Summer vacations provide the perfect opportunity to escape from the busyness of life, unplug, relax and enjoy life. This has never been truer than over the last few years. The financial crisis has created a substantial amount of financial stresses and strains that have taken their toll on people, marriages and families. Therefore, a summer
vacation may be just what the doctor ordered to get reenergized and get reconnected with your spouse and kids.
Here is some money saving tips for your summer vacation that will help you save some money and have some fun. Because the last thing anyone wants to do is spend the next twelve months paying for last year’s vacation long after the vacation glow has faded.
Set A Budget – No one likes to hear the word budget. However, it is absolutely critical to live, play and work within your finances. Therefore, sit down and review your available cash, savings, etc. to get an idea of how much you are willing to spend.
Vacation Cash – How much cash could you save before your vacation if you worked hard to eliminate all of your unnecessary expenses and impulse purchases? Use your vacation as your motivation or goal to cut your spending and save as much cash as possible for your trip. Think of it just like a crash diet to shed a few pounds before the summer vacation
Locals Coupons – Many times local businesses offer “locals discounts” and or discount coupons to locals for their summer activities and restaurants. Spend some time looking online for locals’ discounts or for local discount coupon books. In addition, you can look through the local newspapers of your vacation destination for locals’ discount coupons as well.
Garage Sale – Sell your stuff to fund your vacation – This is the perfect time of the year to have a garage sale and sell off your old things to fund your vacation. If you have a family get everyone involved in cleaning out their closets to fund the trip.
Vacation Options – Everyone has a “bucket list” of dream vacations and destinations they want to visit or experience during their lifetimes. However, due to the current economy this may not be the perfect time to take the dream vacation. Use your budget and timeframes to narrow your vacation options to fit within your budget. Start a dream vacation fund to start saving for the “bucket list” trip of a lifetime. Don’t go until you can pay cash for the entire trip. The Dream vacation will keep you motivated to save.
Travel Time vs. Vacation Time – Nothing is more valuable than our time. This has never more true than when we are on vacation since our time is very limited. Therefore, spend some time looking for new destinations or experiences that are closer to your home. This not only will give you more vacation time and less travel time it will also lower your overall vacation costs.
Travel Discounts – The economy has impacted every industry including the tourism and travel businesses. Therefore, spend some time looking online for the best deals in hotels, airfares, excursions, etc. In addition, don’t be afraid to ask for additional discounts from hotels, excursions and activities before booking them. Tell them you are shopping for the best deal. Get them to compete for your business.
Vacation Home Rentals – Many times you can rent a vacation home for less money than a couple of hotel rooms to accommodate a family or several couples. A vacation home may provide a more relaxing experience than a busy hotel. A vacation home will allow you to stock up on food and beverages at the local big box discount chain saving you a substantial amount of money as opposed to eating out every meal. Search for reputable vacation rental businesses and get references before paying deposits.
Magical Moments for Less – Many times the most memorable moments that are created with our friends and family are created from the simplest activities i.e. a sunset walk on the beach, making smores over an open fire, a morning latte at a sidewalk cafe, etc. Use your imagination to create some magical moments and memories.
I hope this short article has provided you some creative ideas and insights on how to save money on your summer vacation. Do you have some great money saving ideas for summer vacations? Take a moment and share your thoughts below.
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