|
Cutting Vacation Costs
by Nikki Willhite
www.allthingsfrugal.com
Vacation are very important to people. When the economy takes a
downturn, vacations are one of the last things people want to give up. We all
work so hard. We need time to get away and rejuvenate. The good thing about
vacations is that they can be done very economically.
Here are some things to keep in mind in trying to cut
your vacation costs:
-If you are planning on staying in a hotel, don't call the 800 #
of the hotel (if it is a large chain) for reservations. It is always cheaper to
call the hotel directly. (The individual hotels should also have 800#'s. ) Don't
be afraid to ask if they have seasonal discounts, or discounts for booking
ahead.
-If you are planning on renting a car, be sure and check the
coverage on your car at home before you go so that you don't buy unnecessary
insurance. ASK the rental company what is covered with your policy on your
personal car.
-Look into renting an RV. The cost you save of motel rooms and
restaurants may be worth it.
-Think about camping. It requires an initial investment, but
then is almost free. It is also a hobby that you can enjoy your whole life,
whether it is with your spouse, friends, children or grandchildren. To read the
article on summer camping,
Click Here
-If you are flying, check the rates with all the airlines.
Again, check for specials. If the best fares are booked, keep calling back, as
someone may cancel, or new discounts may be added.
Plan to fly home on a Sunday when the cost is less. If you don't
mind waiting around at the airport, you could ask to be "bumped" if the plane is
overbooked (they all are- it just depends if everyone shows up).
You will either get a free ticket or a deeply discounted one on
another flight.
-Tie ropes around your luggage. There are certain airports where
it is more common than not for your luggage to be opened after it is out of your
hands. On one of my husband's business trips he made the mistake of putting some
cash in his luggage. It was gone when he got hom.
-Do not let your unused film go through the new x-ray machines.
It will ruin it.
-
And finally - Plan ahead. If you
know you won't have to look at the bill fort he next six months, you
will have a better time!
|