How to Save up to 75% on Summer Vacation
What’s better than enjoying a little R&R? Knowing you’re doing so while not breaking the bank! As you make your summer travel plans, keep the following seven tips in mind to score serious savings:
1. Book Last-Minute
If you’re willing to be spontaneous, you can scoop up to 70 percent off on last-minute travel on sites like Orbitz.com and LastMinute.com. It takes a bit of flexibility, but if you can be open to when and where you travel, you’ll be able to get away on a dime.
2. Take Advantage of Discounted Travel Sites
Daily deals sites like Groupon and LivingSocial don’t just allow you to experience your hometown at a huge discount. They also provide daily discounts on escapes both local and exotic, including getaway packages at more than 50 percent savings and fun perks like spa treatments or adventure excursions that take some of the planning off your hands. The catch is you have to be willing to swoop on a deal when you see one that interests you as the getaways are offered for a limited time and often sell out quickly.
3. Couch-Surf
Staying with friends is a great way to save money on accommodations and catch up with out-of-town loved ones. After all, fabulous hostess gifts in the form of cool entertaining essentials are usually less expensive than hotel room! If bunking with friends isn’t an option, consider CouchSurfing.org, a donation-based non-profit organization that connects travelers with locals who are willing to open up their home or couch to “surfers” or travelers.
4. Swap Houses
Can you imagine staying anywhere in the world for free? It’s possible with organizations like HomeExchange.com, in which you swap houses with someone in your desired destination. You’ll not only save money, but you’ll experience the destination of your choosing as a local instead of a tourist.
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5. Stay Local
With the price of fuel what it is, there’s more reason than ever to consider a staycation for your next time off. Since vacation is as much a state of mind as it is a change in destination, it’s possible that your own home town will have the same rejuvenating effects as a true getaway. Consider checking into a bed and breakfast within driving distance for a night or two or heading to a near-by campsite for a no-fuss, low-expense excursion.
6. Consider a Destination’s Off-Season
Most vacation destinations have a particular season that are busier and thus drive up the prices on airfare and hotel accommodations. For instance, during the summer, destinations like Australia and New Zealand, the Caribbean, Thailand, Costa Rica, Florida, Las Vegas, and North American ski towns experience less traffic because the weather isn’t considered at its best compared to other times in the year. If you‘re flexible about weather, there’s no reason not to book a vacation in one of the aforementioned lust-worthy destinations when you’ll be more likely to enjoy lower prices, avoid crowds, and even score free upgrades.
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7. Beware of High-Travel Times
Airfare is generally more expensive on Fridays and Mondays, while mid-weekend and mid-week travel have slightly lower fares. In general, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are low-demand travel days and therefore the least expensive. Choosing overnight flights and ones with layovers can also help you save.
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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
photo credit: istockphoto.com
