Going on vacation is always something to look forward to! The opportunity to explore a new place with family or close friends is exciting, and whether you’re on a mission to rest and relax or go on an adventure, you’ll find dozens of options to suit your desires when it’s time to book your trip.
As fun, as it is, going on vacation, can also be expensive – sometimes astonishingly so. Between the costs of transportation, finding a place to stay, feeding your family and spending a little money on activities and excursions, you may be blown away by the bill once you’re back home. If this doesn’t sound like the best way to end a trip, you’re in luck – there are plenty of ways to cut down on the cost of travel if you’re willing to put in a little effort!
Ready to plan your next vacation? Here are six tricks to help you save a little cash:
LOOK INTO GROUPON DEALS.
You may be used to purchasing Groupons for local restaurants and spas, but have you considered buying a travel Groupon? You might be surprised to see that many of the trips offered through the service come at a pretty severe discount, and many boast solid reviews from folks who took advantage of the deal. From long weekends at nearby hotels to international airfare and hotel packages, you can find a deal to suit any kind of travel desire here.
SEE WHAT DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH YOUR CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD.
Many banks offer a rewards program that allows you to reserve hotel rooms, rental cars, and cruises at a discounted rate. If you’ve accrued enough points through your spending habits, you may even be able to apply them toward the overall cost of your trip, significantly cutting down the amount of cash you’ll need to spend out-of-pocket.
PUT YOUR COSTCO MEMBERSHIP TO GOOD USE.
If you’re a Costco member, you should definitely look into the discounted travel options your subscription gives you access to. You can find great pricing on everything from safaris and cruises to hotel stays and attractions. Need new luggage? You can likely score that from Costco at a great price, too.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HOTEL SALES.
Many hotels offer promotions that include a free night’s stay with the purchase of a certain number of additional nights. Ranging from one evening to a week, this requirement is not usually hard to meet when you’re on vacation, so find a resort or hotel running a deal and save yourself a bit of cash on your stay. Deals like this are exceptionally easy to find during the slow season, so time your trip accordingly for even more significant savings.
BOOK ACCOMMODATIONS WITH A KITCHEN.
While experiencing the local culinary scene is likely a large part of your overall vacation experience, eating out every single meal can get expensive fast. To save on your next vacation, consider booking an Airbnb or VRBO property equipped with a kitchen. A trip to the nearest grocery store can be a surprisingly fun adventure, and you’ll be able to save significantly on food costs by eating breakfast and the occasional lunch on your own.
LOOK FOR COUPONS BEFORE – AND DURING – YOUR TRAVELS.
See what kind of coupons or discounts you can find online before you go on your next trip. A little research will likely turn up a surprising number of suggestions for ways to enjoy yourself at a discount. Additionally, you’ll probably find great deals to take advantage of at your hotel. The brochure stand can be a great place to start, as can the front desk or concierge.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to cut costs and save on your next vacation. All it takes is a little forethought and planning!
