Tips for Planning a Low Cost Summer Get-a-Way

May 11, 2005

With gas prices continuing to skyrocket, many consumers are worried about being able to afford a family vacation this summer, but, trips are still possible &194;– all you need is some advanced planning and budgeting. If you don&39;t have a budget, create one by tracking expenses. A budget will help you decide how much money you can realistically spend on a vacation. (See Consolidated Credit Counseling Services&194;’ Budgeting Made Easy guide at http://www.consolidatedcredit.org/debt-learning-center/Budgeting-Made-Easy.asp).

Consider what your options are and research vacation offers. Visit the library to check out travel guides, explore travel sites on the Internet, contact state offices of tourism and collect discount coupons for motels and attractions.

Follow this advice when planning a fun and frugal summer get-a-way:

Decide what kind of vacation you want and set your priorities. For some people, staying on the beach is very important while others don&39;t mind staying further away from the water and saving money.

Decide what aspects of the vacation are really important to you and your family and pay for them. Leave the corner cutting for items that are less of a priority.

Be creative when thinking about how and where to go. Consider vacationing with another family, plan several day trips close to home or check out campgrounds.

Shop Around. Airline and hotel rates vary dramatically so be sure to ask for the lowest rate. Use Internet-based discount travel sites to help save on air and hotel expenses, just make sure you read carefully any restrictions that may apply.

You can save money if you travel at off-peak times or stay in a room without a view. There are great last minute deals available. Airlines, cruise lines and hotels lower their prices at the last minute. If your travel is flexible, you can take advantage of last minute deals.

When booking an airline flight, consider different airports nearby. For example, Los Angeles has several airports in the metropolitan area, as do many other large cities. Sometimes the difference can be substantial. To find out the nearby airports, check the city airport codes at an airline&194;’s web site.

Start saving now for next year&194;’s vacation. Set up a special vacation fund and put away some money each week. Get the whole family involved by saving pocket change and putting it into the "vacation fund."

Large vacation expenses should never be put on credit card unless you plan to pay off the balance when the bill arrives. When vacations are charged to credit, the cost, including interest, is potentially thousands of dollars more.

Charging vacation expenses is best when used with a credit card that offers airline frequent flyer miles, or points toward a hotel stay. Using those credit cards helps pay for the next vacation.

Don&194;’t rent a larger car than you will need. Larger cars cost more. Rent a car that will satisfy the needs of that trip and not more. Rental car companies charge much more for luxury amenities.

Save on food by bringing your own. When traveling by car, save at lunchtime by stopping at a grocery store and buying your own food. Keep it fresh in an inexpensive styrofoam cooler.