A vacation is supposed to be fun, but if you have to worry about every penny you spend, it's not worth a cent. On the other hand, with current economic uncertainties in mind, it's just plain foolish to come home from your vacation in debt.
There are some practical ways to avoid that and even have fun doing it. Keep in mind your biggest expenses will be your transportation, lodging, food and entertainment. Some families and singles would also add in clothes and would not dream of packing a bag without new undies and socks for the kids, sundresses and shorts and a little something or two to wear to dinner.
Don't Vacation Shop
Just say "No" to this temptation. If you're traveling by air, Homeland Security agents are not going to care that you packed socks your son already wore to school or that you still fit into last year's sundress, slacks or swimsuit. If you're driving no one but you is going to look into your bags. Unless someone actually needs something or has outgrown what he or she has, don't vacation shop. You'll save money before you even leave home.
Drive or Fly?
Unless you find an amazing airfare and hotel package, you will almost always be better off driving if you have a family of four. It may not always be the best things for your nerves, but even with gas, motel, and wear and tear on your car you will spend less. The key here is to make it a drive you can do in one day so you don't have to stay on the road overnight. Therefore, look for a vacation spot closer to home. These are frequently the best because you don't have to spend so much time traveling.
Lodging or Luxury?
Spending your money on a beautiful hotel if probably money well spent if you are going to be at the hotel a lot. If you are going to be out everyday touring or otherwise enjoying yourself all day, you may not need luxury as much as you require comfort. Find a moderately priced new hotel with an acceptable level of service and amenities. Many of the chains now offer free breakfasts and the newness of the building and rooms compensate for the absence of more luxurious accommodations.
Spending
Look for discount entertainment coupons online before you ever leave home. Ask about similar offerings when you check in art your hotel. If you're traveling with children ask which restaurants feed the kids for free or have lesser-priced children's menus. Remember the people who work hotels have families too and they probably know some of the better local deals.
Drop by a supermarket and pick up a cooler with ice and load it with drinks and snacks and stuff for lunch. Eliminating at least one restaurant meal a day can add up to a significant savings over the course of a week.
Put a dollar limit on souvenirs for each family member. This is the time to remind the kids they have birthday or holiday money they can spend if they want to exceed the limit.
Try to pay for most things with cash. To accomplish this have a pre-set amount for spending each day. Only put the big things you can control in advance on your credit card: airfare, gasoline, hotel, and car rental. You should know before you leave home how much these will cost. Have fun. You've earned it after all this planning.
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