7 Easy Ways to Save Money While Vacationing
Those trips to Disney, pilgrimages to your favorite sunny Spring Break spots and adventures to must-see monuments can drain your bank. Airfare, gas, food, tickets and hotels aren’t cheap. Heck, a tiny bag of peanuts will cost you a couple bucks!
There are plenty of ways to save while traveling, but vacations eat up the bigger parts of budgets. These tips can save you big bucks while enjoying your trip.
1. Stay at newly opened resorts or hotels. – If you want to score discounts on your accommodations, look for specials luring new customers to brand new establishments. For example, Universal Studios Orlando just opened Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Their introductory offer saves you 25% off four or more nights. Keep in mind all brand new hotels and establishments might take a few weeks to work out any unexpected kinks, but they are usually very willing to please customers to encourage return visits.
2. Look online for tickets. Disney and Universal Studios usually have specials on on their websites that are not available at the gate. You can also do a general Google search for coupon codes from everything to dinner shows to museum tickets. Keep in mind that a 1 day base ticket at Disney’s Magic Kingdom are never discounted unless you are sitting through a time share. So, if you doubt the legitimacy of a deal, call and check with a certified rep before you buy. However, using my tip found here – 10 Easy Ways to Save Big at Disney World – you can save 5% on anything Disney!
3. BYOB – Bringing your beverages will save you more money than you might realize. It’s no secret that the moment you step into your tourist attraction, prices skyrocket. Many parks, like Disney and Universal allow guests to bring their own plastic encased drinks and snacks. You can get away with a backpack stuffed with goodies, but not a cooler. Be reasonable. Also, order a glass of ice water instead of that pricey pop or juice. The H2O is free, better for you and won’t give your kids an upset stomach after conquering roller-coasters or a sugar crash. Use a refillable bottle, plastic sandwich bags filled with snacks that won’t melt and you’ll save yourself a ton.
4. Read the fine print. – Always, always, always read any fine print and don’t be afraid to ask first. To avoid sticker shock when you get the final bill, clarify any extra fees, ask if taxes are included, inquire about resort fees and ensure your quotes prices during book are the grand and final total. Even those “all inclusive resorts” can have hidden fees and items that are excluded from the upfront price you paid.
5. Prebook or prepay. – Often, when you prepay for things, it give you a stronger sense of your budget for the extras of your trip – like souvenirs and extra excursions. It keeps you from overspending and it could lock in a rate that might change in the future. Also, consider that exchange rates fluctuate regulatory. If you are planning on traveling abroad and spot a good deal while the dollar is strong – book it that moment.
6. Don’t be afraid of impulsive traveling. – Booking last minute flights and hotels can actually save you tons of money. You are also less likely to plan more than you can accomplish while vacationing.
7. Take advantage of gift cards and rewards programs. – Usually around the holiday season, you can find deals that will offer you a reward when you purchase a specified dollar amount in gift cards. For example, purchase $50 in ABC Gas Station Cards, get a free $10 gift card to keep for yourself! I apply this rule in general life, but if you save those freebie reward cards, you can often pay for gas, meals at chain restaurants and more. Also, stores like Target offer 5% off every purchase you make with your REDcard…including gift cards.