How to Save Money for a Summer Vacation

It wouldn't be a summer without a summer vacation. But in lean economic times, you'll need to pinch pennies whenever possible. Before you plan your summer vacation and make all the necessary reservations, follow these simple steps to save as much money as possible.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Coupons
• Budget
• Fuel-efficient rental car
• Groceries

1. Draw up a budget for your summer vacation. Create different categories for each of your major expenses, including travel, accommodations, food and entertainment. Review each item on the list and consider different ways to trim expenses.
2. Rent a private house or condo instead of individual hotel rooms. Accommodations are one of the most taxing expenses in any summer vacation budget, so you should give some critical thought to how you can save money on your lodgings. If you have a friend or family member who lives nearby, consider staying with them during your vacation.
3. Search for discount coupons to save money at any of the tourist destinations you plan to visit. Check for coupons on their official websites or at local visitors' centers. Other tourist spots in the city might offer promotional tie-ins to entice you to visit more than one location.
4. Book your airplane travel during the week to qualify for special discounted fares. The cost of airline tickets is much higher from Thursday to Monday, as that's when the majority of people travel. By flying in the middle of the week, you'll save money and have more room if the plane is only partially full.
5. Visit cities in countries that have favorable exchange rates on their foreign currency. Travel to a location where a hundred dollars will seem like a thousand. While you may not have the same range of high-profile tourist locations, you'll have plenty of other unique ways to spend your free time and extra money.
6. Rent a fuel-efficient vehicle to take on a road trip. Additionally, you'll save wear and tear on your everyday car by renting one for your vacation. That will save you even more money in the long run.
7. Buy groceries while on vacation instead of constantly eating at restaurants. When you book your accommodations, try to find a place that has some basic kitchen appliances and a nearby grocery store. The cost of restaurant meals for a family of four will add up quickly over the course of a vacation.
8. Use the same vendor to book all your travel. Travel agents and vacation-planning websites will allow you to qualify for discounted rates if you book your travel, accommodations and rental car at the same time.

Tips & Warnings

• Slash a huge portion from your summer vacation budget by leaving the kids at home, especially if they're getting older or in their teen years. With all the money you'll save on accommodations, food and tacky souvenirs, you'll have much more to spend on fine dining and entertainment with a more adult flair.