Money Saving Secrets For Planning Vacations on a Budget

Nothing says “vacation” like a trip to the beach. Mountains, lakes, and big cities all have their charms, but nothing beats dipping your toes in the sand while sunshine and ocean breezes wash your cares away. You can have the time of your life for less than you might think by using the money saving secrets in this post.

Saving Money on Plane Tickets

Airlines compete with each other like gladiators fighting for their lives. They survive by watching every penny they spend while slashing profit margins to the bone. That’s bad news for them, good news for you if you know how their business operates. Here are some insider tricks for scoring dirt-cheap fares:

● Leave on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday if possible. This trick alone can save you as much as 40 percent off regular fees, since fewer people take to the skies on those three days.
● Buy your tickets between 30 to 90 days in advance of your trip. The sole exception to this rule is during the holidays, when sheer demand tips the balance of power in the airline’s favor.
● By all means, check websites that promise discounts on fares and hotels, but don’t settle for the first deal you run across. Check several of these sites, as prices often vary from one to the next.
● Check ticket prices at 3:01 PM Eastern time if possible. This may sound like a bizarre bit of advice, but it’s based on standard airline policies, which set fares on Monday evening and update information on reservation systems by 3:00 p.m. the next day.

Saving Money on Hotels

Most beach communities take a dim view of folks who spend the night on the seashore. So you’ll need to book a room for the trip. Here’s how to get a great deal on lodging without running into Norman Bates:

● Search for online promo codes. You have nothing to lose by trying them, no matter how old they may be. Always make your reservations on the Internet rather than calling. That way, you can take advantage of web-only deals.
● Travel mid-week or during the off-season if possible.
● Visit vacation rental sites, but make sure you check reviews from previous guests before closing the deal.

Eating out on a Budget

One advantage of beachfront locations is that great dining options are never far away. Here’s how to get a bite without getting bit back, according to the thrifty people at pennyhoarder.com:

● Buy discount gift cards for specific restaurants online. Many locations are happy to offer a break in exchange for guaranteed business.
● Order from the sampler and appetizers section of the menu. Many of these items are slightly smaller versions of much costlier choices listed under entrées.
● Go during lunch. It’s amazing how much money you can save by having your main meal at midday.

Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck

Every state with a shoreline has a beach or two. But, if you’re looking to get the most enjoyment out of your trip, the two destinations which stand out are the Florida Panhandle and Gulf Shores, Alabama. Both locations have plenty of things to do and places to stay, not to mention mile after mile of gorgeous seacoast. It’s hard to find a better deal for your dollar anywhere.

You work hard. Now get ready to play hard. Pack your sunscreen and a pair of flip-flops and head for the Florida Panhandle or Gulf Shores, Alabama. You’ll come back with memories you’ll treasure for the rest of your life; and we’re not just blowing sand in your shoes.

Today’s Money Saving Secrets post is a guest post written by Catherine W at Wellnessvoyager.com https://wellnessvoyager.com.  catherine@wellnessvoyager.com |  — Photos by Pixabay

If you would like to read more about more money saving secrets, read my 3-part series titled – Saving Money Tips for Your Big Trip.