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July 2011 How to trim vacation costs
Summer
is a time for family reunions, barbeques in the backyard, and
completing outdoor projects. Summer is also a season for vacations —
tooling around the Grand Canyon, visiting grandparents in Maine, flying
to Mexico, or taking a week to meander through a neighboring state. But
in today's economy in which many families are raiding their savings
accounts to meet mortgage payments, a vacation may seem an unaffordable
luxury. Fortunately, with a little planning and ingenuity you can trim
the cost of that summer getaway without cutting back on fun and
relaxation. Here are a few ideas.
- Budget for your vacation. Instead
of financing your getaway with a credit card (then struggling to pay
off the balance and accumulated interest later), plan ahead. Every
month or every paycheck, set aside money in a separate R&R account.
Make it a family activity. If everyone wants to visit Disneyland,
research the best airfares and hotel rates on the Internet and let your
kids do the math. The earlier you start, the more you'll be able to
accumulate for that dream trip.
- Consider package deals. By
bundling airfare, hotel and car rental together, travel companies
sometimes offer cheaper rates. Just be sure to read the fine print.
Make sure that the "luxury hotel" isn't located in a bad part of town.
- Eat in your room.
Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean every meal needs to be a
coat-and-tie affair. For some dinners, try buying a few fruits,
vegetables, and baked goods at the local grocery store. Sleep late and
reduce your food intake to a brunch and a dinner. You'll eat less and
may avoid an after-vacation trip to the clothing store to upsize your
wardrobe.
- Travel in the off-season.
Christmas in Mexico is great, but it's also more expensive. By choosing
the days just before or just after the busy season, you'll often find
cheaper rates without much difference in climate. You'll also avoid
some of the hassles that result from too many tourists in too little
space.
- Buy a guidebook. For
less than $40, you can get a paperback that provides information on
local customs, authentic eateries, free events, and the best times to
visit museums. Some also offer coupons.
- Vacation nearby. Tourists visit your home state and marvel at its attractions. For a week, become one of them.
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