With our family of five (including Freckles) Frank and I plan out trips that ensure we have a quality experience at a low cost. Below are a few tips on how to save:
Road trips are a very low cost way of traveling. You can pack lunches for picnics stops during your sight-seeing and take the portable DVD along to have the kids watch movies to past time on the road. If you decide to travel with friends as well as family, splitting the cost of gas and sharing the drive are helpful benefits. Mapping out the cheapest gas stations on your journey and find the least expensive activities and destinations will help in the cost as well.
Flying or taking a cruise can be a luxury but can add up. Ways to save for these types of vacations is to book during off season. You can find great deals traveling to destinations during the more unpopular seasons or book last minute trips. Discounts on cruises can be up to 75% off the cost when reserving the trip a few months prior to departing.
No matter what type of trip or travel method you choose, finding bargains is always the best way to keep your costs at a minimum. Sites like TravelZoo.com and Expedia.com can provide low cost in airfare, hotels and even car rentals.
Using membership cards can help save a few dollars. Cards such as AAA memberships or military ID cards can provide rewarded discounts.
What Frank and I like to do sometimes is stay at a vacation rental instead of a hotel. You can find a vacation rental that has a full kitchen so you can bring your own groceries and supplies to stock that will reduce the cost of eating out. Plus some rentals have laundry facilities to wash your laundry without having to use a dry-cleaning service.
Souvenirs are another way to rack up costs. Instead of buying t-shirts, postcards or key-chains bring a digital camera and take photos of your trip experiences. You can create homemade postcards that will have a personal touch by writing a brief story of what the picture means to you. If you are heading to the beach during your travels, have the kids collect the prettiest shells on the beach and you can hand make your own seashell necklaces, or place them in jar with sand which everyone will love.
Remember travelling can be stressful and exciting but the most important component is being together and sharing that precious time. Frank and I have learned throughout all of our travels that these are moments money can’t buy.
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