Save Big on Your Next Vacation Getaway

Your Next Vacation

The long lull after New Year’s makes us all look forward to the return of sunny spring days. The dreary wintery days are the perfect opportunity to plan for your next vacation . Unfortunately, some of us are still feeling the sting of holiday spending. Here are a few easy tips that can save you a bundle on your next vacation.

Planning Your Next Vacation

The first questions you should ask yourself are about the budget and destination. How much can you spend and where do you want to go? Before I plan any trip, I discuss points of interest and other attractions with my fellow travelers. It’s important that everyone has a good time and gets the most out of their next vacation. Talk about what kinds of activities you hope to do and how you plan to get there.

Once the destination is decided, it’s time to start booking tickets. It’s wise to check prices online to ensure you get the best deals for your next getaway and know the general costs. If you buy admission tickets ahead of time, it means you will have less out-of-pocket spending. Nothing blows a budget faster than unexpected expenses.

Alternative Transportation for Your Trip

Websites like Skyscanner and TripAdvisor are my personal preference to book airfare. They allow you to compare multiple airlines, dates, and set price alerts. Sometimes, they even offer flash deals if your dates are flexible or  shop at the last minute. This means you can free-up more of your budget for entertainment. Even though these websites are excellent search engines, I usually book directly through the airline or company directly in case you need to make changes. Third-party bookings are cheaper, but cannot be altered without a ton of telephone runaround or change fees.

If first-class tickets are above your price range or you prefer to avoid airports, then you should consider alternative transportation options. Car rentals, train, and bus tickets can all be purchased online as well. The long distance coaches are surprisingly comfortable and usually provide free Wi-Fi during your trip. Overnight flights, trains and buses are also a good way to trim the fat and save money on hotels. If you want to travel in style, but are still keen on a deal, there are even savings to be made on private jet rental with Jettly. You can benefit from on-demand private jet charter without the added costs of fractional aircraft ownership or traditional jet card programs.

Deep Discount During Your Getaway

The sooner you begin planning your next vacation, the better your chances to find a good deal. The ideal time to book discounted airfare is 45-60 days before your trip. This is when the airlines compile passenger lists and adjust prices based on the remaining seats. It can be a bit of a gamble, but if luck is on your side, you can find flights for mere peanuts.

Also ask your friends or anyone you know works in the travel or hospitality industry. They can usually offer a family and friends discount based on availability. Don’t be afraid to call and ask service representatives if they offer discounts at time of booking. Most companies offer 10% discounts for auto club or loyalty memberships. You may also get discounts through your employers, so be sure to ask before you confirm reservations.

After working for years in hospitality, these were the best ways to cut corners and find the best deals for your next vacation. I would also use the ‘everywhere’ search options if you feel adventurous, because international tickets are becoming much cheaper these days. Your next vacation can be more affordable than you think. A little time and planning can save you hundreds of dollars, or allow you the vacation of your dreams.

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Your Next Vacation

Cheap Weekend Getaway Ideas

cheap weekend getaway ideas

With Memorial Day coming up, I thought it would be fitting to write about some cheap weekend getaway ideas. Because of many places of business being closed for this federal holiday, it makes for a great opportunity to take a mini-vacation. Your bank account may be unfortunately saying otherwise. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a four-day weekend.

Cheap Getaway Ideas

Many of these suggestions can not only be planned last minute but on a budget as well.

Last Minute Planning = Last Minute Deals (Sometimes)

It is typically encouraged to plan your trips well in advance to ensure the best deals; however, you can certainly grab some last-minute deals by waiting to book your trip. Try GoLastMinute, which is a travel site that scours the internet for last-minute flight deals. Other common booking sites offer last minute deals as well, such as Expedia, where you can also find hotel and cruise deals. Sometimes it pays to procrastinate.

Book an AirBnB

You don’t necessarily have to fly somewhere to stay in a cool location. Many sweet spots are just a reasonable drive away, and if you have one in mind, you can save money by renting someone else’s home. AirBnB has become an increasingly popular option for tourists traveling on a dime, but you can book an entire vacation home as well through HomeAway. Stay in the mountains in Asheville, North Carolina, visit the Florida Keys, or even rent a home in Paris for your trip. Plus, with these options, you can save money on going out to eat every night by purchasing your own groceries.

Getaway Locations

No matter what part of the states you are in, there are great (and cheap) places that are only a drive away from your location. Here are a few suggestions:

If you’re in the East Coast, consider staying in Atlanta, Georgia; Asheville, North Carolina; Burlington, Vermont; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Dewey Beach, Delaware.

  • Atlanta, Georgia: Along with its awesome barbecue, Atlanta does not charge for you to visit one of its most historic landmarks, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park. With hotel rates as low as $39.94 over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to add this to your list.
  • Asheville, North Carolina: I just visited Asheville last spring, and it was not only affordable, but one of my favorite locations to date. Parking is not much fun, but you can walk just about anywhere downtown that you want to go. Plus, you can go kayaking right on the French Broad River outside of town.
  • Burlington, Vermont: If you’re the outdoorsy type, Burlington will not let you down. Vermont is really popular in the fall season, so now may be a good time to visit when tourism is slower.
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: The City of Brotherly Love is the host of the famous Rocky stair climb scene at the Rodin Museum, which has a mere suggested $8 entry fee. Take advantage of public transportation to save on gas and parking fees, and visit some of the mircrobrews that host complimentary tours on Saturdays like the Yards Brewing Company.
  • Dewey Beach, Delaware: Dewey Beach is adjacent to Bethany Beach and Rehoboth Beach but is the cheapest option of the two. Hitting it before the big beach season will help you save on hotel options as well. You can, though, try HomeAway and rent someone’s house for the weekend for potentially less. If you’re hoping to go to a beach over Memorial Day Weekend, this is a great option.

For West Coast dwellers, you’ll find  Portland, Oregon; San Antonio, Texas; Carmel Beach, California; Catalina Island, California; and Scottsdale, Arizona are some of the great spots for you to visit during Memorial Day weekend.

  • Portland, Oregon. Portland consists of a vibe that combines an outdoor feel to an urban area. You can visit the International Rose Test Garden, take some distillery or brewery tours, hit up a gallery walk, and more. Not to mention, they have some awesome flea markets you won’t want to miss.
  • San Antonio, Texas: San Antonio is full of free attractions, like the Alamo and their Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Market Square and the Japanese Tea Gardens are also attractions you can visit without spending a dime.
  • Carmel Beach, California: Drive down Highway 1 to see the rocky beach at Carmel Beach. Visit the small town full of boutiques and restaurants, do an art tour, surf, paddleboard, or go camping. This gem of a spot makes for a one of the many great cheap weekend getaway ideas without hurting your wallet.
  • Catalina Island, California: Believe it or not, now may be an ideal time to travel to Catalina Island right before the busy summer season starts. You may find the best rates during the week, though, instead of the weekend. You can book an average-rated hotel at a little more than $80, according to HotelPlanner. If you miss your chance to visit it now, the fall would be another time to visit due to the lack of crowds.
  • Scottsdale, Arizona: From parks to the arts district, you won’t be bored visiting Scottsdale. Check out this list of ten free things to do here.

Other Ideas

Of course, you could drive to the nearest body of water, National Park, or state park and camp out for the weekend as well, which is always cheap to do. You could also become a tourist of your own area by trying a restaurant you have not had a chance to go to yet or do a tour of the area hosted by your local tourist bureau.

What cheap weekend getaway ideas would you add to the list?