How to Save on Airfare, Lodging and Food on Your Next Vacation
Wednesday, May 27th, 2009Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
Summer vacation with a family, especially if it is a large one, can be quite expensive. It is possible to reduce any travel expense and save money if you plan your budget carefully and take on the role of a detective. Savings strategies are endless. This article will focus on three.
Save on Airfare: Trust a Travel Agent
A lot of families discard flying because they think that the cost is way out of their price range. Airfare is one of the expensive travel services of most vacation packages. It is possible to find big discounts if you know what to search for. Is there anyone who knows where to find discounted airfare like a travel agent?
The number of people who book their own travel online has grown tremendously. However, a good travel agent can be a real asset when it comes to finding super deals on airfare. Travel agents are experienced professionals who know the ins and outs of the industry. They know not only the best places to look but also the best day of the week and hour of the day to get the best deals.
Some travelers spend hours and hours searching for a good deal and get excited when they find a fare that is $50 or $100 less. How much is your time worth? A travel agent will cost you nothing since he or she is paid by the airline company. Take advantage of such a knowledgeable resource and reap the reward of flying cheap.
Save on Lodging: Check Out Alternative Accommodations
What types of accommodations come to your mind when you think of lodging? The majority think of hotels and resorts. Many inexpensive alternatives are available to those willing to search a little. You can even find lodging for free. Yes, there are places you can stay for free. Ok. It may cost you but it won't be in currency.
Have a friend or relative who lives in a destination you want to visit. Ask to stay in their home. It is probably not a good idea to make the request to someone with whom you have not had contact in many years. You might drop a hint to get an initial reaction. You can casually ask, "What would you say to having my family come to visit you?" Just to make sure you are being understood, you can add playfully, "If five days is too long, you can kick us out sooner.”
Another “free” accommodation is a home exchange. You stay in home located in the destination of your choice. That homeowner stays in your home. Recently, growth has been significant in this industry. Some websites that specialize in this field have a database of tens of thousands of homes worldwide.
Campgrounds, hostels and dorm rooms are three additional types of accommodations that are cheap. Some universities rent dorm rooms to travelers during the summer months when they have few students on campus. Keep your mind open and you can find some excellent alternatives for inexpensive lodging.
Food: Take Your Own and Save
You could ask your family to fast a few times during the vacation or agree to a juice diet but they probably would not consider it an enjoyable experience. It is not necessary to get your family to forego a few meals in order to save money.
One of the best ways to save money on food expenses during a vacation is to not eat out. Eating every meal at restaurants can really add up. Snack foods and meals that you make yourself is the answer. Create a meal plan with inexpensive foods but ones your family enjoys. Make sure they are easy to store and transport.
Use the tips in this article to save money on airfare, lodging and food. These are the three big expenses for any summer vacation. Now you can reduce the cost of them.