Taking the family on a memorable vacation has never been easy, and rising prices for airlines and gas aren’t making it easier. So when you begin the process of planning this year’s getaways, don’t forget these tried and true methods for getting more bang for your vacation buck…
1. Price airline tickets individually
If you’re buying tickets for a group or even a couple, keep in mind airlines will always quote the highest price to all travelers, even if a lower fare is available to one or more in the group.
When searching online for fares, always start by specifying a single traveler. Only after finding the best fare should you search again for a group. If you then get a higher price for multiple tickets, you know you can save by purchasing seats one at a time. This trick also works when searching for multiple frequent flier award seats at the lowest redemption levels.
2. Save on meals
After transportation and hotels, eating out will be your largest vacation expense. Planning meals saves money and helps avoid unhealthy and boring fast food.
Take whatever food you can from home to avoid paying sky-high prices at the airport or while flying. You ca n save eating at theme parks such as Disney’s by ea ting off-site or sneaking food in.
Plan ahead for restaurants at your destination by using the same techniques you use at home, like Groupon or restaurants.com. Ask locals where the best food and deals are. If you possibly can, upgrade to a room with a kitchen – an upfront expense that can more than pay for itself. And finally, visit the local grocery store to shop for a picnic or a cookout at a nearby park.
3. Save on attractions
To save at tourist destinations, think like a resident. Coloradans (my home state) never pay full price for ski lift tickets – they find discounts all over Denver. Residents of Fort Lauderdale (home of Money Talks News) know the cheapest way to explore the waterways of the “Venice of America” is paying a few bucks and riding the water taxi.
Call the area’s visitor’s bureau and ask where to find discounted admission tickets. Find out if museums, parks, or zoos will be offering free admission during your stay. Search the website of the attraction for offers or visit other marketplaces like Craigslist and Ebay . When you arrive, ask locals where they take their visiting friends and where the best deals are.
Start talking to locals the minute you arrive: at the rental car counter, restaurants, your hotel – wherever you find them.
4. Book your hotel directly
Be careful when booking hotel rooms through third-party sites like Expedia . Many important features of your room may be listed merely as “preferences.” Too many families arrive at their hotel late in the evening only to find out that their bed configuration was not guaranteed.