How to SAVE MONEY on your Summer Vacations

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By bethany1202
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Money money money!!

It can be easy to save hundreds on your summer vacation.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

free stuff
ideas from everyone
your own creativity
a few small sacrifices

Step 1

With the rising cost of gas and the less than desireable state of the economy in the USA and other countries as well, we all need to make cut-backs and find ways to save money on normal everyday activities. While some people have cancelled
their summer vacations because they simply cannot afford it at any cost, others still have some trips planned. Here are some tips I have to make my own and anyone else's travel and vacations easier and CHEAPER.
Step 2

If you can stay somewhere with a kitchen that isn't too much more expensive, get it. At least a refrigerator... You can pack salads and sandwiches at the very least so you don't have to eat out every meal. It's much cheaper and usually healthier and less time-consuming as well. Be sure to pack your left-overs for the trip so they don't go bad in the fridge at home while you're away on your vacation!
Drink lots of water from the faucet if it's safe since it's good to drink water and most of us don't drink enough of it as it is. You can also buy bottled water and juices in bulk from a store such as Wal-Mart, Costco, BJs, etc if you prefer that over the tap water or if it may be unsafe in the location you plan to travel.

You know all those free samples of shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, etc. that you get throughout the year in the mail and in newspapers? An excellent idea is to save them all (or at least a nice little stockpile of them) to take with you on your vacation. It's easier to pack than a large bottle of shampoo, large package of toothpaste, etc, and it's cleaner than bringing these larger items since you can throw the used sample containers away. This saves money AND SPACE! If you buy souvenirs it's easier to pack them on the trip home rather than having all those extra containers of shampoo and such with you. If you don't buy souvenirs, it makes it easier to pack when leaving at any rate -- and, best of all, it doesn't cost you a dime to use free samples! You can get many samples throughout the year by checking out free websites that offer links to such. One example is TheFreeSite.com. You can check search engines for other sites from which you can get free samples.
Step 3

If possible, invite a few friends along. They can help pitch in on hotel costs, gas costs, and other expenses that come up. Plus, if you have a larger party, sometimes you can get additional discounts. (This works especially well for vacations to theme parks/amusement parks, for example.)

Of course most people know to plan ahead. Usually, the farther ahead you plan you will get better discounts. Sometimes you can even call the hotel or wherever you're staying and negotiate with them. Or you can feel free to try all those sites such as Hotels.com, Priceline.com, etc. Also, see if your hotel offers free continental breakfast. If they do, be sure to take advantage of it! You're paying for it. It will make breakfast easier and again save you some money.
On the same topic, ask the front desk for ALL free services the hotel offers. You are paying for the room, but many times a hotel will offer much more. They tend to offer savings at local restaurants and attractions, and even more, so be sure to find out all your hotel offers for extra savings! Get the most out of your trip.

Ask your friends and family if they have any travel tips or money-saving tips, and use your imagination to get some more great ideas in addition to these I've provided to maximize your budget and save as much money as possible! Have a great summer!

Comments

peter010 said

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