Ways to save $$$ on vacation!

I, by no means, consider myself "well- traveled" or a "pro at saving money."  I have however, traveled to a handful of places in the last couple of years.  They include:

Grand Cayman Island

Rivera Maya, Mexico

Hawaii -- {Honeymoon, soo dreamy!}

Phoenix, AZ

Omaha, NE

St. Petersburg, FL – SOON!!

Below are some realistic ways that we save money when my husband and I travel.
{These are our opinions or experiences, only.)

Travel on “off” days.  Typically, Mondays, Fridays, and weekend days are in high demand when flying, so if you can, schedule your flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.  They are usually cheaper.

Don’t check luggage.  Flying is expensive the way it is, and now most airlines charge baggage fees.  If you can skip checking a bag, you could save anywhere from $20-$50 one way.  Generally, you are allowed a purse and a carry-on.  Also, most airlines allow you check a bag at the gate, provided it meets certain size requirements, and keep in mind the 3-1-1 rule: liquid containers 3 oz. or less, in one, one-quart sized baggie {visit your airline’s website for more details}.

Watch out for hidden fees.  Some resorts charge a daily amenities fee to use cabanas, motor-sports, beach activities, etc.  Also, some charge a fee for parking.  Be aware and ask questions, those fees can tack on an extra couple hundred of dollars when all is said and done.

Figure out your transportation.  Does it make sense to rent a car for the week, or is it cheaper to use local transportation (buses, shuttles, cabs, etc.)  Consider walking distances and parking fees, not only on your resort, but wherever you plan on driving to.

Know your room amenities.  One great way to save $$$ on vacation is to eat out less.  Now, some argue, “Hey, I’m going on vacation… I don’t want to have to cook!”  And I hear ya!  But, if you’re going with a budget in mind, a great way to save is to make some of your own meals.
Weigh the costs/benefits of renting a room with a fully equipped kitchen vs. a room with just a microwave and fridge.

If the cost savings doesn't add up to spend the extra money on a room with a kitchen, visit a local grocery store and buy things like fruit, granola bars, beverages {bottled water and beer for us!}, popcorn,  sandwich supplies,  and other snacks to keep in your room.  This way you pay less than visiting the on-site convenient store or beach bar, and you could potentially eat breakfast and lunch in your room, then you’d only have to pay for dinner!

Another tip on dining.  Share one dinner entree.  Most often, you have leftovers when you each order your own meal anyways, so why not share one? {it’s better for your pocket-book and waist band!}  You may get charged a dollar or two for an “extra” plate, but that’s pennies compared to saving a whole meal for one person!  Also, save the heavy drinking for the hotel room {you know, that cheap beer you bought at the grocery store…} and order water for dinner.   The cost of ordering alcohol with your meal is most often pricey.

*As a disclaimer, we do NOT do this every time, it’s just something to keep in mind :)

Entertainment books.   Have you heard of them?  They are filled with restaurant, travel, sight-seeing, and activity coupons.  If you're diligant at using the coupons, you can save LOTS of moohla!  Click here for more info.

Take advantage of mileage rewards/credit card perks.   Some may wrinkle their noses at this, but it’s what works for us.  We put everything on our credit card. Everything.  HOWEVER, we also pay it off every month.  Never, do we ever leave a balance {that’s how people get into trouble!}  As a result, we get points for every dollar we spend.  Those points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, cash, etc… We saved enough points to almost pay for our entire trip to Florida!  So bottom line, if you have the means and self-control, use your credit card to work FOR you!


Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta go pack.  I'll be re-reading Cori's post about how she packed a crap ton of crap, in one suitcase.  We'll see how this works out :)