Go Away Without Going Broke: Money-Saving Travel Tips
With the ups and down – mostly downs – of the economy these days, families that want to plan a vacation are coming up with creative ways to save. Our Family.com community members have offered up their tips for making sure your family has a good trip without breaking the bank.
Before You Go:"Travel off season!" — Jennyboots
"My husband and I put all of our loose or spare change in our son's piggy bank, and right before we go on our trip we cash it in. That way he will have his own spending money for the trip, plus it will teach him how to manage his money and make wise decisions! Of course you can also use this idea with their allowance or just give them a set budget for the trip, just make sure you stick with it because souvenirs can get really pricey (this way you don't have them running up to you in every store asking for something)" — ggroves02
"If a friend offers you to take "advantage" of their employee discounts do it! And since I'm planning a trip a year ahead of time, I've already let my family know that all I want for Christmas and my birthday is cash or gift cards to help pay for the trip." — yayubetcha6894
Getting There:"I found this awesome Web site for free car games and ideas. I printed the Battleship game and I'm going to do the Bingo game and laminate them, then get some wipe-off markers for the girls to play." (And don't forget to check out the backseat distractions here.) — Bri13148
Where to Go:"Our latest vacation was Gulf Shores Alabama. It was beautiful and cheap. Not very popular, we had the whole beach to ourselves most of the week." — blain5
St. Louis is a great place to go for free attractions. I can list at least 10 attractions that are free or very low priced. The zoo is great and the science center is very educational and fun!" — KendraRae10
"We always loved our cheapy weekend trips to San Diego — usually $100 or less, not counting gas. As a single mom for 10 years I always had to stretch our funds to get to the fun part that was in there somewhere. We always stayed (two to three times a year) at a small, clean, and safe motel by Old Town San Diego. The manager always remembered us and gave me the best discount and a second-story room by the office for extra safety. Since my two small children and I traveled alone, I always made myself memorable to management and staff so they would keep an eye out for me. I can't tell you how many discounts and freebies came my way just by being friendly and letting the people I met know I was looking for the deals. We have moved away now — but we still enjoy reminiscing about our $100 vacation adventures." — joyfulGeorge
"I have found that if you are looking for great deals in Orlando, even last minute deals, the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.'s Web site is a great place. My sister booked a hotel room using this site and received one night free for booking three nights. — Mojodi
"To save money, go camping! Camping is fun, adventuresome and cheap. But the best campsites sell out even quicker than great hotel rooms. Most campsites can be reserved through Reserve America."
— Family Host Laura
"Mousesavers.com is a great site for all types of Disney-related [savings]." "I found a Web site called themouseforless.com, they have great deals and discounts on anything Disney and travel." "Florida resident hotel rates are great for Disney World." — spookynati, chef_Jeanne, and thmar
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