Vacationing Fear-Free

[debtdude]

Being on vacation creates a “spent it now” mindset. You know what I’m talking about; “Let’s buy this $50 local painting because we’ll never come here again and after all, it’s our vacation.”

If you’ve taken the important step of creating a budget, you should have created a line for vacations. By taking just a few steps, in addition to the budgeting, you can have a great low-cost vacation.

1.) Instead of renting a condo or hotel room, consider house-swapping. It’s exactly what you think. Google it for more information.

2.) Shop around for deals on hotels in combination with auto rental. If you are visiting a close friend or relative, see if they can lend you a car.

3.) Travel in the off-season. Hotel rates can be half the in-season rate.

4.) Take your vacation budget and split it into lodging, travel, entrance fees, attraction tickets, gifts, food, and anything else you can think would be relevant for your next vacation. Stick with this budget and your next credit card bill after your vacation won’t be so painful.

[PRICEPLUS]

Re: Vacationing Fear-Free

We used to do the off season thing before my daughter became school age. I am pretty good at no buying junk. I send postcards to people.

[Fern]

Re: Vacationing Fear-Free

I couldn't trust complete strangers to live in my house for a week!

[Ima saver]

Re: Vacationing Fear-Free

I have to agree with Fern!

[PRICEPLUS]

Re: Vacationing Fear-Free

Ditto!

[Thrifty Ray]

Re: Vacationing Fear-Free

5. Consider camping!

We camp for just about all of our vacations. We bought a travel trailer years ago and use it constantly. It really is like a second home to us.

If you don't have the gear, camping can be an expense up front unless you can borrow from someone.

DH and I are leaving in a week and we have an ocean view space...complete hookups, tv if we want, will cook all of our meals 'at home', will sleep in our own bed, and it will cost $17 a night.

[Ima saver]

Re: Vacationing Fear-Free

I always thought I would want to travel the U.S. in an RV someday. It took living in one twice while we built houses to change my mind. We spent 15 months one time, during snows and a hurricane.

[cbmeeks]

Re: Vacationing Fear-Free

I actually have a degree in Travel and Tourism (HAHAHA, seriously, I do!!)

Here are some of the things I have learned:

1) In hotels, ALWAYS ask if they have a lower rate. Most of the time, they give you the rack rate which can be HUNDREDS more than what they are willing to do. especially if the hotel isn't that full. Worse they can do is say no.

2) Ask if a smoking room is smoking room is cheaper. Sometimes those rooms are used as often...and just because it is smoking doesn't mean you have to smoke. Just take some air-freshener

3) Flying on Wednesday will sometimes save you money.

4) Most of the time, a Saturday stay over will save you money in flights.