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Ten Ways To Save On Your Next Holiday
hen you're on vacation, willingness to fly on different
devoting your days to dates—say, Thursday to Tuesday
some serious R&R, it's instead of Sunday to Saturday—can
tempting to take a similarly result in significant savings.
relaxed attitude toward finances.
But a few easy choices before—and 3) Consider traveling before you
during—your trip can make a big travel.
difference in that next credit
card bill. Different airports in the same
region can offer vastly different
1) Start with the big picture. airfares to the same destination.
Before you book, check the prices
Instead of deciding you're going from other airports within a
to Disney and then hunting for hundred miles or so. Figuring in
bargains, reverse the process. the cost of petrol and parking
Begin by asking what activity you may not make this a bargain
want on this trip. Swimming at a option for solo travel, but it
tropical beach? Riding roller could be a real money saver for
coasters? Choose your kind of families.
vacation activity, then hunt for
the destination that offers the 4) Skip the hotel and choose a
experience you want at the best rental.
price.
It's often possible to rent an
2) Be flexible. apartment or even a house for the
same or lower rate as a hotel.
Traveling in the off season can This is particularly economical
save you big on hotels and for larger families that would
airfare, with the added bonus of need two hotel rooms. For
smaller crowds. Even a example, the Orlando, Florida
area, home to Walt Disney World, any significant drives. Sometimes
Epcot Center, Sea World and more, a moderate flat fee will be more
has a huge selection of vacation economical than a low base with a
rental homes. Bonuses: there's high per-mile charge.
often a private pool, you'll save
money on meals by having your own 7) Make friends with the grocery
kitchen, and the extra space can store.
do wonders for family harmony.
Even if you're staying in a
5) Use public transportation. hotel, there's no need to visit a
restaurant for every meal. A trip
Car rentals can take a hefty bite to the grocery will yield muffins
out of your vacation budget. If and fruit for breakfast, muesli
the main activity on your agenda bars and trail mix for snacks.
is getting to and from the beach Many groceries have counters for
or the park, consider using local sandwiches, pizza, or chicken,
buses or subways. Many areas making a tasty lunch at a
offer special passes for significant savings. Budget
tourists, entitling you to a week eating through the day can be
or so of unlimited travel for a healthier and makes it easier to
flat fee. indulge in that lobster at
dinner.
6) Think small when renting a
car. 8) Take advantage of special
offers.
A compact or standard size
vehicle will cost less than a Many vacation areas have web
minivan or SUV (and will save on sites and/or tourist brochures
gas). Check the mileage rates, that feature coupons for
particularly if you're planning discounts on restaurants and
attractions. Sometimes it's just member of your local zoo or
a few dollars off, sometimes it's museum, they may offer reciprocal
two-for-one deals. Check the fine admission to similar facilities
print on these carefully. There at your destination.
may be restrictions on times or
minimum purchase requirements. 10) Be creative about
But if it's a place you wanted to attractions.
visit anyway and the times and
other requirements work for you, Many theme parks and attractions
coupons can be very good for your offer a two-for-one deal: arrive
budget. late in the afternoon, pay
regular admission, then return
9) Don't forget discounts from the next day at no charge. Or get
memberships. back to nature and spend a few
hours at a local park. When the
If you belong to AAA/CAA, AARP, lights of Vegas or the streets of
NRMA or other groups, ask about New York become overwhelming, a
discounted rates, particularly on hike through Red Rock Canyon or
car rentals, hotels, campgrounds, Central Park can leave you
and attractions. It's quite easy refreshed and ready to dive back
to save enough during just one into your cost-efficient
trip to cover the cost of vacation.
membership. Also, if you're a
About the Author:
Find more useful articles and list your travel agency or other business at one of Australia's largest business directories - http://www.ecef.com.au
Read more articles by: Morgan Slater
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