How to Save Money on Your Summer Vacation

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By Lilfix
User-Submitted Video

summer vacation

Your suitcases are packed and you are ready for your summer vacation, but are you ready for the cost?

Vacations can be quite expensive if you aren't careful.

Below are some very simple tips to make sure you have a fun summer vacation and save money so that you won't have to spend the rest of the year paying it off...

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

RV rentals and Boat rentals

RENT: Rent a RV and or boat, don't buy one to have it parked in your driveway the rest of the year.

Unless you are retired or will be traveling a lot throughout the year, a rental RV or boat will be cheaper.

These days a RV or boat can cost as much as a house and most of the time that means taking out a loan and paying on it every month...but using it only once a year.
Step 2

INSURANCE: If you are going to be traveling overseas and you are going to be renting a car, why not check with your automobile insurance to see if you are covered, BEFORE the rental agent forces you purchase an overpriced policy with them.

If you are covered by your automobile insurance then you won't have that extra cost...just make sure you are provided with complete documentation from your insurer so that you have proof that you are covered.

If you aren't covered by your automobile insurance why not see how much it would cost to get a temporary insurance for overseas, it still might be cheaper than buying insurance from the car rental agencies.
Step 3

Amtrak

TAKE THE TRAIN OR BUS: Have you seen the airline prices these days? They charge you for everything! And I won't even go into how long it takes to go through security and to check your bags. So why not save yourself some time and see a little of the country while on vacation?

Amtrak may not be the fanciest train around, but it can still be quite a pleasant trip. You will get to see beautiful country and be quite comfortable while doing so.

For shorter trips, why not try the bus. The seats are still bigger than an airplanes seat and you might even get to stop at some very quaint places along the way.

You also have a better chance of your luggage arriving with you when you travel by bus or train.
Step 4

Airplane

CALL AHEAD: Doing a little vacation planning will help you save money. If you are set on traveling by airplane, then you will want to call and get your reservation as soon as you are sure you of your dates.

The inexpensive airfares go fast, so call as soon as you can.

Also, have a friend or family member to drive you to and from the airport. This can save you money on parking fees.
Step 5

Room Service

EAT OUT: Don't order in room service. I know it is convenient, but you will pay A LOT more for your food by eating in than going out. You will get to see the sights and meet the locals if you go out and you might even be able to splurge a little on extra souvenirs with the money you save.

Ask the locals the best places to eat. They probably won't mention the tourist restaurants which means you will get to enjoy a great meal at a fraction of the cost...
Step 6

SHOP: Away from the airports and hotels. You will pay a lot more for gifts for your family and friends if you get them in the airport or hotel gift shop.

Most of the time, you can get the same or very close to the same item for a lot less if you go a few blocks away to the shopping mall in the area...
Step 7

LOOK: Have you ever picked up a tourist brochure for your town or area? You might be surprised at some of the fun stuff that is right in your backyard.

You can save money by staying at your home, and taking day trips to 'vacation' areas around you.

Comments

FrazzledNanny said

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on 5/27/2009 Great tips for saving money on your summer vacation. We stayed home and played "tourist" this year. We saved a bundle on rooms, gas and food (we packed our meals when we went out). 5*