Plan for Vacation Savings

Kirsten Thuringer

May 16, 2016  •  2 Minute Read

Financial Tips

Summer time is almost here and for many that means…family vacation! With the kids out of school, many families will be going to places like Disneyworld, Hawaii or even Yellowstone. Vacation planning can be stressful, as well as very expensive, but there are a number of ways to cut down on the stress and be less draining on the checkbook. Check out these 5 tips on how to save, but still have a memorable vacation.

1. Be Flexible

Being flexible on your dates can be a big money saver as airline or admission prices can fluctuate greatly from the weekend to weekday. When booking airline tickets, look at non-direct flights as they might save you money as well that you could spend elsewhere. Also, check to see if the amusement parks or other attractions have cheaper admission nights or discounted days for kids.

2. Compare Rates

Always make sure to compare rates for all the big purchases. If you’re looking for a hotel, check out the hotels in the area to compare their prices. While some hotels might be cheaper, also look to see if they have a continental breakfast or other amenities that will save you money while staying. If you’re going to be booking flights, hotel rooms and a rental car, try booking them together as a bundle as that may be cheaper compared to booking separately.

3. Join Loyalty Programs

Some hotel chains have loyalty programs for their customers that are frequent visitors. These chains can offer a free night stay or a discount after so many night stays. Sign up for monthly emails from amusement parks or other tourist attractions as some of these emails might offer discounted tickets for your next visit. Also, check out websites or Facebook pages to see if any of the local attractions have any coupons or discounts on admission. Getting a discount on even one person’s ticket is a savings.

4. Try Rewards Credit Cards

These credit cards are great because you could earn benefits such as free hotel stays, air travel or cash back while making your everyday purchases. It’s kind of like free money! Each rewards program is different and there are several types of rewards cards such as gas, airlines, hotel, cash, etc. Go to CreditSoup to see what your available options are.

5. Think Outside the Box

Whether if you’re traveling with a large group or just your family, look into vacation house rentals as they are sometimes cheaper plus offer more amenities than hotel rooms. In addition to the price, some benefits are having your own kitchen to save on your eating out expenses, offer extra room for everyone to enjoy, and depending on your destination, you may be able to find a house on the beach or with a pool for you to enjoy.