With all of this horrible cold and snowy weather, not even the brief respite of 40-50 degree temps can make me stop thinking of a warm, sunny beach somewhere...anywhere.
Open ocean is one of the most comforting things on God's green (and blue) earth. Last year, Fox Business published a great article on how to save on vacation. I thought I'd bring it out of hibernation to share!
- Browse privately-Your browser is designed to hold all of the information for every search and page to which you go. If you switch your browser to "private," you'll not be recognized by travel sites when you get serious about leaving the tundra. The more they see you searching, the more likely they are to try to charge you more
- Check with your credit card company-The major companies may have deals available on flight, hotel or rental cars, which you can access just by calling to check with them or going to their website. This is a perk...take advantage of it if it exists!
- Rewards programs-This is self-explanatory. A lot of people have one card they use, which piles up points/miles, and they pay it off every month. Every. Single. Purchase is made on this card. The important thing for you to do is to pay it off each month
- Watch exchange rates-Maybe you haven't decided where you'd like to go. If it's overseas, then you have the chance to stretch your budget. Search the web for currency exchange information, check the historical charts, and plan accordingly
- Book last minute-This sounds like a fun one...frequently, airlines, hotels and vehicle rental companies offer last minute deals for unbooked inventory. If you're like me, not necessarily picky about where you want to go, you can hold off until the last few days before your vacation and reap the benefits!
- Airbnb-Sure, this has been around for a while now, but not everyone uses it! Staying in a home/apartment/condo, may allow you a lower rate with access to full bathroom facilities and a full kitchen, in which you can cook several meals and save money for what you want to do
- Pack lightly-Most airlines charge you for suitcases and carry-on luggage. If you pack a backpack, take just enough and count on using laundry once you're at your home base
- Stay away from duty free-Snacks and lunch are easy to pack in your backpack. Keep them handy, and remember that protein is more important than carbs in keeping you full
- Public transportation-Unless you're in the heart of San Francisco or Washington, DC, I'm still not sure about this one. Especially if you are in a foreign country, I'd rather have a vehicle of my own. If you're on an island or are far from the beach, it's almost better to grab a Jeep
These ideas are just the beginning of what you can do in order to save money. Do you have good ideas you'd like to share?