10 Secrets to Affordable Summer Vacations

The American Dream vacation is quickly becoming outlandishly costly. But in these crazy economic times, there are still great ways to change that without cramping your family’s style. Presented for you are ten great ways to help you save euros while enjoying your favorite SUMMER VACATION destination.(1) Take a couple days to discover the country – Drive. With the friendly skies bilking you for everything but air these days the cost for a family of four to travel by air even short hops is well over $1500, after taking into consideration of airport parking, airport shuttles and the other miscellaneous meals and such the outrageously priced inner sanctum of the local airport. Besides,  when you drive you have a familiar car with all its normal amenities less the additional $50 – $90 the car rental agency will now charge per day of your vacation. Despite gas prices that seem historically elevated, a minivan driving 1100 miles will probably fill up three or four times (for about $160 in cost each way). Compare that to the cost of checked bags for $25 a piece and it should be a short discussion.(2)  Do some research to know the price for groceries in the city you are vacationing in and determine if it is cheaper to buy things you will need ahead of time. You have extra room since you will have your car there should plenty of space for some of core non perishable supplies. This alone will save another several hundred dollars on an average 10 day trip.(3) Why be cramped in? Look at Vacation Rentals.. Virtually every area has a nice supply of Vacation Rentals by Owner that will include nice kitchens, lots of room to relax and many of the features you and your family are accustomed to without large extra charges. Most good rentals include full cable tv, wi-fi access, at least local calls and room to really enjoy your vacation.(4) Take advantage of coupons. Check for every aspect of the trip. Don’t see anything on the company website? Call and ask! Looking for a restaurant discount? Look at the restaurant website but also check consolidators by searching Google for “restaurant name” discount offer. But be sure to read and understand the fine print carefully for terms of the coupon.(5) Make your own breakfast every day. Heck, unless you have a butler and a maid at home (congratulations, and why are you reading this article), you probably do this 7 days a week now. A couple dozen eggs will set you back at most five bucks and will last the week. Bread another $3 dollars and if your family like bacon and coffee maybe an additional $10. Total cost for 7 breakfasts for the entire family – maybe $20 dollars! Does the local pancake shop really have food that is that much better? I highly doubt it.

(6) Pack bottles or a thermos that is easily refillable, if fact this is a great idea year round. Not only are you being eco friendly, but will be a HUGE money saver. If you assume two bottles per day  per family member and now we are talking $25 to $35 per DAY in savings!. These can be refilled at the Vacation Rental or at any attraction water fountains. (7) Take advantage of multi-day passes at the attractions. This is especially a sweet deal when they can be used anytime.Look around online and call the attraction in case they have any special deals that might not be widely advertised.(8) Work direct with the owner of the property for the best deals. Outside Management companies will generally charge between 20 and 30% extra if you book through them. Plus, having a knowledgeable local as a source for planning and discovering “local” areas of interest that might be off the beaten path makes for a vacation to remember.(9) Agree on a daily spending limit for all in the family. Kids and parents alike get caught up in the fun of vacation, but did you really need the super-size crazy straw with Goofy’s face on it for $10 Agree on an amount and make everyone stick to it. This will avoid issues and still allow everyone to get items they will cherish many years later.(10) Pick your Vacation Rental strategically. For instance, many Vacation Rentals allow stays of as little as 3 days. Looking to visit Orlando but your spouse really wants to hang out at the beach while in Florida. Book an Orlando Vacation Home for 3 days – experience Disney – then drive west less than an hour and a half to enjoy a Beach Front Vacation Rental in Treasure Island, outside St Pete for the remainder of the trip. With a variety of parks, the Gulf of Mexico, John’s Pass and a multitude of low cost and free things to do, you will save big money and keep everyone in your party happy with a Vacation they are not soon to forget.