Saving for vacation (a real one!)

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-12-2004
Saving for vacation (a real one!)
5
Thu, 11-03-2005 - 1:59pm
Hi, everyone. Well, DH wants to go on vacation. A real one. Not a weekend excursion or visiting relatives, but a family thing. My best friend is also planning a trip to Europe next yr, and has invited me to go along. (she is budget minded). Any ideas on planning lengthy trips? We usually go on internet and book car rental, but does anyone have other ideas? It seems our biggest expense is food and hotels. (We have airline points). Thanks. WHiz.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Thu, 11-03-2005 - 3:38pm

I think the number one rule for saving money on vacations is to stay away from hotels. Perhaps you could look into renting a house or condo, especially if you will be going with other people! That way you also get a kitchen - you can buy groceries and prepare your own meals, potentially saving hundreds in restaurant bills. At worst, try to get a hotel or motel room with a kitchenette.

Other tips:

- book your flight early, but not too early - in my experience, the best seat-sales can be found about 3-4 months before your flight. Check often (literally every day) until the flight you want goes on sale (because it will - they always do).
- brown bag lunches during day-trips and sight-seeing excursions as much as possible.
- plan ahead - make sure you bring all necessary toiletries, medications, clothing, film, sunscreen, etc, with you so you don't have to buy it during your trip and pay over-inflated tourist prices.
- don't rent a car - European gas prices are ridiculous, and the traffic is a nightmare (so I've heard - I've never been). Take local transit and/or rent bikes.
- buy postcards as souvenirs for friends. T-shirts, baseball caps, mugs, and shot glasses for every Tom, Dick, and Harry you know add up very, very quickly (and take up a LOT of space in your luggage!)

Hope that helped a little. I'm sure some other folks will have some ideas for you too.



Powered by CGISpy.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-12-2004
Thu, 11-03-2005 - 4:05pm
Hi, and thanks for the travel tips. I am definitely going to check out things where you can do your own cooking, etc. The postcards/photos would be a cheaper way to go rather than the T-shirts for 8 (going on 9) nieces and nephews! Thanks again for help. Whiz.
Avatar for cl_phocid
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 11-03-2005 - 4:12pm

Whiz - check out www.ricksteves.com

All my best,
Danni

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-12-2004
Fri, 11-04-2005 - 12:26am
Hey, Danni--Thanks for the tip. Friend is going thru this tour group she went on before. I have never travelled to Europe, etc., so I want to get all info I can. France? Sounds wonderful. BTW----how are those mice? Are they gone? Whiz.
Avatar for cl_phocid
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 11-05-2005 - 8:15am
UGH - mice aren't gone yet - but hopefully soon.

All my best,
Danni