Right now gas prices are at an all time high – it seems to happen every year right around the time when families are planning their Spring Break vacations. Airline prices are no better. So what can you do to help make this year’s vacation a tad more affordable? Here are some great ways to pinch that penny…
- Use apps to your advantage: There are many apps that can save you money. Whether it be GasBuddy to help you find the cheapest gas near you or ATMHunter which allows you to avoid fees when withdrawing money. I particularly love GasBuddy. I use it all the time when I’m out and about. Saving a few cents a gallon will go a long way this spring.
- Brown bag it: Make an effort to make your own lunches or breakfasts when traveling. It’s cheaper to than eating every meal at a restaurant – we try to always find a hotel that includes breakfast or at least has a mini-fridge in the room. The fridge is great to store milk for quick, inexpensive breakfasts!
- Dine out wisely: Many restaurants offer “kids eat free” deals on certain nights, find locations near you on KidsMealDeals or use their free app.
- Take advantage of deals: If you’re a member of organizations that offer discounts, look into where you could be saving money. AAA offers its members a variety of savings which range from discounts to attractions to local restaurants. Many car insurance companies offer the same types of benefits – check with your insurance provider to see what deals they have for you!
- Take advantage of cheap vacation packages: LuckyChic is a luxury bidding site which also features vacation packages which include hotel, airfare, and access to exclusive events. Just recently an LA Fashion Week package sold for $35.70. They have a complete “travel” section too that you need to check out.
- Shop around: Take your time when buying souvenirs. Shopping around will allow you to find the most reasonably priced souvenirs. Remember, seashells found on the beach make sweet mementos and may be more heartfelt than buying a keychain.
- When booking vacations be sure to research your destination and find information about things to do. Booking holidays to Greece or other foreign locations can be tricky without doing research.
- Explore public transit options: Do some research about public transportation where you’re going. Taking the subway or a bus instead of renting a car or hailing a taxi will save you a lot of money. Many times the hotels and resorts offer free transportation – be sure to ask.
- Happy hour keeps your wallet happy: Drinking can often be very expensive and the drinks can quickly break your budget. Research happy hours or local deals using Yelp. If you are really watching your money bring a bottle of your favorites spirits and be your own bartender while sitting on the beach or out at the pool.
- Keep safety in mind: Make sure you save money reasonably; it’s not worth trying to risk you or your family’s safety to save money.
Share your travel tips with me…I would love to know how YOU save!
Great post! For us, the most expensive part of traveling is always eating out so we definitely have started to pack our own snacks and such and it has really helped!
I like using Entertainment Books. If you go somewhere that family lives you can buy one of those books and give all the extra coupons to your family at the end. They are well worth the savings.
Great suggestion. I haven’t bought an Entertainment Book in years and you are right – they have tons of offers!
Bringing your own quality snacks means you won’t be tempted by fast food and convenience store junk food. Better for you!
I’d never heard of those apps before – thanks for sharing!
These are great tips!
Hmm, I never really planned for savings while travelling, which is silly since I travel a lot.
Awesome tips! I am always looking for more affordable ways to travel! TY
I wouldn’t trust vacation packages, the cost might seem low but once you get to experience the real value of what you paid for you’ll be sorry you even took the deal.
It’s so easy to save money on food and souvenirs. I live in Alaska which, during the summer, is very touristy and as a local I know all of the places you can get great, unique mementos for family and friends that aren’t expensive. Souvenir shops are just a trap! Also, bring snack food from home for the trip and for the hotel. You will save a ton of money if you don’t have to constantly go out to find food.
Thank you for pointing out luckychic.com they have some great stuff on there, I’d never came across it until I read this post.
I love reading your article. Such a great place to visit and travel. I remember my old backpacking days. Let’s enjoy life while still young. Thanks for sharing this.
Cheers!
One great app that I use when on the road is the Priceline name your own price app. This app is amazing for those that are on the road. You can simply find hotels within your area and just name your own price. On my recent road trip, I seriously saved at least 40% on all of my hotel bookings, no lie!
one great option for an affordable springbreak is cancun – mexico