Travel on the Cheap – Cheap Traveling
With fuel costs skyrocketing, you may think the farthest you can go for a vacation is the corner gas station. Not true! There are ways to travel inexpensively – whether it’s across the state or around the world. Here’s how:
Travel off-season
Sure, Arizona or Aspen in August may not be as appealing as, say, Maui in March, but the hotel rates can’t be beat! Look for travel dates right on the cusp of the high season so you can still enjoy great weather without the crowds or the costs. Hint: Ski resorts like Lake Tahoe, Vail, and Sun Valley are gorgeous in the summer months, too!
Go at the last minute
Many travel agents and websites specialize in offering last-minute getaway deals on hotels, cruises, vacation packages, and more. Sign up for email notifications from your favorite airlines, hotel chains, and discount travel websites like Travelocity.com. Try sites like FareCompare.com and let somebody else do the leg work for you!
Use those miles
Sign up for a mile-generating credit card where you receive credit for every dollar spent. Over time, you can save up for airline tickets, hotel rooms, or travel packages. Note: Make sure to pay off your balance each month, or you’ll soon waste any savings you have accrued from your freebies!
Camp
There are almost 10,000 campgrounds in the fifty United States, many of which are nearby popular attractions and all of which are relatively inexpensive. Further your savings by borrowing or renting your equipment and cooking your own food. Back to nature is not only trendy, it’s cheap. If you’re not a fan of tents, there are many state and national parks that offer cabins, too.
Stay local
“Stay-cations” are gaining momentum, with major news outlets covering the trend of staying local and enjoying the amenities in your own backyard. Local hotels are also suffering from economic belt-tightening and may be willing to give locals a discount on rooms. Many tourist attractions and amusement parks offer nearby residents lower rates and specials. You’ll also save on transportation, making your vacation dollars go even further.
Swap houses
Unlike the popular “Wife Swap” television show, the point of house swaps is not to put you in awkward or compromising positions, but to allow you to exchange your home with another family, either elsewhere in the US or overseas. Check out websites such as HomeExchange.com or HouseForSwap.com and browse what’s available.
If you think a vacation is off limits this summer, think again. There are many opportunities for frugal-minded folks such as yourself to take advantage of deep discounts and special deals before the summer is through!
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