Most families will spend all year saving and shopping around for the best deals for their family vacation. But is it possible to save money once you reach your destination? The answer is yes. Vacations are the ideal opportunity to let your hair down and have fun. But this can be difficult when you’re tracking every penny you spend. Use these money saving tips to experience your vacation to the fullest and save yourself some money while you’re at it.Speak to the locals
To get a real sense of a country or destination, you need to talk to the locals. They will be able to tell you about restaurants and lesser known attractions that you might enjoy. These can include zoos, parks and establishments that serve fantastic local cuisine. It’s unlikely that the locals will visit the popular tourist locations during peak season, so ask them where they like to go. These recommendations are likely to be cheaper than the ones your hotel or vacation provider encourages you to try. It may bring your attention to places you weren’t aware of that will be quieter and more laid back. Allowing you more time to enjoy your trip and get an insight into the local culture and lifestyle.
Keep an eye out for online dealsThe internet can be vital when you want to save yourself some money. Use your phone, laptop or tablet to look for discounts on food, attractions and accommodation during your trip. Hotwire hotels, Groupon and Foursquare are just some the apps and websites you can use to find great offers. These discounts may be for a limited time only or exclusive to travellers or guests of certain hotels. So if you meet the criteria, it’s better to grab these deals when you can. Always read the small print for expiration date and requirements needed to validate the offer. Call directly and askWhile it can be tempting to just solely use the internet for money saving deals, phoning directly is also an excellent technique. Nothing shows initiative more than calling up a hotel, attraction or car rental supplier directly to enquire. Not many travellers will do this but it could save you both time and money. You can ask about opening times, how to get there and any discounted rates they may be able to offer you. They may be able to provide you with complimentary transport, food vouchers or a family ticket discount. As the saying goes, if you don’t ask you don’t get. Always take the name of the person you speak to and be appreciative of anything they can give to you. Even if they are unable to give you an offer, they can recommend the cheapest mode of transport and the quickest route to their location. Saving you money on unnecessary travel costs.As you can see it’s easy to save money when you know how. This guide should have opened your eyes to the possibility of saving and utilising freebies while you’re abroad. Don’t let your financial standing ruin a potentially brilliant family trip and get planning today.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
One of my favorite ways to save is staying in hotels with free breakfast. A lot of Hampton Inss and Holiday Expresses seem to have that. I also grab a piece of fruit or a granola bar if they have them at the front desk, and encourage my kids to do the same!