If you’re reading this blog, I’m sure you’re like me – you love getting deals and being able to save as much as possible. That can be a lot easier with grocery stores and regular purchases, because we get used to prices and know what a good deal is – plus, those weekly store circulars help.
But what about things you don’t use as often, or areas that you haven’t been before? If you’re going on a vacation or traveling for any other reason, you may find yourself trying to figure out how you know if you’re really getting a deal. Here are my top ten tips to help you save money on travel.
1) Leverage discount-buying sites. If you are planning on going somewhere and being in the same spot for a few days or longer, sign up for local discount sites like Groupon, LivingSocial, or Tippr – only use your destination location, so you get emailed deals you can use on your trip.
2) Check for age-related discounts. If there’s a senior in your party, or kids 12 or under (or 5 or under), chances are you’ll be able to qualify for senior or youth pricing. Many places may also offer student discounts for 13-18 year olds.
3) Use your occupation. You can often find discounts for teachers, police officers, firefighters, or military personnel. These aren’t always advertised, and it never hurts to ask if you fall into one of these categories. If you have an official ID or badge, that helps too.
4) Eat smartly. If you can get a free breakfast, make it the biggest meal of your day. For eating out, consider eating out at lunch – sometimes you’ll find cheaper half-size portions. If you’re eating out at dinner, split entrees. If the place you’re staying has a fridge, store fruits and veggies there to make sure you’re eating healthy.
5) Find free and cheap entertainment. Many destinations have beautiful parks that are free, or zoos and museums that are off the beaten path that will provide you with a great experience for less than the big-name places.
6) Track prices. Expedia, Yapta, and other sites will track historic prices, so if you’re able to plan your vacation early, you can wait to book until prices dip. Some agents and online travel buying shops even offer a low price guarantee and will refund you the difference between your purchase price and the lowest price.
7) Pack lightly. It will save on checked-baggage fees, or on gas if you’re driving on your own, since your car will be lighter.
8) Be smart about travel insurance. If your credit card or a program like AAA provides it as part of your membership, don’t buy a supplemental plan. Same thing with rental car insurance – your own auto insurance may already cover you.
9) Of course, travel in the off-season if you can. In the summer, head for the Caribbean. In the winter and spring, avoid warm climates and head for Europe instead.
10) Be flexible about housing. Consider camping (some parks have partly-furnished cabins if you don’t have all the gear) or hostels.
There are tons of other ways to save on travel, depending on where you’re going and your family size, but these tips should give you an idea of some of the ways that you can easily save some money on your vacation.
“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Alamo blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”
From the sponsor:
Founded in 1974, Alamo Rent A Car is a value-oriented, internationally recognized brand serving the rental needs of airport leisure travelers. Alamo offers low rental rates and a hassle-free customer experience at the most popular travel destinations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America and Asia. In addition, Alamo customers in the U.S. are able to conveniently choose their own vehicles, based upon their advance reservation and requested car class, and then simply drive away from the airport.
The Alamo membership club, Alamo Insiders, offers its members numerous perks including exclusive, member-only deals, quick and simple reservations, and frequent traveler miles with each rental.
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