Think that the cost of transportation and accommodation are the biggest chunks of a travel budget? Think again! Once you arrive at your vacation destination, the costs can quickly add up. Food, entertainment, tips, souvenirs – before you know it your budget has been spent and it’s only the third day! Here are 8 ways that you can save money while visiting your next destination.
1. Talk with the concierge at your hotel to get inside information only locals would know.
This could be anyone you encounter that is familiar with an area. Ask at a restaurant, tourist office, or even the person sitting next to you on the bus. Are there any festivals happening? Is there a great restaurant they recommend that offers dining deals? You might be surprised what you find out.
2. Find activities similar to the high priced options.
Entrance tickets to theme parks and water parks can add up very quickly. But, there are some ways to balance these costs. For example, a big name water park like Walt Disney World’s Blizzard Beach cost over $200 for one day for a family of 4, and that’s just admission. If you’re going to Orlando for the waterpark then go for it, however you could spend a night at the Nick Hotel for under $100 and have access to their waterpark too. Sure it’s smaller but chances are your kids won’t care! Finding trade-offs like this allow you to have a great experience but save money too.
3. Free activities !
You might be amazed to discover how many free activities there are in most cities. If the attraction isn’t free all the time there may be days or hours that are free or reduced price. Take advantage!
4. Have a picnic
Food is expensive, and dining out 3 meals a day for a week-long vacation is a huge expense. Visit a grocery store or market and pick up food to have a picnic at a local park or even in your room. This also allows you to get in a few more healthy options than you may find in restaurants.
5. Look for 2 for 1 Deals
It doesn’t have to only be 2 for 1 deals but seek out discounts. Subscribe to the social media channels of the locations and attractions you’re visiting and keep track of coupons or deals that they are offering.
6. Plan ahead of time and ask!
As soon as you know where you’re going, start planning what you will do. Watch Groupon and Living Social for discounts on food and attractions, and even accommodations. If there is something your family really wants to do call and ask if they’re offering any discounts or promotions.
7. Nature
Unless you’re visiting an industrial wasteland, there are bound to be natural sites nearby. Taking a walk, visiting a botanical garden or nature reserve are a few ways to enjoy your time without spending a dime.
8. Public transportation
The cost and hassle of parking in some cities is not worth the convenience of having a vehicle. Opt for public transportation whenever reasonable and rely on free transportation – your feet!
Those are all awesome tips. We are going to San Diego next month and I am looking for a few feebies to do with the kids when we are there.
Definitely some great tips. Asking the concierge about the local places is a great idea. They always seem really helpful and give you info. you might not find elsewhere. I also find that cab drivers are usually very helpful with that sort of stuff too! I'm planning on attending a conference soon and am always looking for ways to save when I travel.
Great tips. I love the idea of a picnic when we travel.
This post couldn't have come at a better time for me, as hubby and I are about to take an anniversary trip. We've been busy scouring the internet for the best activities at the best prices, but I know a walk through nature will be just as amazing. Great tips!!
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These are great money saving tips, thanks for sharing them. I rarely use the hotel's concierge, that's something I need to do more often when traveling.
We are going to Orlando next weekend and we will definitely be bringing our own snacks. You can save so much money that way!
Thank you for these awesome tips! I always make sure to look for free activities.
Great tips. I have found that planning ahead of time is the smartest thing one can do! And reach out to any friends you have in that area because I know from living in Orlando, there are tons of free or very discounted activities that you can do here!
I love the idea of talking to the concierge to find out things only locals know. A lot of times the local destinations are so much better than the touristy ones, and you're right too, cheaper.
Those are great tips. We are going to Myrtle Beach and will definitely take this tips in consideration. Thank you.
These are great ideas. I feel like food eats up our budget every single time!
Great list of ways to save $$$$. We always take our food! We enjoy eating outside and the kids and we get to let it loose and have fun! Plus it saves us major $$$ !
These are great tips! For me, packing a lunch is one of the hardest things for me to remember. I always forget and end up shelling out big bucks at the attraction location.
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This is a great list of things to do to save money on vacation. I know our family always enjoys Scottish picnics in the car.
Great tips! Especially when thinking about Orlando.
Great tips! We ALWAYS spend more than we budget for. I love the idea of asking the concierge about local deals. Great advice.
We love picnics. They are much more affordable than most other options, and the kids always think it's a very special occasion.
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food is our biggest expense. Feeding 5 mouths can get really pricey really quick
These are all great tips. I love sharing ideas and tips on how people can truly enjoy a vacation with the family for less cost than they may think!
These are some great tips for saving money while you travel. Another thing we do is to buy our tickets ahead of time, it doesn't save money per say but allows us more for our budget while we're there.
These are excellent tips to remember when we travel. I always ask the concierge for ideas as they know the deals around town.