices at a local campground instead of staying at a hotel and pack your tent.
Bring food and snacks.
Bring your food. Pack a picnic lunch and your snacks instead of hitting the drive-through or purchasing snacks at the attraction you’re visiting. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle!
Use public transportation
Check out public transportation or walk. If public transportation is nearby, you may not need to hail a taxi or rent a car.
Shop for discounts
Check for discounts for military, students, or senior citizens. Specific member reward programs may also offer discounts and rewards at different attractions. It’s always best to pay less when using this deal than none at all.
Skip the souvenirs
Don’t waste your money on souvenirs. Ask yourself if you need another key chain, bobblehead doll, or stuffed animal before you buy them.
Visit free attractions
Look for free attractions before you leave. Not all attractions charge you an entrance fee. There are plenty of places you can tour for free. Save yourself the cost of admission when possible.
Stay local
Stay local when you can. Instead of traveling out of the country, travel in the states. Instead of traveling out of state, stay in your own state and do day trips. There are always ways to scale back.
Instead of waiting until the last minute, start thinking about these ten ways to save money on vacation now. Put a few dollars in a jar each week toward your expenses and by the time the summer rolls around, you’ll have a start on your expenses.
Always look for the cheapest flights when planning your travel.
Have you tried any of the ten ways to save money on a vacation that I listed? Are there any that you do regularly that I’ve forgotten? Where will you be heading this summer?
Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
these are great tips. We take vacations several times a year so it is really important that we not break the bank when we go!
I totally agree, Diane!
The next trip I take my family on my goal is to see just how little money I can spend. Thanks for the tips.
That is definitely a great goal!
Yes, great tips! very true about the souvenirs, I usually pick only one in every place I visit, usually a fridge magnet since I use them so much. No trinkets that will otherwise get broken, lost, or just clutter up the place.
Oh I have a weakness for magnets too, Tammi!
All great tips Ellen! I would add to sign up for all the airlines and travel sites newsletters. They often have special member only, last minute deals they send out in their emails. Ive found great deals just by opening the Jet Blue email everytime.
That’s a great idea too, Isra! We don’t fly that often for personal reasons but I’m starting to fly more and more for business.
We always bring snacks and sandwich stuff, coffee and cereal when we go on vacation. We generally eat out for dinner and that is all except the day we leave when we eat out for breakfast. We also like to travel in the off season. Not only does it save money, but there are also less people!
Dawn
I hate crowds. That’s a good point. Less people makes it less stressful for me.
One tip I learned about traveling at Christmas is to check flights at other cities within driving distance. A flight to Orlando from Flint or Detroit was half the price as the same flight from Buffalo.
Love your list – I’ve done all of them at one time or another. I agree with Cecile – I research, research, research too. Hey, anticipation and planning is half the fun! (And if you can get the same trip cheaper by using your tips, even more fun. Suzie Ormond says we need to learn to have as much pleasure from saving money as we do from spending money so its a double-win when planning a low-cost holiday!)
That’s a great idea! We only have a few airports in my area so we don’t have that much tho choose from.
Ha- that’s so true about the souvenirs!! They are always so pricey and usually end up in the junk drawer.
I know! That’s where most of mind end up too!
My number one tip for saving money is research, research, research! I spend hours at the computer finding the best possible deals. I love all your tips!
Definitely agree, Cecile. Doing research first is so important!