Ways to Save on Vacation Spending

Summer will be here before you know it, and for many people, that means vacation time! For many families, this can also be a budget killer. You might think that you have accounted for everything that you will need, but by the end of your trip, you have spent way more than you planned to.  You might have spent it on luggage fees, parking, food, or anything else. The thing is, all of those little things add up to a lot of money.

It doesn’t matter if you are in the planning stages for your next trip or if you have had it mapped out for months already, there is still time to minimize your expenses. Here are a few ways that you can accomplish that.

Timeshares

Timeshares can save you money on your trip in a few ways.  Buying a timeshare means that you won’t have to eat out for your entire vacation.  Most timeshares are equipped with kitchens.  Also, many timeshares offer laundry facilities near the units, which means that you will need to shop for fewer vacation clothes.  This can also save you when it comes to luggage fees at airports because you won’t have to pack so much.  Many timeshares are also vacations destinations themselves.  They will offer so many activities and amenities on the property that you can have a fantastic vacation while not spending too much on admission prices for attractions, car rentals, and gas.

Plan Around Holidays

Another great thing to know about budget vacations is that if you plan them around local holidays and school schedules, you can get great deals.  For example, if you are planning to go to Disney World in Florida, go when their schools are still in session.  You can get some great deals without having to deal with the crush of locals at the parks.  The same thing applies to the beaches in northern Florida and south Alabama.  Go in May or between August and Labor Day.  The temps will still be hot, the water will still be warm and the beaches will be yours.

Airlines

If you are trying to save money on your vacation, a great place to do that is with airlines.  You should always try to book your flights as far in advance as possible and make sure that you pay a visit to all of those discount travel sites so that you can ensure that you are getting the best prices for your tickets.  Don’t forget to pay attention to things like luggage fees though, because those can eat your travel budget up quickly.  Also, try to use frequent flier miles if you have them.  Also, try to book round trip flights because this can be cheaper than one way flights.

Food

Eating out, no matter where you are, can be expensive.  This can easily take up most of your vacation budget.  Don’t get stuck in a situation where you need to pay for overpriced meals every single time you eat.  Bring your own food and don’t forget a supply of snacks.  Make sure that you get things that won’t spoil or melt in a hot vehicle.  Try things like granola bars, dried fruits, crackers, and nuts.  You will be surprised how much money this can save you on your trip.

Pack Smart

Alaska is not cold all of the time and believe it or not, there are days when Florida is not hot.  Be sure that you pack enough so that your family will be prepared for whatever the weather throws at you, but not so much that your luggage is too heavy.  Being prepared like this will eliminate the need to buy appropriate clothing when you reach your destination in case the weather isn’t what you thought it would be.

Also, when you are packing for the entire family, it can be easy to forget all of the essentials.  Make up a list for each family member, and be sure that you include things like essential toiletries, toothpaste and toothbrushes, sunscreen, diapers and pull ups if needed, underwear, and swimsuits.

Saving money while you are on vacation isn’t something that is very hard to do.  You can even get coupons for hotels and gift items at rest areas.  All you need to do is keep an eye on the money and find all of the discounts.