Plan that summer vacation without breaking the bank with these travel tips that will help you stay on budget and have a great time.
- Research. Compare hotel and flight prices, call and ask about any unlisted discounts. Also check nearby airports. Sometimes an extra hour of drive time can save you hundreds in air travel fees.
- Be flexible. The most expensive days to fly are Mondays and Fridays. Plan your trip on the off days, and consider connecting flights instead of direct, or early flights.
- Brave the elements. Campgrounds are inexpensive and because you often cook your own food, it doubles your savings. And lets face it – the mountains of California or the Beaches of California are hardly “roughing it.”
- Breakfast included. Make sure breakfast is included in the hotel rate.
- Eat in. Cook dinner or have a picnic. When you do eat out, lunch is less expensive than dinner and drink water instead of soft drinks or liquor.
- Use plastic. Avoid ATM fees by selecting cash back when making debit purchases.
- Save at the pump. Utilize phone apps that list gas prices in the area.
- Matinees. Hit up the movies during the day for cheaper admission.
- Museums and parks. Often museums offer free admission.
- Coupons. Scan the Internet for discounts on attractions in and around your destination.
As an alternative, consider having a Staycation this summer. We live in one of the greatest places on earth – why leave. When you stay at home you can save money and do many of the things that locals never do, but tourists always do. Day trips around the central coast and central valley to the wonderful rural towns and beach communities are a lot of fun.