The Save Money Blog » Travel Tips

How to Afford a Labor Day Weekend Getaway

admin — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 11:44:16 +0000

Now that American elected officials have raised the debt ceiling, everyone can go back to charging everything and running up their credit. Oh wait, that only applies to the United States Government. The rest of us still need to be budget-conscious, and try to make ends meet without getting ourselves knee-deep in debt.

Like a lot of people, you've probably had to make some adjustments to your spending habits to keep things under control while the economy evens out. But that doesn't mean you have to completely give up on taking a vacation. If you can't afford two weeks on an island somewhere, just think a little smaller. Labor Day is coming up, and it's the perfect time for a weekend getaway. Here's how to make it happen, and save money at the same time.

Plan Your Own Travel

Travel agents don't charge for everything, but if you use one, there is a chance you'll have to pay a fee. Why pay when you can plan your own travel online for free? Dozens of travel sites allow you to choose everything from flight times and hotel rooms to window seats and kosher meals. By planning your travel online, you're already saving money. Now throw a discount into the mix, and you'll save even more. For example, orbitz promo codes offer savings on hotel accommodations, resort packages, and even inclusive meals. That means a little more spending money in your pocket while you're enjoying your weekend getaway.

Stay Close to Home

A long, holiday weekend may not be enough time to justify the expense of flying somewhere and practically having to turn right around to go home. But even if you don't fly or drive out of town, you can still get out of the house. Create a mini-vacation right in your own city by staying in a hotel. Have you seen all the sights your city has to offer, or have you put it off because, well, you live there? Play tourist, and experience the things that bring visitors to your hometown. You can also splurge a little on a nice hotel if you make use of those handy discount codes. Just like travel sites, most hotels offer them as well. A code from just about any hotel, like a marriot promo code, can get you a lower nightly rate, a free night, free breakfast, or other perks. Be sure to book early because a lot of people will be looking to get away over Labor Day weekend.

Collaborate With Friends and Family

If a short getaway, or an overnight in a local hotel is still a bit of a strain on your budget, make your Labor Day weekend plans a group effort. Do your parents live near a beach? The long weekend is the perfect time to visit and take advantage of their spare bedroom. Vacationing as a family? Ask another family you're friendly with if they'd like to share a suite—and the cost. Want to plan a girls' weekend? Get a group of your friends together for a short trip and share all the expenses. Your Labor Day may even be more fun when you're sharing it with friends or family.

If all else fails, and your budget is just too tight for a getaway right now, that's okay. Hold off and keep saving. In the meantime, plan a weekend staycation at home with games and activities, or invite friends over for a cookout. Whether you travel or stay home, the most important part of any vacation is to enjoy yourself.

Take Time and Plan Your Vacation

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 04:40:37 +0000

A few friends have been talking about doing some travelling in the new year. At this point they have no idea where they are going or how they are getting there. They are interested in dominican republic vacations but have yet to do their homework on the subject. If you are thinking about doing a vacation it's never too late to start planning. There is lots of time to look at different resorts, find a good one in your price range. Time that you travel is a big factor too, peak March Break is more expensive than going in January but you might have to trade some warmer weather. Start doing your digging early and find a vacation package that is right for you instead of jumping into something at the last minute that isn't a good fit.

Don’t Go Broke Paying for that Vacation

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:32:13 +0000

It has pretty much rained here every weekend and most of the week days since May. Pretty much the worst summer I remember in quite awhile. At this point I am not even really taking a hardcore vacation. If I was the one thing I would not being doing is putting myself into some kind of terrible debt trying to pay for it. If you don't have it, don't spend it. There is no sense in going into debt for the next twelve months to pay for five days of fun.

The one thing I have noticed is there are still lots of great deals vacations to be had without selling the farm. Vegas vacations can always be had for a decent price no matter what time of year you choose to go. You can find great deals on renting cottages, amusement park packages or even just getting away for a few days and staying in a nice hotel. Do your pocket book a solid and do some digging before you blow your Christmass money in July.

Finding A Cruise Vacation

admin — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:44:55 +0000

A friend at work is planning an Alaskan cruise this fall. Not a cheap adventure so he wants to make sure that he does it right. Planning out a vacation as large as this takes alot of homework on your behalf because it's a big expense and there are so many different cruises to choose from. Remember, with vacations you get what you pay for. So that last thing you want to do is cheap out but your also don't want to overpay for what you are getting either.

Ask friends or family if they are if they know anybody that has been on a simliar trip and what their experiece was like and who did they travel with. Do much comparitive shopping online, through newspapers and by calling travel agencies. You have a computer so make a spreadsheet with the various points that are interesting to you so can compare what each cruise is offering and match it against price. Get as much information as you can and make an informed decision.

Saving by Renting on Your Next Trip

admin — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 01:07:19 +0000

Some of my family members were throwing around the idea of going down south for a couple of weeks. When I asked where they were thinking of staying the talked about renting a property. Either a townhouse or a condo as it would be cheaper then staying at a hotel and you can make your own meals, save some money of dining and eat a little bit healthier. I was going through some websites and found Outer Banks rentals where you can look at properties in the Carolinas for rent and my family was right. You can plan an inexpensive vacation by renting your place to stay. Next time you are planning a vacation do some math. Add up the costs of a hotel vs a rental for the week and factor in your food and drinks and I think you will see that you can save money by renting a place.

Is Now the Time to Make Travel Plans?

admin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 02:20:27 +0000

I recently found out that a relative of mine was laid off from her travel agent job because like everything else things are tough all over. Not enough people taking vacations because they just can't afford it. Probably because they have been laid off as well. That got me to thinking. If the travel industry is as hard up as the rest of the working world then there would have to be some really good deals out there for those that can afford a vacation. I wouldn't think that it matters is you are booking a flight, hotel lodgings or even looking at European cruises. I haven't dug a lot into looking at actual prices but it makes sense to me. If you are thinking about taking a trip over the next couple of months start digging for prices now. You never know what you will find.

Plan That Vacation Last Minute

admin — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 19:41:32 +0000

A few friends of mine are off on a four day golf trip down south, all inclusive and three rounds of golf for under a thousand. How did they find a steal of a trip like that? They went online and sniffed around some last minute vacation websites and since it didn't matter when they leave they were on their way to great savings. It doesn't matter if you are heading out to a down south resort all inclusive vacation or if you are booking las vegas hotel reservations. If you can leave on the drop of a hat then you can totally save money by check out last minute deals or sell off vacation websites.

Save Money at the Ball Game

admin — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:21:04 +0000

Last week my other half and I decided that we might want to take in a ball game. After doing the math, because we live a couple of hours away from the park it really started to add up. I ran across an article at CNN that gave out some tips to enjoy a major league baseball game and not break your wallet at the same time.

Like everyone else major league baseball teams are feeling the crunch of high fuel costs and giving away some pretty good deals right now. "To ease the pain of record high fuel prices, for example, the San Francisco Giants are giving $25 gas cards to anyone who buys four tickets for $75. In Minnesota, the Twins are discounting the weekly national average price for a gallon of gas off certain tickets."

Here are some more tips:

1. See if you can bring your own food, a lot of clubs are allowing it or eat before you go and try not to be at the food stands every inning.

2. If driving try to find free curbside parking, even if you have to walk a few extra blocks. Parking near the stadium is a premium.

3. Get online and research your teams website and look for deals on tickets or $2 hot dog day, or family zone specials. Plan your day out, especially if you are bringing kids.

Cheap Airline Tickets

admin — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:49:48 +0000

An interesting arcticle appeared on CNN yesterday stating that you can still find cheap airline tickets and travel rates out there but you have to do a little digging and be flexible with your travel plans.

1. Fly on Tuesday and Wednesday because they are the slowest days of the week. Business people fly Sundays or Mondays and return on Fridays making those busy days.

2. Fly during the slow times of the year. Between Labor Day and Thanksgiving is when you will find the best deals.

3. It's the old adage, fly to popular destinations off season and you are bound to save on your vacation.

4. Buy during the cheapest time of the day such as early morning as airlines will change their prices several times a day.

5. Scout out the internet and look for package deals. Even if you don't want one take a look anyways because they can end up saving you money. The travel industry if very competitive online and I bet you can find a deal somewhere.

Source

Rent Accomodations Save Money

admin — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:57:44 +0000

In a few weeks a friend is packing up his family and heading out for two weeks to enjoy the scenery of Atlantic Canada. Where is he staying? He found a friend that has a rental cottage and is staying there instead of using a hotel or motel.

If you are planning a trip away this year save yourself some money by renting a cottage, cabin or even an apartment. The money savings between that and staying at a motel could be staggering.

Search the internet or ask friends or co-workers. Chances are somebody knows somebody that owns a place or has stayed somewhere themselves and can find you a deal on accomodations. The internet should be able to find you somewhere cheaper to stay other than a hotel or motel.

Not only can you save on the rental fees the key is the kitchen facilities. Buying your own food and beverages will really help keep the money in your wallet. Think about the costs of groceries and even alcohol bought at a store vs eating out every day. I am sure you could save up to $50 a day eating your own store bought groceries.