Summer is officially here. Yes, finally. As the days get longer and sunnier, we all are yearning for vacation… whether it be for relaxation, fun, or exploring.
But as much as you may want a vacation this summer, your wallet may be fearing it. With soaring gas prices, airline tickets and many businesses racking up prices for the summer, that vacation you dream of having may not seem too costly.
Here are some tips (from a girl who works hard to stretch that dollar) on how you can save some money this summer:
Online Coupons
The web is a prime spot to find deals, coupons, specials, etc. for your vacation. I love using sites like Living Social, Groupon and Bloomspot for their vacation packages as well as deals for specific restaurants, activities, hotels, and more!
Once I find a deal, I always double check the place I’ll be using it for by going to sites like Yelp and Google Reviews – basically any review site I can find to make sure the hotel or theme park I am getting the deal for is as good as it looks. See if anyone has posted a review from using the DEAL you’ll be using – and see if it really helped them out or wasn’t worth it.
Hotel Deals
When booking a reservation with a hotel, definitely ask about the amenities that come with what you pay for staying there and if they offer any packages or deals, such as discounts at the hotel’s restaurants/clubs or places nearby.
I mention amenities because it is important to see what you get for the price you pay. Are you getting a hotel room and that’s it? Or does your hotel have a pool, a spa, a gym, complimentary breakfast? All important when picking your hotel and deciding what gets you the most bang for your buck.
For example, in Vegas you can get great packages with your room such as discounts at restaurants and for shows and even money for gambling in the casino. Remember you are the customer and the hotel you stay at once you to enjoy it and sprinkle your cash throughout – so coupons and deals from them to you ensure you will spend money there (even if its less than full price) RATHER than going out to someone else’s restaurant or club.
Date of Travel
“When” you travel will affect the prices and availability of hotels, airline/train/bus tickets. If you plan to travel around major holidays, like July 4TH, then you should do your research and reserve rooms and tickets ASAP.
If you want to avoid the major price hikes and not be forced to stay at a random motel for your vacay get-away…then think about going somewhere during the week not on the weekend OR planning a trip before or after major holidays.
Take Walking Tours of Your Destination
All cities have one and they cost very little or nothing at all. You can learn a lot about the city and perhaps find some spots to return to later. You can find these tours by Googling or checking out the city’s local Chamber of Commerce website. Many city tours are run by locals who are fun, welcoming and very informative. Also in this digital age – you can download a free or cheap walking tour app to your mobile device and do it yourself!
Theme Parks, Museums, Zoos – OH MY!
Where I live, there’s a multitude of theme parks and I’ve found so many ways to cut the costs of these super fun but super pricey hot spots. Call a specific theme park or zoo or museum and see if they have any discounts for groups, children, for certain days, and more. Also, see if that specific attraction offers a deal where you can buy a higher-priced ticket for that park, but will also give you entry to other attractions in the city. By doing this, you will be able to visit a multitude of places and make it cheaper than buying a separate ticket for each one.
When going to the attraction, remember these spots can have high prices for food and drinks. Check their website or call ahead of time to find out what is allowed in when. If you can bring your own snacks and drinks into the park, then I highly suggest it – and maybe even purchase a small locker for the day to keep it all in. The price of a locker and buying your food ahead of time is much better than paying $7 for a simple churro!
Get a CityPASS
CityPASS can save you time and money – up to 50% off a wholeslew of attractions. Skip ticket lines and go straight to your destination. I love that you never pay for anything after you buy the pass (except for maybe lunch and souvenirs). This pass is so convenient and comes with discounts on dining, transportation and more. Get it for one day or several and customize it to your liking!
Visit Famous Landmarks
Pictured: Yaxha in Guatemala
Famous landmarks in a city are usually accessible to the public and even free to visit. Once you search for the landmarks and head to them, you can then learn more about the city and possibly find activities to do like exploring a canyon, a cheap museum to visit, or a hole-in-the-wall restaurant to dine at.
Images courtesy of Newlink-Group, iStockphoto, & Thinkstock
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