Vacations are a lot of fun, but can get expensive pretty quickly. Let’s see how we can save money on vacations. By taking a few money saving steps prior to leaving, you’ll be in good shape to enjoy your trip without all the extra expense. Mrs. PT and I are on vacation this week celebrating our 2nd Anniversary. We were able to use some of these tips before we left. Check them out…
1. Buy Your Sunscreen/Sunblock Before You Go
We’re headed to the beach and so we’ll need a lot of sunscreen. We visited our local drug store to pick some up before we left. Sunscreen selection at your destination is likely to be limited and have a pretty decent markup. So shop around while at home and find the sunscreen you need at the best price.
2. Prior to Your Trip, Visit the Library for Reading Material, Travel Guides, and Maps
You’re going to want something to read while in route or while relaxing. And you could use a nice travel guide for when you get there. Swing by your local library andcheck out some books for free. A close second is a used book store like Half-Priced Books. We visited there and purchased a few books and some $1 Magazines. This helps curb the temptation of buying at the airport.
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3. Read from Your Laptop or (if you’re not bringing one) Print Articles to Bring Along
Visit your favorite magazine’s online page (see CNN Money), browse the PT Money archives and print some articles to enjoy and help pass the time. Need a book to read online? Try Google Books.
4. Exchange Your Money in The States Before Leaving
Try and do your conversion (to foreign currency) prior to leaving the US with your US bank or the institution that will give you the best rate with the lowest commission. Shop around. As a bonus, you’ll have local cash on hand when you hit the ground. See what I wrote last week on travel and international banking, including bringing the right credit card.
5. Bring A Soft-Side Cooler
One thing we really like doing when on a beach vacation is bringing our own Collapsible Cooler
6. Look for Online Coupons for Your Destination
Now that you know where you’re going and you’ve booked your flights and hotel, scour the Internet for dining and activity deals in your location. You should be able to score a couple of two-for-one meals or discounts on activities.
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7. Bring a Few Snacks
It’s probably a good idea to pack a few snacks for the trip and in case of an emergency. This also helps you deal with the temptations of expensive snacks at the airport or on the plane.
8. Purchase Your Waterproof Camera and Film Before Your Go
Like sunscreen, these one-time use items are more available and less-expensive usually when purchased before you head out on your trip. Gone digital? Make sure you have enough space in your media card and think about bringing a Waterproof Case
9. Inform the Hotel About Your Special Occasion
If, like us, you’re vacation is planned around a special occasion, call or email the hotel ahead of time to inform them. Most places like to make a big deal out of this and will throw in some nice freebies on your arrival. Who knows, you may get a complimentary meal as well. Doesn’t hurt to let them know.
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I hope you enjoyed these 9 tips. Where’s #10? That’s for you to add. Leave your pre-vacation money saving tip in the comments below.
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Great tips. Stuff like sunscreen and cameras will usually be cheaper at home than at a resort (by a lot!!). The only exception would be if you’re traveling somewhere that has a WalMart or something like that. Buying the items there could save you some space in your luggage.
And buying snacks has helped us soo much. We’ll usually go to BJ’s and buy a box of snack bars for the trip. They’re great for the place rides and to snack during the day on vacation. Some days a snack bar and coffee have been substitutes for breakfast (poor substitutes but cheaper and quicker than getting breakfast in the hotel).
Nice stuff! I would agree on the cameras and sunscreen. Stuff that they sell on resorts are 50% higher than on the actual market. When going to a trip, we usually have just a couple of bags, all clothes and gadgets that we would use in the trip. And we pack our lunch rather than buying it. I found an online deal at net which could help you in your future trip
http://www.smellthedeals.com/store/Hotwire-Coupons
you got to save Up To 50 % On Last-Minute Fares At Hotwire. Great huh
@FFB – great point..when travelling regionally, your best bet is to hit up the local walmart for some of these things. something fun about grocery shopping on vacation…feels extra special for some reason.