Almost everyone tries to find a way to save money. Whether
it be on groceries — i.e. using coupons or comparison shopping — or maybe it’s
looking for the cheapest gas prices,
shopping for clothes, shoes, office supplies and electronics. But saving money
while traveling tends to be more of a challenge for some. And with the busy summer vacation season approaching, planning ahead can save you time and money where it counts most.
You have a budget for a reason. However, many find it
difficult to stick within the confines of that budget and end up pulling out
the credit cards and getting deeper into debt. By following a few simple rules,
traveling on a budget can be fun and rewarding without breaking the bank. And
should an emergency pop up, you will have the funds to cover unexpected costs
without dipping into your vacation pool.
- Book hotels online or call and ask for rates instead of picking one as you drive into town. This can be tricky if you don’t have set plans or dates for your trip. On a whim, you might decide to head out of town for a three-day weekend so you might not have a destination in mind. But with a few minutes spent thinking about where to go then looking up lodging facilities could save you from finding out a big event or convention is happening at your destination and there are few or no rooms available.
- Pick a handful of activities and entertainment to spend money on and use your time wisely to avoid getting bored. If you are going to a resort, usually there are a plethora of amenities to choose from without ever leaving the property. But if you want to take advantage of resort amenities without forking out tons of extra cash to stay there, try finding a motel close to where you will be spending your time.
-
Stop for fuel at truck stops.
These venues typically have lower gas prices than regular stations in town. You
might think these places are just for truck drivers but they are not … a
variety of travelers use these plazas as a place to stretch and relax and get
out of the car for a while. At Creek Travel Plaza
in Atmore, this rest stop is more than just gas and convenience store items.
This facility houses a sit-down diner styled in 1950s décor, a lounge with plush chairs and TV, a laundry facility and showers, as well as a fast food chicken restaurant, a beautiful picnic area to enjoy the outdoors and also offers souvenir items. It even has a designated place to walk your pets.
- Eat at local restaurants in the city you are visiting instead of big-name chain restaurants. By patronizing a local eatery, you can save on meals because most know the value of good quality food and hard-earned dollars. Mom-and-pop restaurants generally have regulars who come in so ask what the specials are and what they would recommend.
- Visit free museums and learn more about the city you are in, or tour historic landmarks and get better educated. Sometimes the best vacations involve a little history lesson. Even if a museum isn’t free, find one that peaks your interest that is affordable. Remember, stay within your budget, so if you want to visit a museum but realize it puts you $30 over budget, mark something else off your list or save the museum for another trip.
- Only purchase a few memorable souvenirs and gifts. Buying keychains, coffee mugs, T-shirts or hats in every shape, style or color at every place you visit can have your wallet feeling empty and your car stuffed with extras you don’t really need.
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