Vacation on a Budget
Vacation on a Budget
For anyone who's ever gone on a family vacation and returned feeling frustrated, broke and exhausted, there's hope. Try these simple tips to plan a vacation that respects your checkbook and refreshes your family.When it comes to planning, the sooner the better
? Have a family meeting to discuss your trip budget and each person's desires and expectations. Estimate the cost of different ideas, then prioritize your list.
? Sign up for e-mail notices from airlines and travel websites so you'll be among the first to know about fare sales. But act quickly. Although the cost of a ticket can fall overnight, discounted fares may sell out by noon the next day.
? Be as flexible as possible when planning. Let airfares dictate the day and time you travel. Early morning or late evening flights often have lower rates. Generally, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday are the cheapest days to fly, and a Saturday-night stay-over is necessary to receive the lowest fare. Routes that connect through a hub city can cost less than nonstop flights.
? Avoid vacationing during holidays. Most airlines have holiday "blackout days" when fares are hiked and frequent flyer miles cannot be used. However, flying on the day of the actual holiday (Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day or July 4th) usually means low fares and plenty of seats.
Extend your travel buying power
? Look into vacation packages. You often can save money by booking airline tickets along with a hotel room or condominium, or rental car. Make sure that the accommodations offered have the desired number of beds, baths, laundry and kitchen facilities, kid-friendly activities, babysitting services and sports amenities. (Be wary of travel packages that require a tour of resort property.)
? Sign up for the frequent flyer programs of airlines you travel, and apply for credit cards associated with airlines you use often. Use one card when you shop for food, gasoline and other ongoing needs so your points will accumulate faster toward rewards.
Swerve around car-rental cash traps
? Watch for car-rental coupons in travel magazines and the travel section of your Sunday newspaper. Mention your coupon when calling to reserve a car. Ask about daily and weekly rates and mileage limitations. Compare the price you're quoted over the phone with online rates before making your decision.
? See if your auto insurance policy covers car rentals. Some credit cards offer automatic coverage when you charge a car rental. Buying the rental company's insurance is expensive and often unnecessary.
? Book the smallest car that suits your needs. Upgrading to a larger car at the rental counter often costs far less than what you would have paid if you reserved that size.
? Don't wait until you're running on fumes to buy gasoline. Allow time to look for competitive prices.
Upload Your Own Stories, Photos and Videos
Every week, American Profile magazine brings you stories that celebrate the people and places that make America great. Now we want to hear your stories and see your photos, videos and even audio.Related Stories
If you enjoyed reading this story, Vacation on a Budget, then you might enjoy these other stories.Discuss this Article
- 'Petticoat' Memories
- Holiday Gift Guide
- Cranberry Country
- Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Dishes
- Managing Money as a Couple
- Tortellini Toss
- Yo-Yo Fanatic
- Citrus Treats
- Far Flung
- The Rocking Rockettes
- Library Cats
- What's the Deal with the Imus Ranch?
- Handcrafting Fish Lures
- Kenny Chesney's Christmas
- Barber Shops
- Smoke, Sizzle & Sauce!
- Home Sweet Home
- The Quilt Bus
- Facing the Giants
- Knitting with Love
- Blueberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake
- Everyone's Favorite Chicken
- Italian Cream Cake
- Zucchini Bake
- Chicken Supreme
- Chicken Wings
- Double Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
- Quick Apple Dumpling
- Green Tomato Casserole
- Fresh Squash Casserole
- Slice & Bake
- A Stuffing Called Panade
- Salad Spinner
- Sweet Home Tennessee
- Holiday Lamb
- Going Cold Turkey
- Sugar & Spice (and a carton of eggnog) is So Nice
- Baby, It's Cold Outside
- Three Great Turkey and Gravy Recipes
- Four Great Cranberry Sauces
- Turkey-day dilemmas, solved!
- The Truth About Your Pet's Health
- To dye or not to dye
- Going Gray . . . or Going Broke
- Your Best Defense
- An Unwelcome House Guest
- Perfect Timing
- The Ride of My Life
- A diabetes cure?
- Live Better Now November 2009



