With Labor Day weekend right around the corner, many are headed out of town to enjoy a relaxing weekend with friends and family. Whether heading to the beach or to the city, it’s bound to be a good one! Just because you’re staying away from home, however, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to break the bank and force yourself into a penniless September. Here are tips for conserving your funds on vacation.
1) Use other airports. Major metropolitan areas have multiple airports, and small carriers often use airports just outside of the cities they serve. Flying to a nearby airport and making a short driving commute to your destination may take you more time, but it is bound to save you some cash.
2) Don’t check your bag. You can avoid that $100 fee that airlines charge for a single checked bag (round trip) by simply packing less, shipping your luggage (via FedEx or the U.S. Post Office) to your destination, and/or buying your essentials once you arrive.
3) Make multiple car reservations. After doing your own research, reserve your rental online at the lowest possible price. Cancel previous reservations upon finding a better deal, or reserve an economy car and try your luck when you get to the counter. If sold out, rental companies will usually upgrade customers to the next-largest vehicle free of charge.
4) Avoid initially mentioning your membership. When reserving a hotel room, wait until after you’ve been quoted a rate to mention any discounts that you may be entitled to as a member of something (AARP, AAA, the government, the military, etc.). It is still worth it, however, to check your membership benefits to see if you can get more for your money when you travel.
5) Plan ahead with foreign currency. Save on overseas transaction fees by changing some money at a bank before heading to the airport. In addition to saving time and energy, you’re also avoiding the risk of out-of-order ATMs when you get to your destination.
6) Use your camera as a tool. Take photos to document dings and scratches to your rental car before driving off the lot, as well as important documents in the event that they need to be replaced on the road.
7) Purchase carefully. Instead of buying plastic tourist items, shop for souvenirs that will actually remind you of your trip. You could also take your own pictures and use services such as Wish You Were Here or Waving Madly to transform your snapshots into personalized postcards.
8) Get a group together. Collectively renting a townhouse or a villa can save you more money than several nights at a hotel.
