Five Cheap Travel Tips That Help You Save

Are you thinking of going on vacation? What’s stopping you? The bad economy? Oh, don’t worry about it! The country is always going to be facing economic challenges but vacation memories are going to last you a lifetime. Come on now, would you rather take your kids to see Mickey Mouse or Barack Obama? Live a little! In case you’re tapping your fingers about now, here are five cheap travel tips that can help you save money.

1. Rent a car rather than fly.

It may sound pricey at first, but even after you total up the gasoline and car rental bills, you will still probably be paying less than you would for regulary priced airfare. You might also consider renting a car rather than using expensive airport shuttle services. Take advantage of coupons to save big on the rental fee.

2. Make sure the kids eat…for free!

Don’t underestimate the cost savings that come from hotels that let kids stay for free or eat for free. If you have a family of two or more children, then just that concession alone can save you a substantial amount. (P.S. kids tend to lose their appetite when they’re excited, so this way no food goes to waste!)

3. Buy cheap lunches and dinners.

You can eat out some of the time but do you really need to eat out all of the time? You can save literally hundreds of dollars by buying easy snacks, healthier cooking meals and cheap lunches at home from the local grocery store. (Yes, it’s wise to shop locally if possible, so you can avoid paying inflated grocery costs in the destination city.)

4. Learn to love the coupon.

Don’t assume that the in the almighty Internet age that coupons are a thing of the past. Paper coupons and Internet coupons can save you a bundle. Some coupons will only cut 5% of the bill…but other coupons could upgrade your room, let you stay an extra night or even provide a hard-to-get 50% discount on the total price.

5. Entertain yourself with low cost and free attractions, as much as possible.

Why pay for Disney-ville when you can visit a free beach, a free or low cost wildlife park or simply gaze at the relaxing scenery of a river? Remember too that many entertainment shows and historical sites are free. Free stuff certainly cuts down on your vacation bill!