6 Ways to Save on Your Vacation

Most people today often find that the act of going to a new and exotic location for various leisure activities is a much anticipated happening. Whether the trip is for a summer vacation, a ski trip or for that matter any special trip you need only to decide that it would be a good time to go on a trip and simply pack up. The problem is that can be an costly proposition. Not everybody can afford to purchase an airplane ticket or can they afford to stay in a deluxe hotel or in many cases they just do not have the required money to spend when they arrive at their chosen destination for their planned trip. If you know where to look for it traveling need not be expensive. If this idea interests you then you should read on.

1. Use the 'net! People with access to the Internet will find it very easy to search for discount travel offerings ranging from airlines, motels, villas for rent, cruises or even automobile rentals. Almost all tourist related businesses every where now have a web site so that you can go to and get the desired information prior to actually finishing your travel plans. You can always call the sellers directly and obtain additional information.

2. Be flexible about the day and time you travel. During the slow days of the week you can easily find many special deals or discount prices for both airline tickets and places to stay. Airlines may have seven or eight flights to your destination on a particular day. If you have to leave in the morning, check out the three or four departures that leave in the morning. Since airlines charge for tickets according to the availability of seats on the plane, changing your time by just one hour or so may save you a large amount of money.

3. You can also save is by traveling with a group such as a tour group, travel group or travel club. Group travel is usually arranged ahead of time by travel agencies. They purchase in bulk, often chartering a whole airplane and booking a large block of rooms to get the very lowest price.

4. Book early! Make your travel plans well in advance. Book your cruise a year in advance for the best discounts, and get the lowest rail fares just after the holidays. If you make your arrangements several months before you travel you typically get your choice of flights and rooms at the lowest rates.

5. Travel during the off-season. For example, go to the Caribbean and Mexico in the summer because in the winter rates for accommodations and plane fares go up. Caribbean cruises are less expensive when you go in the fall versus winter or spring. Hawaii is least expensive from mid-September to mid-December. Europe's best deals are offered between Thanksgiving and Easter when the Europeans are not on vacation.

6. In a foreign country exchange money at a local bank for the best conversion. ATMs affiliated with major credit card companies are great, but watch out for foreign ATMs. While they usually won't charge you a fee, your bank may charge you one! Learn your bank's policies before you travel.

These are but a few of the many ways you can make your vacation less expensive. All you need to do is be resourceful and pick the best time to travel and you can have that dream vacation that you have wanted so long without destroying your family budget.

M Gravlee is a travel writer based out of Akumal, Mexico.

Visit my travel blog "Akumal".

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