By
Alexander Carl on April 27, 2010
Time to think about summer getaways. For anyone who pays their own bills, “vacation” reads the same as “$$$$$$$$”.
But it doesn't have to be that way. There are many vacation options, and many opportunities to make it budget-friendly.
Before you go...
Determine what you can afford, and budget it. If you're that groovy-organized type who keeps
all their receipts and bills, you're in luck— you can easily figure out how much you've paid in the past, and in what areas (food, travel, accommodations, souvenirs, etc.)
The rest of us must rely on memory and research. Be pessimistic in your budgeting: assume the costs are steeper than you imagine.
Make a “fun fund” from your current entertainment expenses. No, you don't have to call it that. But you should channel your spending on the fun stuff (movies, dinners out, video games) into a specific fund for your trip.
Trust me, you'll love having that extra cash to throw around.
Look for spots close to home. Sure, you could fly to Hawaii. But if the ocean's your goal, why not check out the beach that's two hours away?
You can see great art at the Louvre, but you can also see great art at the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
Don't diss the off-season. You can get a better deal on hotels, and deal with less tourists. Don't book around the big summer holidays (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day), and consider vacationing when most schools are still in session.
Watch for AAA discounts and coupons. They can save you serious dollars, especially in combination with off-season rates. Credit card rewards can help too, (but
please don't charge to your card just to get rewards!)
Research, research, research! Research hotel rates, flight rates, hotel reviews, attraction reviews. Read the destination guides at your library. Plan a loose itinerary. Take charge!
Packing up...
Buy your accessories at home. Almost everything is more expensive at destinations. Don't find yourself paying $5 for a bottle of water.
And on your trip...
Try not to eat out! If your room has a kitchenette, use it. Take snacks with you. Meals can seriously lighten your wallet.