One of the things I always look the most forward to is summer vacation. When I was a child I had the whole summer stretched out in front of me, some days with things planned, and other days with absolutely nothing planned. Now I look forward to the chance to get away from the grind of daily life. However a vacation can be expensive, and if you are trying to get out of debt or if money is tight you may be looking at ways to save while still getting the chance to relax. Here are five ways to save on your summer vacation.
Stay Local
One easy way to save on your vacation is cut out the travel all together. Often one of the most expensive parts of a vacation is the actual travel. This does not mean that you need to stay at home for your vacation. Check into a hotel in your city and take advantage of the amenities and the room service to really relax or choose a destination that is just a few hours away. This can save you the cost of your flight. You may want to go in on renting a vacation home with several friends in a nearby location, and then spend the time relaxing together. If you have kids they will love the break from home and the chance to focus on something new for the day.
Take Advantage of Discounts
You may qualify for traveling discounts through a variety of sources. Many credit unions offer discounts on car rentals. If you have AAA you may be able to find a significant savings on your hotel, food and outlet shopping by using your card. Decide what you want to do for a vacation and then scour the available discounts you qualify for in order to save money. You can double up on some discounts to really reduce the amount that you have to pay for the extras that you want for your vacation.
Choose All Inclusive Deals
Consider choosing a vacation that includes your food and entertainment costs. For example a cruise will cover the costs of your meals and offers entertainment options on board the ship. This may save you money over a vacation that does not include meals or other options. You should carefully plan your trip with these inclusive deals, because some of the activities may require an upcharge, or you may be limited to choosing one type of restaurant over another. In addition to a cruise you may want to think about a family camp similar to the summer camps that kids go but designed with a the whole family in mind.
Consider Going Off Season
Many winter spots have great summer deals to attract guests over the slow season. These deals will include lower room rates, but they may also include tickets to local attractions, free dinner out or free rentals of bicycles. If you head to the mountains in the summer, it is usually a bit cooler, and you can hike and explore nature. You can also plan a vacation later in the year and go off-season to the beach. These options can save you a lot of money and allows you to either extend your vacation or go to nicer hotels and enjoy a great place. The one thing you may want to consider is visiting the Caribbean during off season, which is their off season. While you may be fine, you also run the risk of being trapped at the resort during and after the storm. The amenities may not be that great when they do not have adequate power.
Consider a Vacation Rental
There are many advantages to renting a condo or a vacation home instead of staying at a resort in a hotel room. One is that you can share the cost with several friends, which may reduce the amount you need to pay for the vacation. Another is that these options come with a kitchen, which can save you a lot of money on food over the course of your vacation. If you rent a condo you will still have access to a pool and the other amenities that a hotel would have, but with the additional savings.
