Everyone desrves to put their feet up and relax every once and a while but vacations can be expensive especially if you are traveling in a large group. Its easy to get caught up in splurging on elaborate and expensive vacations, but you can have a great time that is affordable. Affordable vacations just require a little bit of planning.
Go off season
Prices are significantly cheaper off season so take advantage of that and go against the grain and head to the mountains when everyone else is heading to the beach. You’d be surprised how many activities are going on off season in order to attract more tourists. For example check out six things you can do in West Dover Vermont in the summer while the ski mountain is closed. If you don’t have children vacationing in May or September allows you to still have nice weather while paying significantly lower prices.
Plan a long weekend
With the right planning you can enjoy most places in three or four days instead of an entire week. This will help you to save your precious vacation days and your money. Do your research beforehand so you don’t waste time seeing things that are overrated or get caught up in tourist traps. Consumer reviews online are really helpful in decided what things are a must see and what things can be skipped.
Rent a place with a kitchen
Basic hotels tend to be cheaper up front but without a kitchen you are forced to eat out for all of your meals. Paying a little bit more up front for a condo or house will allow you to bring groceries so you can cook meals rather than eat out for every single meal. This is especially helpful for breakfast and lunch which are easy foods to prepare in a small kitchen. You can also bring your own alcohol if you have more than a mini fridge to store it in saving you even more money.
Take advantage of deals
AAA has lots of deals for vacationers so if you are a member take the time to look them up. Especially major attractions like theme parks or water parks because they have huge discounts. Restaurants and bars typically have deals like kids eat free or half priced appetizers during the week so research places to eat ahead of time and be sure to take advantage of any promotions. There are also lots of apps to help you save money in an unfamiliar place like GasBuddy that helps you find the cheapest gas near you. Groupon is also a great resource whether you use it to book your lodging prior arriving or use it to find discounted activities and restaurants in the area.
Avoid Souvenirs
This is more of a personal preference but avoid souvenirs at all costs. They are overpriced and do you really need another t-shirt or shot glass? Instead take lots of pictures and spend your money on experiencing new things. You are much more likely to appreciate and remember an experience than you are a knick knack. Souvenirs are often tossed out in next year’s spring cleaning so save your money. If you absolutely need a souvenir buy a postcard or something that you will use regularly like a cup or a pen and make sure you shop around, if you are in a touristy area there are bound to be a million gift stores with similar products so try and find the best deal, not the first thing you see.
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