8 Simple rules for saving on vacation
Follow these steps to vacation savings
Don't be afraid to bring your own food
Eating out is expensive and can easily kill your vacation budget. Avoid getting stuck in a situation where you need to pay for overpriced meals by packing an overabundance of healthy snacks and familiarizing yourself with where the local supermarket is. A quick trip to pick up essentials can save you a ton.
Pack strategically
This is a must for my family. Last year we learned the hard way that Florida is not always hot. We were forced to purchase pants and rain coats at a local mall which increased our vacation budget significantly. Florida is not always hot. Be sure to pack enough that your entire family is prepared for any kind of weather. By bringing clothes that are versatile and easily layered, you can avoid over packing but still have enough options if the weather throws you a curve ball. This goes for shoes too. Make sure you've got a range from sneakers to flip flops, just in case. Another thing that always helps me pack smart for my family without over packing is to make a list for each person. I typically begin packing 3-5 days before we leave and keep each family member's "pile" under their list. I also create a separate "essentials" list to make sure I've got things like sunscreen, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.Here's another over packing tip - buy the travel sizes of your essentials so you have enough for a week but don't have to fill another whole suitcase.
Considering Making it a Road Trip
We always assume all the great destinations are those that you have to fly to. Roadtrips to local destinations can be just as fun and are typically much cheaper than flying.
Save on the Fun Stuff
A little pre-planning can go a long way when it comes to vacation activities. As soon as you know where you are going, do some quick internet searches to find discounts. For example, if you are planning a trip to a major theme park, watch prices carefully before you go, and do your research. And remember, you are FAR more likely to find significant discounts during off-peak times!